Present: Laura Games (Chairperson), Judy Jervis, Chris Giordano, Jason Holder, David Jefferson, Ron Comeau and Chris Stafford.

Also Present: Todd Welch a UNH student; Tracy Degnan from Rockingham County Conservation District; Bill Gregsak a engineer from Gregsak Engineering, Inc.; Dan Post from MDR and Jim Lavelle from Lavelle Associates.

The meeting was called to order at 6:55 PM and was televised.

Due to appointments, the Commission will review and discuss minutes of April 3,2002 and May 8^th, 2002 at the next regularly scheduled meeting on June 5^th, 2002.

1. Tracy Degnan/ Rockingham County Conservation District- Tracy Degnan was introduced by Laura. Laura explained that Conservation Commission was selected by the Rockingham County Conservation District to provide us with assistance in grant writing to obtain/purchase open space. Tracy said that she had attended a workshop in Danville back in October. She said that there were two communities that were chosen and Danville was one. The reason Danville was chosen she explained was we needed the assistance and we have Conservation money available. Tracy talked about the LCHIP program, which is a 50% matching grant. LCHIP focuses on cultural, natural and historical resources. Laura said that we needed some direction on getting started. What to do, who to contact, how to go about it, do we need a warrant article or not were some questions that were asked. Jason said that the land that the Commission was thinking about would be great it borders Kingston, State property and wetlands and has historic values. Judy suggested a workshop for our next meeting and also Chris S. to talk to Rick Russmen, who is a member of the FOKOS group in regards to LCHIP and the land, in question. (Friends Of Kingston Open Space) Tracy said that she would get some information together and meet with the Commission again. Laura asked Tracy about the possibility of two town organizations putting in for LCHIP, one Conservation and the other Heritage Commission. Tracy said that although it would be two different grants, one for land acquisition and the other for historical study plan, if would be better if the town got the bigger bang for the buck in the long run planning. It would also be looked upon as the town’s goals were united if only one was submitted. She also suggested to the Commission they have a back-up plan ready if need be. Land & Water funds and Farm Lands funds were also mentioned by Tracy, but would not be available till next year. Tracy said that she had spoke to Tricia Walker of the RPC (Rockingham Planning Commission), she said that they would be in contact with us also for help. Tracy will have our resources prioritized for the next meeting.

 

2. Gregsak Engineering, Inc/Friesian Farm/MDR-The Commission reviewed and discussed the plans. Bill Gregsak and Dan Post explained the plans and answered questions and concerns of the Commission. Laura will write a letter to the Planning Board.

 

3. Jim Lavelle/Kenerison/Gerry Drive-The Commission reviewed and discussed the plans. Laura asked Jim about the letter from New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. Laura asked the questions and Jim answered all the concerns. The Commission was not given an updated plan, but was assured the concerns were corrected to the new version. Laura will write a letter to the Planning Board, making a note that the Commission reviewed plans that were not updated and will also attached the NHES letter with the letter. If the issues to the NHES letter are corrected on the updated plans or addressed, the Commission agrees.

 

4. Forest Management Plan-Laura gave the members a copy of the Forest Management Plan. This will be discussed at the next meeting.

 

5. Updated Copy of Zoning Ordinance- The Commission received an updated copy of the Zoning Ordinance. Laura will asked Janie for 6 more copies for each member.

 

6. Adopt A Road- A discussion of the adopt a road program took place. The Commission would like to adopt Tuckertown Road. Laura will talk to the police department.

 

7. Board of Adjustment/Variances- Chris S. talked about the variances of wetlands and setbacks. The Commission discussed pools and violations of setbacks, chemical hazards to wetlands impacted by pool water. Laura will place a call to the State Wetlands Scientist and get back to the Commission.

 

8. Landscapes and People: Conservation Tools for a Growing State- Chris S. and Judy attended a workshop on April 13,2002 at the Newfound Regional High School, in Bristol, NH. Chris S. attended the following workshops: Public Funding for Land Conservation of NH, Voluntary & Regulatory Strategies for Land Conservation, Strategies for Contacting, Talking with Landowners about Land Conservation and Getting the Biggest Bang. Judy attended the following workshops: Municipalities and Land Trusts, Tapping Local Interest, Managing Land You Own and Getting the Biggest Bang.

Both Judy and Chris S. talked about the workshops that they attended.

Chris G. made a motion to adjourn. Dave 2^nd the motion. The vote was unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.