Conservation Commission
Minutes 12-8-2010
Chairman Rich Haslip called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members present: John Crouch, John Laskey, Rich Haslip, Fred Huntress, Jack Quinn, Sue Ellis. Also present: Don Stover, Larry Moreau and Dana Lee.
Fred made a motion to approve the minutes of October 13. 2010 with the correction that he was present and to correct the spelling of Witt to Whit. John Laskey seconded, vote unanimous.
Rich reviewed our workshop meeting (November there was not a quorum) with John Koris of Pike Industry. There was discussion of the Guy Roper property acreage, possible cost, and acquisition by the town for conservation. The decision was that Dana was to have a meeting with John and Guy to find out costs etc. It was pointed out that the property is in G2 (general development) and is zoned no residential housing. It was suggested that a dollar offer for its assessed value might be too high. The land has many vernal pools. John Crouch will call Guy to make sure John isn't having a conflict of interest being involved in the discussion. John said he would not feel comfortable in voting. Fred and Rich said they would try to walk the land.
Dana discussed the results of the survey the commission filled in.
- Highest priority is Blackcat Mt. parcel.
- ID/ inventory parcels of significance
- Influence land use code
- Develop/promote trail usage
- Work with landowners/current use program advocacy
5a- Write open space plan
- Raise funds for another easement
- Educate/protect shoreland/lakes-erosion/phosphates - (this was discussed at a previous meeting and was decided that the lake associations were doing a very good job)
7a- 92 Acre Roper parcel
- Student involvement/outreach
8a- Partner with groups (Lake Assns, neighboring commissions)
Not marked as high priority were:
- Conduct nature "trips"/self guided nature walks
- Landscaping/tree planting
- Get involved with public beach management
Dana will get number 2 started using parcels of 20 acres or more, no buildings. Dana will make small copies of the entire set of tax maps for the members. Members then can highlight parcels of significance for discussion.
A brief discussion about why the Planning Bd. did not want Conservation Com. involved with reviews. Said turnaround time would be 30 to 60 days based on the committee meeting monthly. Members said to not push the issue.
Larry suggested the members get a copy of the new proposed inclusions for the Land Use Code in Village South. These changes/additions will be presented to the Town for approval at Town meeting. These changes/additions are with the expectation of growth due to the building of the Casino in Oxford. Dana said they are talking green space by the road, building, and then parking lots. Sue said she had proposed growth like that 20 years ago, with no results. Dana will give the new verbiage to the Commission for their review.
Budget: Rich made a motion that we set the budget at $2750. John Crouch seconded. Sue asked if that meant the lakes would again get $250 each, Dana said yes. Vote unanimous.
Sue suggested that Dana send an email to those on the Conservation list telling them that the meetings are no longer televised and to come join us for discussions.
Homework: The members are to review the conservation easement draft from NEFF and have comments ready for the January meeting. It was decided that we could not meet the December deadline proposed to the Selectmen. Members discussed having a meeting in Dec. to discuss it but decided January would be fine. After commission review it would need attorney review and better to get it right than to hurry.
John L. Motion to adjourn. Fred seconded. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Ellis
Member/Secretary
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