TOWN OF FARMINGTON
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday – August 12, 2009
356 Main Street, Farmington
Members Present: David Connolly, Jim Horgan, Randy Orvis and Jill Tozier.
Members Absent: Kristie Holtz
Selectman's Rep: Gerry McCarthy
Public Present: Tom Huckins
Chairman Dave Connolly called the meeting to order at 6:30pm.
1. Dave informed the public that the Commission met at the Town Forest parking lot from 6:00pm to 6:20pm to review gate placement.
2. New Business:
A. Huckins Special Use Permit – Randy Orvis excused himself from the Commission while he presented this application. He then explained that the applicant, Mr. Huckins, is proposing two wetland crossing and a widening of a current road in a wetland, so they need a Special Use Permit. The total wetland impact is 5,086 sq. feet and the Planning Board is requesting comment from the Commission on the Permit request. Mr. Huckins explained that he spoke with Ms. Wiggin of the State and she stated she has his wetland crossing application and will be reviewing it and though she does not see any problems with the application she would suggest obtaining timber mats for the construction phase.
Jim Horgan motioned to recommend the approval of a Special Use Permit for Tom Huckins (Tax Map R15, Lot 6) to the Planning Board and authorize the Chair to write a letter to that effect, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Discussion followed if the Commission should make a recommendation for approval or just a comment that they have no issue. The Commission discussed they did not think it made a difference because the intent is the same. Motion carried with all in favor.
B. The Cutter application was supposed to be discussed but Randy explained that there were some changes to the plan and the applicant is not ready to present tonight.
C. Draft Proposal for Gate – Dave explained that after meeting at the site tonight the Commission was in agreement that a 12 ft. double bar gate would be appropriate and should be installed so that it swings forward and towards the right if one is facing the forest. The Commission reviewed the quotes received last month.
Jim Horgan motioned to contract 125 Fence for the purchase and installation of a double bar gate for the Davenport Easement, 2nd Randy Orvis. Discussion followed in which it was noted that Dave should get a start and completion date from the company and that the balance of the bill should be paid upon final inspection by the Chair. Motion carried with all in favor.
3. Review of Minutes:
Jim Horgan motioned to approve the minutes of 7-8-09 as presented, 2nd Randy Orvis. Motion carried with Jill Tozier abstaining.
4. Old Business:
A. BH Keith – Re: Dubois Stewardship Plan – Dave explained that he received a letter updating the Commission on what work has been completed and that they are currently on task three. He also received a bill for the second installment. Randy noted that he has witnessed them in the area working. Jim Horgan motioned to authorize payment as billed to BH Keith, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with all in favor.
B. Blue Job Mountain Citizen Concern Update – Dave informed the Commission that he contacted NH Fish and Game and they are aware of the problem at Blue Job and that they are working on it.
C. Bay Road – Dave explained that he spoke with the Code Enforcement Officer, Dennis Roseberry, to see if the property adjacent to the Town Forest is infringing on the Forest property and Dennis said no but he would keep an eye on it.
D. LeClair Conservation Easement Update – Dave informed the Board that a bill for the previously approved $30,000 for the LeClair Easement was received from Strafford Rivers Conservancy. Jim Horgan motioned to pay the $30,000 to the Strafford Rivers Conservancy for the LeClair Easement, 2nd Gerry McCarthy. Motion carried with all in favor.
E. Hay Day – Dave stated that he does not feel the Commission is prepared to participate in Hay Day and that maybe they should consider this again in January so there is plenty of time to prepare. The Commission agreed.
F. The Commission will meet at Honey Dew Donuts at 8am on August 16th to work on the clearing at the French Property song bird area.
5. Other Business:
A. Moose Mountain Greenways – Dave explained that the Commission received a memo requesting a $100 for yearly dues and commented they have spent a lot of time and money on the Town in recent years. The Commission agreed they have been a great resource. Jim Horgan motioned to pay the $100 dues to Moose Mountain Greenways, 2nd Jill Tozier. Motion carried.
B. DES #2006-3207 – Dave explained that a letter from DES was received stating that this case for Tax Map R2, Lot 54 is now in compliance.
C. DES #1997-01795 – Dave explained that a letter was sent requesting the Commission complete a monitoring report for Tax Map R3, Lot 17-1. Randy will look for some maps of the property easement and Dave will put it on the agenda for September.
D. DES FYI Cocheco – Dave informed the Commission that the Cocheco River was listed as a protected river under the Rivers Management Program on July 21, 2009. This program is also looking for nominees for three members to be on this Cocheco River watch committee.
E. DES Ellis Estates – NHDES issued an Alteration of Terrain Permit for Tax Map R22, Lots 7-3 and 10 for Ellis Estates.
F. LGC is offering a free workshop on NH Legislature Updates in Milton at the High School on August 18, 2009 at 6pm.
The next meeting is September 9, 2009 at 6pm.
Randy Orvis motioned to adjourn, 2nd Jim Horgan seconded. Motion passed with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:31pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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