CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2005

MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Cook, Brett St. Clair, Darlene Jarvis, George Holt, Ron Jarvis, Stan Sowle, Mark Wamser, Margaret Watkins

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mel Gendron, Rick Kiah, Matt Lavey

MINUTES: January’s minutes were approved

OLD BUSINESS:

Road upgrades to the scenic road of Gile Hill

On January 12, 2005 a public hearing was held regarding the upgrades. No written comments were received in the week following the hearing. After a brief discussion Brett St. Clair made the following motion: I move that the Conservation Commission give permission to improve the Class VI section of Gile Hill Road, widening the travel way to a maximum width of 18 feet including the shoulder, with the understanding that the commission be notified of the preconstruction hearing, all trees to be cut be flagged prior to their removal, stone walls are preserved, erosion controls are constructed, and all work be completed in such a manner as to preserve the scenic quality of the road.

George Holt seconded the motion. Motion passed with Margaret Watkins abstaining.

Kimball Pond Conservation Area

Brett St. Clair reported that we have now met all the state and federal requirements associated with dissolving the N. J. Nassikas Corporation.

Warrant articles

Brett St. Clair reported that he had met with the Selectmen to review four articles he drafted. The Selectmen eliminated one of two articles dealing with the rented structures in the Kimball Pond Conservation Area and altered the other slightly. An article regarding the status of Whipple Road was not changed. The Selectmen did change “Article 6” which deals with the treatment of milfoil at Gorham Pond to read that the town’s share of the cost be paid out of the Conservation Fund instead of surplus as proposed by the Commission. Conservation Commission members expressed their concern that future conservation efforts will be jeopardized if the Conservation Fund is to “bank roll” milfoil treatment. Currently there is no method to eradicate the weed once it is introduced into a pond. Water bodies need to be treated every 2 or 3 years to keep the weed in check and it is safe to assume that each treatment will be more costly than the previous one. Moreover, there are 3 other ponds in town that are at risk.

Ron Jarvis asked if funds can be expended from the Conservation Fund without the Commission’s approval. Margaret Watkins volunteered to contact the Municipal Association regarding this question.

Gorham Pond residents were represented at the meeting. They expressed frustration with the State of NH and its inadequate response to their problem. The Department of Fish and Game refuses to close the public boat launch. Gorham residents feel milfoil was introduced via the launch and it should be closed to control future contamination. Lou DeBerio explained that the town collects over $60,000 in property taxes from Gorham Pond residents owning actual waterfront properties. These residents are paying tax bills based on higher rates associated with waterfront lots. If milfoil is allowed to take over the pond these lots would be assessed for less which would affect the town’s tax base. Mr. DeBerio thanked Brett St. Clair for applying for state money available for the treatment of milfoil (only $60,000 was appropriated even though over 50 water bodies are known to be affected). Brett won $4068 which can be applied to the $11,625 cost if an article is approved at town meeting.

Luksza property

Larry Cook reported that Brian Little has taken ownership of the property. The Conservation Commission’s bill totals $876.00 for the title search and consultation fees.

NEXT MEETING: March 9, 2005, 7:30 PM

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Darlene M. Jarvis