J:\PLAN\Conservation Commission\2006\Minutes\MinOct4.doc
Rochester Conservation Commission
Minutes of the October 4, 2006 Meeting
(Approved November 1, 2006)
Members Present: Absent
Rose Marie Rogers, Chair Sandra Breton
Mark Toussaint
Jeff Winders
Jack Hackett, Alternate Also Present
Fred Glidden Mayor John Larochelle
Meredeth Lineweber
Paul Marshall
Staff: Cecile Cormier, Staff Planner
Caroline Lewis, Recording Secretary
The Chair convened the Public meeting at 6:40 P.M.
Minutes - Minutes of September 6, 2006 regular and non-public meeting were reviewed Meredeth Lineweber noted that the spelling of Holley should be Holley not Holly. Jeff WInders made a motion to accept both the regular and non-public minutes, with the correction noted. Paul Marshall seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Conservation Overlay District – Conditional Use Review:
Pinewood, 58 Lot Subdivision, Ten Rod Road, Map 221, Lot 48
Scott Lawler, Norway Plains Associates, addressed the Commission. He stated he had been before the Commission last month just to give them some informal information, and was here this evening for a Conditional Use recommendation.
Mr. Lawler showed the Commission the plans with the drainage, roads, sidewalks, and house envelopes.
He explained the area is 59 acres, with 9.25 acres being wetlands. They are only impacting .22 acres.
The Commission asked questions about the drainage, the width of the new roads, and the smaller lots.
Mr. Lawler stated he had been on a site walk with several Commission members, and Jack Hayes, wetland specialist. Ms. Cormier asked if Mr. Hayes said anything about any vernal pools.
Jack Hackett answered that Mr. Hayes said there were no vernal pools there.
Mr. Hackett said that most of the wetland crossings are actual crossings now, that it looks as if the crossings (made of rocks) have been there for years.
Mr. Hackett had taken pictures during the site walk, and passed those around for the Commission members to see.
Fred Glidden said he initially thought there might be a problem, just from looking at the plans, but after the site walk, he thinks it is all ok.
Paul Marshall asked about the smaller lots, how are they going to put houses on them without being in the buffer. Mr. Lawler replied they would probably be doing foundation layouts to meet the COD (Conservation Overlay District) and all other setbacks. He also stated some of the lots are not effected by the COD due to the small size of the wetlands.
There was much discussion about the drainage, culverts, detention basins, and open spaces.
Mark Toussaint moved to approve this Conditional Use application with the following conditions:
1. Install orange construction fence on all lots that contain buffers.
2. Require construction layout for foundations in lots that contain buffers.
3. Require installation of buffer markers on all lots that contain buffers.
4. Do not allow parking of any vehicles, ATVs, boats, or the like in the open space.
Paul Marshall seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
At this time the Chair stated the Commission would be moving to item # 9 on the agenda.
JIP Construction, Gear Road, Map 258 Lot 59-3
The developer of this property, Packy Campbell, and his associate, were at the meeting, but had left due to another appointment.
Mr. Randy Orvis, Orvis/Drew, LLC, was present to address the Commission. He stated this project started out as a 4-lot subdivision, but in the approval process it was cut back to a 3-lot subdivision, with the condition that no future subdivisions be done. Mr. Orvis explained how the original lots were configured, and how the City does not allow 2- duplex units on a lot, only single family homes.
He advised the Commission that the Planning Board wanted the Conservation Commission to make a recommendation regarding the removal of the prior condition that stated no future subdivision.
Ms. Cormier had the plans showing what was approved then, and what is the buildible area. Ms. Cormier had used colored markers to show the wetlands, and other aspects of the plans.
The Commission discussed the septic systems, the wetland areas, the driveway, and the building and buffer setbacks.
Ms. Cormier asked Mr. Orvis about the Dredge & Fill application being under Mr. Moffett, and this application is under JIP. Mr. Orvis explained that all the original approvals were under Moffett.
Jack Hackett commented he was on the site earlier in the day, and they haven’t done a good job of fixing the silt fence, it’s still a mess there.
Mr. Orvis stated that they are adding a fire hydrant and bigger pipe. He answered questions about the driveway, the gravel road, the buffer in the lower lot, and the septic system easement.
Fred Glidden stated he hasn’t been to the site, and wasn’t involved in the prior plan, so really can’t offer anything to this.
Ms. Cormier read the notes in the Planning file that stated the Planning Board and the applicant agreed that there would be no further subdivision. This was dated June 2005.
The Commission members discussed the original application, and the changes that have been made.
Paul Marshall made a motion to recommend denial of the subdivision for the following reasons:
~~~ 1.~ Access to Units 1 & 2 is close to 5 feet of the edge of buffer,
~~~ 2.~ Major incursion into buffer for access to the Units 1 & 2,
~~~ 3.~ Question of usability of the lot with Units 1 & 2,
4. Applicant should adhere to original subdivision, which he agreed to.
The motion was seconded by Jeff Winders. The motion passed unanimously.
They discussed other tight lots that ended up with violations of the buffer and definitely agreed that this lot was courting potential violations also
Dredge and Fill Applications:
Trinity Conservation, Flagg Road, Map 259, Lot 36 & 38
Ms. Cormier advised the Commission that Trinity had sent in an amendment. Originally the outlet was going to be in the wetland, now it’s out of the wetland.
There will be 2,050 sq. ft of permanent impact and 2,475 sq. ft. temporary impact to the wetlands.
Violations:
Grandview Campground, Map 220, Lot 4
Rose Marie Rogers received a call from NHSC (New Hampshire Soil Consultants, Inc.) regarding a man made pond on Grandview Campground. Apparently, in the process of making a farm pond, a child became stuck in the mud. NHSC worked with DES and came up with a proposed Wetland Restoration/Creation Plan. Monitoring reports will be submitted to DES and copies will be sent to the Conservation Commission.
Correspondence:
The Commission members had all been sent copies of the correspondence listed
on the Agenda. The Chair asked if there were any questions about any of the correspondence. There were no questions. The correspondence will be filed in the Conservation Commission file cabinet in the Planning Department office.
Reports:
City Forests – Paul Marshall
Paul Marshall gave a very interesting report of his time with Charlie Merino.
He stated that Rochester does not have any “official” City Forests. However, there are several tree covered areas:
1. Hanson Pines (map 116 lot 173) 26 acres, was cut in 1999. No formal
management plan
2. Reservoir (map 248 lot 14) 41 acres, a tree farm with no formal management plan.
3. Barrington & Rochester border, 130 acres, that would be good match land
4. Land south of Dry Hill Road, over 100 acres (that borders #3 above)
5. Land off of Sheepboro Road, near Cross Road, 89 acres.
6. Axe Handle Brook (map 246 lot 20) 24 acres, behind the new mall location.
7. Squamanagonic (map 259 lot 93) land with pond and trails.
8. Land off Copper Lane (map 213 lot 1) 16 acres, behind subdivision.
Mr. Marshall stated that once these properties are acknowledged by the City as City Forest, they can become Tree Farms. Once this is done, parcels over 10 acres could be Tree Farms, with some kind management plan, even if the plan is to let the area go and do nothing. This makes the land very valuable for matching grants, etc.
The Forester would assess the property, and write up a management plan that consist of a vision plan, execution plan, feature elements, and documentation. They also offer (for a one time fee) a complete evaluation of the land.
1. $15.00 an acre for a light evaluation
2. $25.00 an acre for a medium evaluation
3. A negotiable quote from $30.00 to $50.00 an acre for a comprehensive evaluation
She stated she is going to the next Council Workshop to ask their permission for the Conservation Commission to obtain the list of endangered species on privately owned land in Rochester.
Mayor Larochelle suggested the Conservation Commission submit information about the cause and benefits to having these properties become “Official City Forests”.
In closing, Mr. Marshall stated that Charlie Merino would be happy to come to one of the Conservation Commission meeting and do a follow up presentation.
Old Business:
Copper Lane Restoration – Ms. Rogers stated the paperwork is still misplaced.
Resolution – Fred Glidden
The Commission members have mixed feelings about exactly what this form should state. The Commission is governed by a State Statue in regard to duties and responsibilities.
Mayor Larochelle asked exactly what the Commission was trying to accomplish with this resolution, and who they intended to give it to.
There was discussion about the driving force behind how this got started, and how the Commission felt that some of the City Boards do not realize exactly what the purpose of the Conservation Commission is.
The Commission discussed violations, and the actions taken by City Boards when a violation has been committed.
The Commission members decided to bring the State Statue to the next meeting and compare that wording to the draft resolution.
Bailey Memorial Tree site
There was discussion about possible locations for the planting of American Chestnut trees. Rose Marie Rogers suggested the field near the lagoons on Pickering Road. There would be room there for 3 American Chestnut trees.
Another idea suggested was to name one of the future City Forest for Mr. Bailey.
It was mentioned that Don Black would be happy to help with the planting of trees, and that Bambi Miller would be the one to call to find out the cost of American Chestnut trees that are certified to be disease free.
Mayor Larochelle encouraged the Commission to meet with the City Manager to discuss locations, or the naming of an area, and having a formal dedication ceremony.
New Business:
Champlin Woods
There was some discussion about the Champlin Woods area. Meredeth Lineweber said she is getting calls from people concerned with the trails not being well marked, and the implication that this is a ROCHESTER forest. There seems to be some confusion as to who is actually responsible for it. A press conference celebrating the grand opening was held on Sept 7th, and invitations were sent out to the Conservation Commission members. These invitations should indicate who is overseeing this area.
Mark Toussaint asked for the recent invitation to be e-mailed to him so he can check into this.
Other Business:
Planning Board application under review
Auto Images, James Stock, Milton Road, Map 215 Lot 62
Ms. Cormier brought in the newest plan for Auto Images, indicating the wetland buffer is further back from the tarred area than originally thought.
The older plan was done in the 1980’s. Due to this change the variance application had been withdrawn.
Rose Marie Rogers stated this land abuts Heath Bog, a core watershed for Rochester. There was concern by the Commission members how wetland boundaries can change from one plan to the next.
Mayor Larochelle advised the Commission that it would be possible to request an audit of the current map. A way to verify that it contains correct information, without having a complete new wetland survey done at a cost to the applicant.
Fred Glidden moved to have the revised plan confirmed by a certified soil scientist. Paul Marshall seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Recreation Committee Walk
Rose Marie Rogers stated she had met with the Recreation Committee to discuss places in Rochester suitable for recreation purposes. She said they were thinking about Pickering Road, and she asked why not the Henderson property. They walked it on June 12th and were overwhelmed. There were several people who went on the walk, including Councilor Sandra Keans. At one point it was mentioned that the Recreation Committee could contact Senator Judd Gregg about grants and other monies available. Ms. Keans said you had to do this and that, etc., first. But the Conservation Commission feels it is fine to contact his office just to discuss what could be done.
There was discussion about what the Recreation Commission would do with the property, including day camps, soccer fields, and an area similar to the Rochester Commons, for people to walk and play.
Holley Farm Plan
Ms. Cormier brought in a plan of the Holley Farm, showing the final survey. The plan was shown to the Commission members and the Mayor. The plan will be put in the Conservation files in the Planning Department.
Retreat
Ms. Cormier advised the Commission that there is a room available at the Library for retreats, in the “Rose” room. There are several Saturdays that are available this month.
Fred Glidden stated there is also a room at Wellsweep Acres for meetings. And the Mayor mentioned that the conference room behind Council Chambers is also available on some evenings.
The Commission members discussed having a retreat on a weeknight instead of on a Saturday. There was much discussion about who could do what nights. It was decided they would like to meet on a Wednesday or Thursday evening at
6 pm to no later than 10 pm. No decision was made in regard to setting a date or place for the retreat.
Change of Meeting Dates
Rose Marie Rogers advised the Commission that by having the meetings the first Wednesday of the month, they are not getting the recommendations to the Planning Board in a timely manner. It delays the process. She suggests the meetings be held the last Wednesday of the month, starting with the January 2007 meeting. The Commission members will each check their schedules and they will finalize the date at the next meeting.
Workshop for Landowners
Jeff Winders explained that he had called Phil Auger and was waiting to hear back from him to set a date. Mark Toussaint stated recent polls show that Cities are putting the information out there and the landowners are coming to the City, not the other way around. It was discussed that it would be good to have people who have already given land to the City, as well as tax advisors, and others who would have information on grants and other resources available to land owners, to be at this meeting.
The consensus of the Commission was to have this workshop after the first of the year. Ms. Cormier advised the Commission that we have received the order of 25 copies of “Conserving Your Land: Options for New Hampshire Landowners”.
Upcoming Workshops
There is a free Coastal Watershed workshop coming up. Anyone who attends should let the recording secretary know, so she can keep records of what courses and workshops the members attend.
Non-Public Meeting
Pursuant to RSA 91-a:3 II (d)
Mark Toussaint moved to go into non-public session at 8:45 p.m. Jeff Winders seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Mark Toussaint moved to come out of non-public session and seal the minutes at 9:55 p.m. Seconded by Jeff Winders. The motion passed unanimously.
Meredeth Lineweber moved to adjourn, seconded by Jeff Winders. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Caroline Lewis, Recording Secretary
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