Conservation Commission minutes
March 9, 2011
Rich Haslip called the meeting to order at 7:01pm. Members present: Sue Ellis, Rich Haslip, Fred Huntress, John Laskey, John Crouch. Jack Quinn was away. Also present Dana Lee and Larry Moreau.
The February meeting had been cancelled due to snow storm. The joint meeting with the selectmen had also been cancelled. Dana asked if the commission still wanted to meet and discuss the conservation easement with the Selectmen. Sue made a motion to have a workshop meeting with the Selectmen. John Crouch seconded. Vote unanimous. Dana will try for the date of May 17, 2011.
The Mingo lot was discussed as to whether it should be included with the Bragdon Hill lots under this conservation easement since there might be different uses. It was discussed that there could be ATV use under the easement with wording that ATV's are to be used only on trails that have been built for ATV's. That will likely be part of the discussion with the selectmen.
Larry stated it could be written into the easement that any future uses as stated in the easement would require local (town) approval. John Crouch said he will speak with an attorney he knows to see if he can come up with wording as Larry had stated.
Sue reported she attended the ATV meeting and that most of those present formed the group that wanted to start an ATV club. They are meeting again on March 28.
Rich wondered if the commission should partner with the Poland lake associations. Sue said since we have John Crouch from Range pond, John Laskey from Tripp and her from Thompson we are fairly well represented and probably don't need to do anything formal. Members agreed.
The proposed Lois Snowe-Mello bill to alter the shoreland zone from 250 feet to 75 feet was briefly discussed. The Commission decided not to take a political stand, but individuals could do what they wanted as individuals. Dana suggested that if there was enough lead time before the bill was heard the commission might hold a forum for education on the effects of the bill.
It was again mentioned that the commission would like to have some percentage of the money received from timber harvesting and that we should speak with the selectmen about that. Sue suggested that Fred should have someone walk the boundary of Town owned lots with him to know where they are. Fred said some of the markings are difficult to see.
Sue mentioned that the commission should work on long range goals. Poland Spring bottling had asked us when we spoke with Ray Grady, because he felt they would be willing to donate every year if we did have longer range goals than just a project. Rich will put it on the next agenda.
Sue mentioned to the members that the set of maps given to each member had no date, and that it was important to know. Dana will make sure of that in the future. She also complained about the cost to have a copy of the comprehensive plan and/or the land use code. She felt as a member of a board we should not have to pay. No comment from others but Dana said they were costly to print.
Rich said he will probably not be at the April meeting and that Fred as Vice-Chair could chair the meeting.
John L. made a motion to adjourn. John C. seconded. Vote unanimous. Adjourned at 8:07pm
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Ellis
Member/Secretary
Next meeting will be April 13, 2011
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