TOWN OF FARMINGTON
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Committee Members Present: Dave Connolly, Art LeClair, Kristie Holtz, Jim Horgan, Randy Orvis and John Wood.
Committee Members Absent: Jill Tozier
Selectmen’s Representative: Gerry McCarthy (absent)
Public Present: Neil Johnson, Kevin McEneaney, Anna Boudreau and Don Whittum
At 6:06pm, Chairman Dave Connolly opened the meeting and welcomed new member John Wood.
- Strafford Regional Conservancy (SRC):
Mr. McEneaney of SRC explained that he and Anna Boudreau are here tonight to discuss a 100 acre conservation easement on Mr. Whittum’s property. The Whittum’s would like to place all the land on their lot under conservation except for approximately 5 acres around each of their two homes. At the last meeting the Commission asked if there is a forest management plan for the property and Mr. McEneaney stated that there is a plan on file and also the property consists of about 25% fields. The question of public access was brought up at the previous meeting also and due to the lack of a public access point they would like to leave this issue to the land owner. Art asked if access roads for forest management have already been created
and Mr. Whittum replied yes. Mr. McEneaney closed by stating the estimated amount they are requesting is $24, 522.
Art stated that he agrees with the idea of conserving the land but feels that when public funds are expended something should be given in exchange and therefore public access for hiking or skiing would be fair. Ms. Boudreau replied that this concern usually comes into play when an easement is being purchased and not usually when it is being donated; and the ultimate goal is to conserve the land. Jim also voice concerned that the arrangement would not provide any benefit to the general public whose tax dollars would be paying for the easement. Anna Boudreau stated, along with Mr. Whittum, that they could place verbiage in the easement that allows limited public access (they would not be in favor of allowing hunting on the property) though the
concern is still how the public would obtain access. The Commission was amiable to verbiage being added to the conservation deed that limited public access is allowed though not permissible through Shady Lane or the right-of-way.
Kristie stated her only concern with granting the funds for this easement is that the Commission currently has proposals out for the implementation of current management plans and the Commission is not sure how much this will cost at this point. Art stated that he feels the Board should review the budget and note that the Commissions first goal is to conserve. Kristie then reminded the Commission that they also have a responsibility to manage the properties they already conserve.
Jim Horgan motioned to expend up to $24,522 towards the Whittum Conservation Easement contingent upon wording being added to the deed and easement that public access will be allowed, 2nd Art LeClair. Motion carried with all in favor.
Jim Horgan motioned to accept the minutes of 7-14-10 as amended to reflect the map estimate was $1470 not $1420, 2nd Art LeClair. Motion carried with John Wood abstaining because he was not present.
- Final Prep for Hay Day – Dave showed the Board the photo board he and his wife put together for Hay Day. He then explained that he received two price quotes for the printing of the brochure (500 copies); one quote from Staples was for $500 and Megan (Selectman Secretary) stated she could make the copies and do the folding for $0.18 a copy. Jim Horgan motioned to have the brochures printed by the Town for a total of $90, 2nd Kristie Holtz. Motion carried with all in favor.
The Commission then solidified their plans for managing the table and Jim offered to bring a canopy for the Commission to utilize for the day.
- Energy Resources Group Update – Dave updated the newest members on what had been found at ERG when the easement was reviewed. Jim and Dave walked the property again yesterday and found that the conservation lines have been surveyed and the machinery has been picked up. In Dave’s opinion ERG has met all the conditions set forth by the Commission. Jim Horgan motioned to allow the Chair to forward a letter to NHDES in regards to successful compliance for ERG and send copies to all those involved, 2nd Kristie Holtz. Motion carried with all in favor.
- Town Maps (Planning Board) – Dave reported that the Planning Board agreed to pay $735 of the $1470 that is required to pay for the maps the Commission would like created by Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC).
- Dave asked Randy if the French property survey has been recorded yet and Randy replied yes.
- Dubois Property – Dave informed the Commission that he and Jim visited the property and found another deposit of trash, but the Commission’s cameras did their job and the police have been notified. One person was identified and charged and the other is currently under investigation.
- Site Walks with Jane Carey of DRED - Dave reminded the Board about the grant for the kiosks that is available through DRED. Kathy Menici has agreed to write the grant for the Commission. The grant is a matching 50/50 grant and in kind services can be used towards the town’s 50%.
- Other – Art asked if Dave could get copies of the Commission’s budget/account ledger for the members and Dave replied he would do this.
At 7:34pm, Jim Horgan motioned to adjourn, 2nd Randy Orvis. Motion carried with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
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Chairman, Dave Connolly
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