CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MINUTES OF June 4, 2009

Present: Judy Jervis, Sheila Johannesen, Jason Holder, Chris Giordano-Selectman rep., and Janet Denison-CC clerk

Others Present: Barbara Byrnes, Butch Sanborn, Phil Emilio III

The meeting opened at 7:30 and was televised.

1. Delegate:

Barbara and Butch asked the Commission if they are interested in purchasing the property that they are selling. They have three lots located on 111A and Back Road that total approximately 22.85 acres total. They presented a conceptual drawing of the three lots divided into seven building lots and presented the price for the property based on that drawing.

They said it is their wish to sell it to the Conservation Commission and not have it subdivided. They explained that there have been no soil typing or perc tests on the property. They have no desire to own the land anymore.

2. Minutes:

Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to accept the April 16, 2009 minutes as amended. The motion passed.

Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to accept the non-public April 16, 2009 minutes as written. The motion passed.

3. Milfoil:

Jason told the Commission that the treatment for Long Pond will be on June 17^th. He held an informational meeting with the residents who live in the area. He reported that it was well-attended and the residents are supportive of having the pond treated.

A number of methods for treatment were discussed, but Jason said the key to getting the problem under control is education: the people who use the pond need to understand what to do and why it is important.

Phil asked about the cost and value of the project. Jason explained that the initial treatment costs are about $12k but this is paid 100% by state funds. Next year it is estimated that a second treatment will cost about $4-6k. The state will fund subsequent treatments at 50%. The town will be able to monitor smaller patches of infestation and possibly use methods other than herbicide to control the milfoil, such as hand-pulling, vacuuming, and marking infested areas with bouys to keep watercraft from spreading the plants.

Judy had obtained brochures from DES about different water bodies in NH that have milfoil. The list was not all inclusive but gives a broad overview of the problem the state faces.

The state will post a “non-use” when the treatment is to be done. The state will send flyers to each abutter. Jason said that it is recommended that the water not be used to water lawns for one month afterward. There is a one-day ban on swimming and boating.

There was a discussion of having someone monitor the boat ramp. As it is a body of water large enough to be under the state’s jurisdiction, the boat launch is state property. It was agreed that the boat ramp cannot be gated and locked.

Jason explained that other methods have been tried to eradicate milfoil, but nothing has been as successful as the proposed treatment.

4. Correspondence:

• From DES: easement regarding property on Gerry Drive. The town was notified that they need to monitor this property as they are the Easement holder. Judy suggested that the Commission should do a site walk on this property in the Fall. Chris said that there is also property on Orchard Estates that may need to be similarly monitored.
• “Knowing the Territory” Spring ‘09
• “Supply Lines With the Source” Spring ‘09
• matching grant fund information: this was retained by Judy—this particular grant can be used for wildlife mapping and the wetland inventory
• bill from S.E.C. for $343—a warrant will be made to take this out of the Conservation Fund

5. Other business:

There was a brief discussion of having another art contest with the school. Michele Tingley may be asked to help with coordinating this. The students could be asked to design a tag for marking the forest bounds.

At the next meeting, the summer meeting schedule will be decided.

6. Non-Public:

Since the discussion will involve consideration of land purchase which, if discussed in public, might benefit a party whose interests are adverse to those of the general community RSA 91-A: 32d should warrant nonpublic session, at 8:45pm Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A: 32d. The Commission was polled and the decision was unanimous in the affirmative.

At 8:50pm Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to close the non-public meeting.

At 9:15pm Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to go into non-public session per RSA 91-A: 32d. The Commission was polled and the decision was unanimous in the affirmative.

At 9:45pm Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to close the non-public meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to seal the non-public minutes of June 4, 2009. The motion passed unanimously.

At 9:48pm Sheila moved and Jason seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

Minutes are prepared by Janet S. Denison, clerk

*****Next Meeting: June 18, 2009****