Conservation Commission
Minutes of August 12, 2009
Don Stover, chairman, called the meeting to order at 7 PM.
Members present: Don Stover, Sue Ellis, Fred Huntress, John Laskey, John Crouch and Rich Haslip. Ulla Hansen and Mark Prindal as associate members.
Visitors: Mike Auger (Androscoggin Land Trust)
Mick Hutchinson (Omega Wellness)
Mike Auger explained his 3 page handout “Possible Town-owned Conservation Projects” which includes 3 lots- Map 9 lots 40, 42 and 31- known as the town forest, and 2 lots Map 17 lots 47 and 47A known as the Mingo lots.
Please see handout attached.
Dana asked if we could do conservation easements in two pieces –map 9 and then map 17. Mike said yes, and then the cost would probably be half of that quoted.
Since ALT is not familiar with the properties they would do a walk of the properties and a free assessment.
Dana asked what period of time would ALT give Poland to fully fund the stewardship fees. Mike said it depends on the project. Can be over a period of years depending on the agreement reached by the 2 parties.
Don asked if the selectmen could approve or would it need town meeting? Since some lots are town owned and others were tax acquired town meeting would be necessary. John Crouch felt it would be to the Conservation Commission’s advantage to have a larger group like town meeting.
Some of the board members were going to have a walk of the property with Mike and some of his members. The members felt it was very helpful to see the dollar figures Mike gave us.
John Crouch made a motion to accept the minutes of July 8, 2009 as presented. Seconded by John Laskey. Vote unanimous.
Omega Wellness (Mick Hutchinson) met with Dana, Don, Ulla and Ted Crooker previously to discuss their piece of property on Bragdon Hill, which abuts the Town land. Mick says his board wants to see it preserved but is not in a financial position to donate it to the town. The commission will have further talks with Omega to see if there can be some settlement equitable for both parties. Ulla has been deputized to speak on behalf of Omega Wellness.
Dana suggested that he and some commission members should meet with Ray Grady and Tom Brennan from Poland Spring Bottling to see if they would be interested in funding some of the land purchase. Rich, John Crouch and Fred said they would be willing to meet. Dana would set up a time/date and let them know.
Don asked Rich how he and Sue were progressing on the open space plan. Rich apologized and said we would get on it soon and that we could plan to present it sometime in November.
Dana reported that the recent tree harvest netted $6300 and espectfully submitted
Sue Ellis
Secretary-member
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