 |
TOWN OF FARMINGTON
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
356 Main Street, Farmington, NH
Committee Members Present: Dave Connolly, Art LeClair, Jim Horgan, Randy Orvis and John Wood.
Committee Members Absent: Jill Tozier and Kristie Holtz
Selectmen’s Representative: Gerry McCarthy
Public Present: Neil Johnson
At 6:02pm, Chairman Dave Connolly opened the meeting.
Jim Horgan motioned to accept the minutes of 8-11-10 as amended to reflect the correct spelling of Jon Wood’s name, 2nd Randy Orvis. Motion carried with Gerry McCarthy abstaining because he was absent.
- 2010 Hay Day: Dave commented that Hay Day was a great success for the Commission and they were able to talk to many different residents and educate them about the Commissions endeavors. Dave asked Jim to deliver a letter of thank you to Taylor Rental for their donation of the easy up tent for the day.
- SRC/Whittum Update: Dave informed the Board that Strafford Regional Planning is scheduled to go before the Board of Selectman next Monday to discuss the funding for the Whittum easement.
- Kiosk Grant Update: Dave informed the Board that all the necessary information has been given to Kathy Menici for the grant application. He also mentioned that there is a workshop meeting on September 21, 2010 at 12:30pm if any of the members can attend.
- Maps Update: A contract from Strafford Regional Planning Commission was received for a total of $1470 with the maps to be delivered by December 31, 2010.
The Board received copies of the Commissions budget and account. Art asked how the Commission receives credits/revenue and Gerry explained it is the money from the current use penalties. Dave reminded the members that this budget sheet does not reflect the town forest survey or the Whittum easement payments that have been approved. Dave noted that the advertisements for the RFPs and the $90 that was approved for Megan to make copies of the brochure were not charged to the account either.
- Implemental RFPs: Jim opened the sealed bids for the implementation of the Commission’s management plans for the Dubois and French properties. The first bid was from BH Keith Associates (this is the same company that created the Dubois property management plan) with the following costs; commercial logging charge is 15% with an additional charge per ton depending on the style of wood, non-commercial tasks will be billed at cost and hourly service rates range from $40-$60/hr. A second sealed bid was received from Parker Forestery Associates, LLC with the following costs; fees are set at $80.00/hr and stumpage logging charge for oversight is at an hourly rate of $80/hr and 15%.
Randy stated that he would be in favor of interviewing both companies. (Randy excused himself from the meeting.) Dave will schedule both companies for an interview on October 13.
- Display Board Placement/Interaction: Dave stated that he would like to have the display board that was made for Hay Day moved around town and also somehow include the schools in the Commissions endeavors. Art suggested having a conservation contest for high school students to study a river or soil or something and then have a reward or scholarship. Art suggested placing the display board at the library. Gerry suggested the Rec as a good place to display the board as well. Dave will contact Deb Christie at the library to place the board there first.
- 2011 Hay Day: Dave commented that he would like to look into having something else at Hay Day next year like pens, Frisbees, saplings, bulbs or something to give away or sell. He also contacted a representative of UNH who said they could provide some free paperwork on how to plant trees and such and also suggested the Board contact the State for printables as well. Dave asked the members if any of them would be interested in taking over the organization of next year’s Hay Day and Art agreed to do this.
- Other: Gerry commented that there is a potential project on the property off Old Bay Road in which the property could be cleaned up and some trees planted. Jim asked what type of trees should be planted. Randy and Art both suggested the American Chestnut tree.
- Commission Terms: Dave informed the Board that in reviewing the terms of everyone’s appointments he noticed that all members terms, except for Kristie, expires in 2011 and the appointments should be staggered so no more than one third of the Commission is lost in a year. Art commented that he thought his term was for three years.
- By-Laws: Dave will get copies of the by-laws for all members so that if there are any amendments that they would like to discuss and bring forward.
- Other Business: Dave forwarded a letter to a member of this Commission asking them for participation or resignation.
- Lot R64-14 – NRCS provided information to the State that was requested for this property. Randy stated that this request was because the land owner has just built a shallow fire pond.
- Lot R16-1 – NHDES forwarded a letter to the town in regards to the property that had a wetlands invasion. The letter includes a list of items the land owner must complete and document.
- PSNH Grants – Dave informed the Board of the grants available from PSNH. Art will do some research on these grants and report back to the Board.
At 7:39pm, Jim Horgan motioned to adjourn, 2nd Art LeClair. Motion carried with all in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brandy Sanger
Recording Secretary
_________________________________________
Chairman, Dave Connolly
| |
