CONSERVATION COMMISISON

 

MINUTES OF JANUARY 7, 2004

 

 

Present: Laura Games (Chairperson), Sheila Johannesen, Judy Jervis, Michele Tingley and Chris Giordano.

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:30PM and was televised.

 

 

MAIL/ANNOUNCEMENTS/DISCUSSIONS/APPOINTMENTS

 

 

1.      Appointment-Laura introduced Dennis Francoeur from Ducks Unlimited.  Dennis said that the mission statement for Ducks Unlimited was to preserve and protect wildlife habitat.  Dennis explained that although there were no funds available at the moment, moneys could be made available throughout the year.  The Marsh Program (matches aid to restore state habitat) is a program that Conservation could apply for.  Dennis talked about the DU program and how it could help Danville.  Laura said that the beaver box that was placed by NH Fish & Game is missing.  She asked if that would be something that DU might be able to assist the Commission with and also the potential wetland restoration issues that might be ATV related?  Dennis said that DU could assist with these problems. Conservation easements costs and purchasing of land were also discussed.  Chris G. asked when the next money might be available?  Dennis was not sure but would be in touch.

 

 

2.  Approval of Minutes of December 3, 2003- The Commission reviewed the minutes of December 3, 2003.  Chris G. made a motion to accept the minutes as written.  Sheila 2nd the motion.  The vote was unanimous.   

 

3.  2003 Annual Report- The Commission reviewed the draft 2003 annual report.  The Commission agreed to accept the draft as written.                                                                                           

4.      RPC (Rockingham Planning Commission) Master Plan Update- Laura distributed copies of  the proposed contract that would update the Conservation sections of  Danville’s Master Plan.  Judy made a motion to approve the contract proposal.  Chris G. 2nd the motion.  The vote was unanimous. 

 

 

5.      Beaver Box/Sandilands- Sheila contacted a company from Deerfield NH to get an estimate on the cost for replacement of the beaver box.  She explained that it is not a box it is a type of pipe that they now use. Money has been set aside by the Selectmen from last year’s budget to cover some of the cost of replacement.  The cost is approximately $1,000.00 dollars for the installation of 1 pipe.  The consultant stated that a beavers dam that size could use up to 2 pipes.  If another pipe were to be installed it would be approximately an additional $500.00 dollars. 

 

6.      Conservation Website- Both Judy and Michele suggested a number of websites for the Commission to review.  The Commission will review and draft up some ideas they would like to see on their website and place this on the next agenda.

 

 

7.      Cluster/Open Space Ordinance-Chris G. said that is was too late for a warrant article this year.  Chris G. talked about Newton, NH and their ordinance. Laura asked Chris G. to bring in a copy of Newton’s cluster/open space ordinance and also the proposed one he is working on so that the Commission can review it.  This will be placed on the next agenda.

 

 

8.      Potential Projects for 2004- The Commission discussed potential projects and goals for 2004.                                                                                                                                    A.  Actively pursue land purchases                                                                                            B.  More community involvement- adopt a road program, school programs                                           C.  Additional wetland evaluation studies with UNH

 

 

9.      Betsy Sanders Letter-  The Commission briefly discussed the Town Treasurer’s email to the Selectmen, which recommended that the Selectmen think about putting a warrant on the ballot rescinding the town vote which mandated that all use change tax funds be placed into the conservation fund for land/conservation easement purchases.  The consensus was that it was a bad idea because the Town will benefit much more financially if developable land is purchased.

 

 

Chris G. made a motion to adjourn.  Sheila 2nd the motion.  The vote was unanimous.  The meeting adjourned at 9:15PM.

 

 

*****NEXT MEETING FEBURARY 4, 2004****

 

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT PERMANENT RECORD AND ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL, AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING, AT WHICH TIME, THE ABOVE MINUTES, AS CORRECTED, BECOME PERMANENT.

 

 

MINUTES OF FEBURARY 4TH, 2004 WERE PREPAIRED BY SHEILA JOHANNESEN, CLERK

 

 

 

APPROVED BY:

(Signature, Title, Date Approved)