TOWN OF FARMINGTON
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
NON-MEETING NOTES
Wednesday - September 10, 2008
356 Main Street, Farmington
Members Present: David Connolly, Jim Horgan, Randy Orvis and Kristie Vickers Holtz
Members Excused: Mark Seaver
Selectman's Rep: Gerry McCarthy
Public Present: Richard Davenport
Vice-Chairman David Connolly called the meeting to order at 6:12pm.
1. Discussion with Richard Davenport: Re: Lot R-62-001:
Mr. Davenport explained to the committee that he and his family would like to donate a six acre parcel, known as the Mill Pond lot to the town of Farmington. (This lot is located approximately where the Abbott Lawrence Town Forest sign is.) Mr. Davenport explained that his family does have a few conditions they would like and they are as follows;
1. have a small parking lot erected at beginning of parcel so that residents can utilize the property;
2. replace the chain that goes across the wood road with a gate to stop wheeled traffic;
3. install a property dedication sign with a kiosk at entrance of property. They would like the property dedicated in memory of their mother Phyllis Abbott Davenport and their uncle.
4. the town should pay all legal expenses to transfer ownership;
5. the town will pay any taxes that would come due in the future (it is paid through the July 2008 tax bill);
6. no buildings should be erected;
7. the property should be maintained in its natural condition, except to have the wood road widened;
8. hiking and walking paths shall be permitted and no wheeled vehicles.
Mr. Davenport informed the commission that he received an estimate from his attorney for $250-$1000 to transfer the deed. Gerry stated that the Selectmen have already approved this donation contingent upon the conservation commission's approval. Kristie asked if a public hearing needs to be held to expend the money out of the land acquisition fund and Gerry said no because it for administration costs. Jim Horgan motion to accept the Davenport family's donation of Lot R 62-001, 2nd Dave Connolly. Motion carried with all in favor.
2. French Property Clearing:
Gerry informed the commission that the county prison workers can clear this property as long as it is marked out and they are provided a lunch. Randy said he will mark out the 1/2 acre central area that is to be clear cutted and mowed and 1/3 of the surrounding two acre parcel within the week and then let Gerry know so the workers can be scheduled.
3. Review of Minutes:
A. Jim Horgan motioned to approve the minutes of May 2008 as amended to change the word "my" to "by" in the motion seconded by Dave, 2nd Dave Connolly. Motion carried with Gerry McCarthy abstaining.
B. Dave Connolly motioned to approve the minutes of June 2008 as written, 2nd Randy Orvis. Discussion followed in which Gerry informed the Board that the minutes reminded him that he did find out that the 25-acre parcel discussed off the Paulson Road is to be left in it's natural state according to the deed. Motion carried with Randy Orvis and Jim Horgan abstaining.
C. Jim Horgan motioned to approve the minutes of July 2008 as written, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with Randy Orvis abstaining.
D. The August 2008 minutes do not need to be approved since they are non-meeting notes and not official minutes.
E. Randy will forward the 7/22/2008 minutes.
4. Old Business:
Brandy will get the materials from Kristie to begin putting the town owned property files together.
5. New Business:
A. Gerry informed the Board that a Selectman brought up reducing the percentage of the current use tax that goes into the land acquisition fund and that the Board will be discussing it in the future. The commission discussed that this would not be a good idea and it would not be beneficial because there are years like this one where no money is even received.
B. The Board discussed that they will need to begin to look at their budget request next month, including that they will need to have enough money to pay for a management plan.
C. Kristie informed the Board that she received a new Isinglass River Management Plan for the commission to use as a resource. She also said that a Farmington wetland classification guide was also received. The Board agreed these are both valuable resources. Jim Horgan motioned to have a copy made of the wetland classification guide for the planning department to use as a tool, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with all in favor.
D. Kristie informed the commission that she would not be available at the next meeting that is scheduled for 10/8/2008.
Jim Horgan motioned to adjourn, 2nd Dave Connolly. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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