Town of Henniker, New Hampshire

 Conservation Commission

2008 Minutes

Most Current Minutes

Henniker Conservation Commission

Grange Hall

January 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Members Present: Holly Green, Chair, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps, Terry Stamps Tom Watman (Selectman ex officio,) Stephany Lavallee, Mark Mitch arrived at 7:30 PM

The meeting was called to order by Holly Green at 7:10 PM.

  1. The meeting minutes of 12/19/07 were reviewed. Motion made by Stephany Lavallee to approve as submitted.  Seconded by Tom Watman and approved unanimously.
  2. There was no mail for review.
  3. Water Resources Subcommittee Recruitment Ad. Holly provided a draft of the recruitment ad that will be submitted to local newspapers.  The ad will be submitted pending input from Martha Sunderland.
  4. 2008 Zoning Amendments.  Terry Stamps discussed a proposed ordinance submitted by the Planning Board that would redefine where excavation would be allowed.  There will be a public hearing held on 01/09/08.  In preparation for the meeting, Denise Rico will make available a map of the State that define Focus Areas of Co-Occurrence and Statistically Significant Clusters of the Highest Ranked Wildlife Habitat by Ecological Condition, an enlargement of areas specific to Henniker and she will contact the Natural Resources Conservation Center to see if soil mapping documents are available.  Also she will provide a map indicating existing gravel sites in Henniker.
  5. Draft of Town Report. Holly Green provided members with a draft of the 2007 Town Report and asked for input. The final document will be reviewed and finalized at the next meeting.  The report is due to be submitted to the Town administrator on 01/28/08.
  6. Signs for River Properties.  Denise Rico presented a proposal from the Morgan Sign Company.  Several sample signs with varying options were provided and recommendations were made by the members that included features from each option. Denise will provide the Company with the changes and will present a final sign proposal at the next meeting.
  7. Center for Land Conservation Assistance Survey.  Holly Green received an on line survey that she will complete. She will ask members for their assistance as needed.
  8. Other Business. Bob Stamps who is the current Chair for the Open Space Sub-Committee is stepping down and has asked that a new Chair be appointed.  He will continue to serve as a member. Denise Rico as volunteered to serve as interim Chair. A land owner who submitted the “intent to cut,” voiced a concern regarding the involvement of DES making an on site visit to the logging site. Martha Sunderland who made the initial contact with the land owner was not present. The Commission will continue to review the process when a land owner is contacted and when DES is asked for their involvement.
  9. Motion to Adjourn. Motion was made by Bob Stamps. Seconded by Tom Watman and approved unanimously.

 

Minutes submitted by Stephany Lavallee

DRAFT
 Minutes of Meeting of the
Henniker Conservation Commission
Held at the Grange Hall
January 16, 2008 7:00 PM


Members Present: Holly Green, Chair; Stephany Lavallee, Mark Mitch, Denise Rico, Terry Stamps, Martha Sunderland

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM.

Items of Discussion:

1. Minutes: The Jan. 02, 2008 minutes were reviewed.
Terry made a motion to “approve the minutes as amended”. Mark seconded. Approved unanimously.
2. Mail:
- Copy of letter from NH Dept of Environmental Services (NHDES), Wetlands Bureau to owner of lot 632 regarding recent logging operation.
- NHDES Environmental News with article about shooting range best management practices in Exeter, NH.
3. Chase Brook Conservation Easement: Martha reviewed her email exchange with Jared Nyland and Chris Kane of Five Rivers Conservation Trust where they discussed the revisions the Commission had proposed. Five Rivers will be drafting language for the reserved rights for the recreational trails. Martha indicated to them she would like to have it available by Feb. 6 for discussion and submission to town counsel.
4. Town Report: Holly’s preliminary report was reviewed and revised. Mark will write and email a few sentences regarding water quality and Denise will send a photo. Holly will email the revised version for a final edit before submitting it.
5. Other Business:
- Signs for river front conservation land
Denise made a motion, “to approve $755 funding for 3 signs and installation with $225 from encumbered 2007 funds and the remainder from 2008 budget contingent upon approval”. Mark seconded. Approved unanimously.
- Martha reported the Commission’s 2008 budget request was approved by the Budget Committee.
- Terry reported on the Planning Board’s public hearing for a proposal to change the zoning regulations for excavation. The PB voted not to propose the change in March. In the future, it would be helpful to sponsor public forums to provide information before the public hearings. It was suggested the Commission should create an email contact list to keep people informed of current projects.
- Mark announced an upcoming presentation entitled, “Focus the Nation” on Jan. 31, 2008 6-9 PM at the Simon Center, New England College. It is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of global climate change and legislative action.

Holly made a motion to adjourn. Mark seconded. Approved unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm
Minutes submitted by Denise Rico
Approved:

DRAFT
 Minutes
Henniker Conservation Commission Meeting
Henniker Town Hall
February 6, 2007
7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Holly Green (Chair), Mark Mitch, Denise Rico, Martha Sunderland, and Tom Watman

Public Present: David Reef, Henniker Trail Travelers

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m.

1. Minutes for CC meetings of 1/16/08 were approved with minor revisions. Mr. Watman abstained.

2. The Conservation Commission received a copy of an emergency authorization from NH DES for PSNH to replace a broke pole (265 French Rd. pole #72/10-6. This provided limited dredge and fill activity for 25 sq. ft.

3. Mail. Reviewed a request for comments on a standard dredge and fill application for NH DOT for work on 202/9. A hearing has been scheduled for 2/27 at Hopkinton Town Hall. The deadline date for comments was unclear. It was noted that the request was stamped as received on Jan. 10, 2008. Motion was made to recommend that standard construction techniques for erosion control to protect nearby wetlands that could be impacted by runoff. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Denise agreed to draft and submit comments.

4. The proposed Chase Brook Conservation Easement document as drafted by Jerod Nyland of Five Rivers Conservation Trust on February 4, 2008 was presented by Martha Sunderland. This revision included the prohibition of agriculture but allowed for forest management practices. Discussion centered on the restrictions limiting the type of vehicles allowed to use the trail on the property while reserving the right for access by trail maintenance vehicles and a trail groomer. Martha agreed to work on language that will distinguish between vehicle types based current language used by NH Fish and Game. It was noted that this is commonly based on maximum allowable weight and maximum wheel base. Specific issues were raised over access by motorcycles and ATV’s while allowing for wheel chair access.

5. The zoning amendments proposed the Planning Board for the March 2008 election were reviewed.

6. Update from the Open Space Subcommittee.
• Kristen Claire has resigned from the subcommittee.
• A new GIS resource lot based map was created for co-occurrence of characteristics to identify high interest areas for potential conservation easements.
• It was recommended to arrange a meeting with the Russel Foundation to discuss a conservation easement for the recently obtained river front properties.
• Additional questions are being identified for possible donors.

7. The proposed layout of sign text for the river front property submitted by Morgan Signs was reviewed. A motion was made by Martha to fund the proposal with the signs to be mounted on wooden posts at $145 per sign for a total of $755. The motion was approved unanimously.

8. Other Business. A inquiry has been made to see if the Conservation Commission is interested in having a work study student from New England College work on Commission projects.

9. A motion was made to cancel the Feb. 20 Commission meeting if there was no outstanding business requiring a vote or response in order to allow participation in the hearing at the Hopkinton Town Hall regarding the NH DOT proposed work on 202/9 . If a meeting is necessary to convene a meeting Martha has agreed to Chair the meeting.

10. Motion to adjourn at 8:45 carried unanimously.

DRAFT
 Minutes
Henniker Conservation Commission Meeting
Henniker Grange
March 5, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Holly Green (Chair), Mark Mitch, Denise Rico, Martha Sunderland, Terry Stamps, Bob Stamps


Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM


1. Correspondence:

A letter was received from Town Counsel relating to correspondence from the Nelson Maine Trust asking the Conservation Commission if we would like to continue negotiations for the purchase of property along the Contoocook River. After discussion, Martha Sunderland made a motion to send a response stating that the Conservation Commission still supports conservation of the property and is interested in further discussions, but that since we are concerned about town safety and liability, first we would need more information from NH DES about the additional testing and cleanup required. Terry Stamps seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.


Intents to cut timber were received for lots 551-A and 66. Both lots have wetlands and streams on them and we will find out if intents to cut in wetlands forms have been filed with the state and will send our standard letters concerning timber cutting in wetland areas to the loggers and landowners. We will also schedule site visits.

2. NEC Intern-
Mark Mitch will explore the potential student intern’s interest in projects in Henniker.


3. Open Space Subcommittee-
Denise Rico reviewed the subcommittee’s discussions about contacting landowners about conserving land in Henniker. She also discussed several questions the subcommittee would like to discuss with Town Counsel regarding whether deed restrictions can protect small parcels of land adequately (as compared to conservation easements), and whether donated land has to be title searched and or surveyed by the donor prior to acceptance by the town.

4. Potential land donation-
Denise discussed the potential donation to the town (for the purpose of conservation) of a small parcel of land on the Contoocook River. Bob Stamps made a motion to authorize Denise and the Open Space Subcommittee to pursue discussions with the landowner. Martha Sunderland seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

5. Chase Brook Conservation Easement: Martha Sunderland discussed a letter from Town Counsel expressing his recommended changes to the wording of the easement. The main concern is making sure the town is not liable for actions of third parties on the property. Martha will discuss the recommendations with Five Rivers (the easement holders).


6. Other Business: Holly discussed the announcement of a grant program for converting schools to wood burning heating systems.


The meeting adjourned at 9:02.


Draft minutes submitted by Bob Stamps

DRAFT

Minutes

Henniker Conservation Commission Meeting

Henniker Grange

April 16, 2008 @7:00PM

 

Member Present: Holly Green (Chair), Martha Sunderland, Terry Stamps, Bob Stamps, Denise Rico, Stephany Lavallee, Tom Watman (Selectman Ex-Officio)

 

1. Water Resources Subcommittee

The members of the Water Resource Subcommittee (WRS) were introduced and include Megan Mulcahy, Peter Conklin, Chris Fox, Ron Taylor (representing Cogswell Springs), Holly Green, and Spencer Bennet (not present). Holly outlined the background and purpose for creating the WRS. There is a Henniker Water Resource Management Plan that pre-dates members of the current Conservation Commission but may be useful for review by the WRS. Additionally, there is no State requirement to develop a water resource plan however the State does suggest that municipalities do develop one. The members of the Conservation Commission spent time developing a mission statement, time line and charge to the members of the WRS. The intent is for the WRS to complete the work by 2009 and hopefully develop a warrant article for the 2009 Town Meeting. Tom made the motion to appoint the above members to the WRS and the following mission statement; to  research current legal and physical inventory of Henniker’s water supply; to identify current governances, policies and regulations; to identify potential threats and to report  recommendations to the Commission. Bob seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.  The members of the WRS decided to meet the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. Holly will e-mail members of the location.

 

2.   Minutes 

The minutes of the April 2, 2008 minutes were reviewed.  Martha made the motion to approve the minutes as written.  Bob second the motion. Vote passed unanimously.

 

3.  Mail

Holly received two pieces of correspondence announcing upcoming workshops.  One workshop entitled Innovative Land Use scheduled for May 22, 2008 @ 7:00PM at the Henniker Community Center. The second workshop is entitled Free Online Mapping Tool scheduled for May 8, 2008 from 6-8:00PM at NH Technical Institute in Concord.

 

4.     Chase Brook Conservation Easement             

 

Martha provided a handout with the most current changes to the Chase Brook Easement document that were discussed at the April 2, 2008 meeting.  Members of the CC concur with the changes.  Martha will provide Jared Nyland, and Peter Flynn with the most current responses then forward a complete packet to Bart Mayer, Henniker Town Counsel in preparation for negotiations with Counsel from Five Rivers.

 

5. Open Space Subcommittee Report   

 

The members completed a draft response letter to the Maine-Nelson Trust regarding the continued interest to purchase the “Riverside Properties” once all of the stated issues are addressed and mitigated. The draft will be forwarded to Town Counsel for review before sending it to Maine-Nelson Trust Counsel.  Denise requested that the CC authorize the purchase of twenty Conservation Easement Booklets at $4.00 per booklet to provide to landowners who have expressed an interest in land conservation. Denise stated that the subcommittee has been working diligently with Henniker residents. Tom made a motion to authorize the expenditure of funds as requested.  Motion seconded by Stephany.  Vote passed unanimously.

 

6.    Public Outreach Sessions

This item is postponed until the next meeting.

 

7.    Other Business  

Martha informed the members that the Piscataqua Watershed Association PWA has changed its name to the Piscataqua Land Conservation PLC.

 

Stephany made a motion to adjourn. Tom seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.  

 

Respectfully submitted by Stephany Lavallee

Henniker Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

May 7, 2008 -7:00 p.m. - Grange

DRAFT

 

Members Present: Stephany Lavallee, Mark Mitch,  Terry Stamps, Bob Stamps, Martha Sunderland, Tom Watman,

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

1. Reviewed minutes of 4/16/08 minutes: The only major change is that Mark should have been included in the membership of the new water resources subcommittee and will be added.

Terry made a motion to approve the minutes as amended.  Stephany seconded. Passed all in favor.

 

2. Discussed a request for comments from the ZBA on Use Varince Case 2008-104 and Area Variance Case 2008-105.  Following a discussion about regional impacts, the definition of commercial manufacturing and the lack of detail about the building and its operation Bob made, and the commission’s discussion refined, the following motion:

 

Bob made a motion to respond to the ZBA’s request with the following statement:

 

1)    We feel that the use variance (case 2008-104) does need to be heard by the ZBA because we believe that power generation does not fall under the category “commercial/ manufacturing” as defined in the Henniker Zoning Regulations.

 

2)    We believe that this is a project of regional impact as defined by RSA 36:54 – 36:57 which states that projects of regional impact are those that possibly have a an impact on neighboring communities, an impact on road networks beyond the town, a proximity to a community border, anticipated air or noise emissions or a proximity to surface waters.  We feel that this project meets all of these criteria.

 

 

3)    We feel that the existing application for an Area Variance (case 2008-105) has insufficient information about the nature of the proposed 80 foot tall structure on which to base a decision about its impacts on the community.  Furthermore, it is our belief that 80 feet is more than 3 stories, the height provided for in the Henniker Zoning Regulations.

 

4)    We feel that more detailed information on the design and anticipated nature of the project’s impacts is needed, and that an opportunity for public feedback on additional information that is submitted should be provided prior to any decision on either of these variances.

 

Mark Seconded the motion and it passed by unanimous vote.

 

Holly Green (Chair) arrived 7:45

 

 3. Open Space Subcommittee Report:

 

 

Holly Made a motion to send a letter to Bart Mayer explaining the need for a follow-up letter to clarify our intent to wait for a response from the Maine Trust.  Martha Seconded and the motion passed by unanimous vote.

 

4. Other Business:

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by: Martha Sunderland

Minutes approved:

Henniker Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

May 21, 2008 -7:00 p.m. - Grange

DRAFT

 

Members Present: Denise Rico, Holly Green, Mark Mitch, Martha Sunderland, Tom Watman.

Guests Present: Dana Myskowski

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.

 

1. Reviewed minutes of 5/7/08 minutes:  one minor change suggested to clarify who chaired the meeting.

 

Holly made a motion to approve the minutes as amended.  Tom seconded. Passed all in favor.

 

2. Mail

A)    Request for comments on Planning Board case #2008-001, Excavation Application for lot 552- A on Old Concord Road.  After discussing the information at hand the commission concluded that, as we were not given a copy of the application, we are unable to respond fully and would like to have a copy to review at our next meeting, which is one week prior to the posted hearing date.  It was noted that copies of actual applications are necessary in order for us to review and comment on them for the Planning Board or Zoning Board.

B)    Request for Comments on case #2008-004, lot 269-A at the corner of Old Concord Road and 202/9.  There was no copy of the written application but a set of plans was provided.  The planning consultant’s letter also indicated that additional materials had been requested of the applicant. The commission would like to review these additional plans at our next meeting, The stormwater drainage report, in particular, would be helpful.  The following comments were made based on the review of the plans:

a.    The retaining walls on either side of the creek (delineated wetland on the plan) are situated directly on the wetland edge but no cross section of the wall design or construction sequence plans are included.  Because of the proximity of these walls, and their potential impact on water quality of the stream, which flows directly into the Contoocook River, concerns were voiced and it was felt that more information is needed.

b.     The dumpster pad detail shows no containment capacity, which should be in place due to its proximity to the wetland.  This is compounded by a curb cut adjacent to the dumpster pad which the plans indicate will drain the drive-through paved area and the dumpster pad directly into the wetland with no mitigation.

c.    We were unsure if the septic setback of 10 feet from the property line meets town regulations. 

d.    There are no details or cross sections of the two proposed “treatment areas.” This may be included in the stormwater drainage report, which we hope to review at our next meeting, but should also be included in the plans.

e.    The plans indicate that runoff from the paved areas around the building is directed off the property, through 2 foot curb cuts, beside the main entrance and towards 202/9 between the two closely spaced existing trees.

f.    The plans indicate that several trees will be removed that are not located on the property itself. 

 

Mark made a motion to respond to the two requests for comments for lots 552A and 619A as discussed.  Denise seconded. Motion passed all in favor.

 

3. Water Resources Subcommittee:

      Dana Myskowski introduced herself and indicated her interest in serving on the water resources subcommittee. 

 

Holly made a motion to appoint Dana Myskowski to the water resources subcommittee.  Tom seconded. Motion passed all in favor.

 

 

4. Other Business

The commission discussed the problem of dumping at the conservation land along the river.  Denise reported on where the new signs will be located.  A river clean-up was scheduled for Sunday, June 8th at 9am.  Participants will meet at the paper mill site and should bring gloves.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by: Martha Sunderland

Minutes approved:

 

 

DRAFT

Minutes

Henniker Conservation Commission Meeting

Henniker Grange

June 4, 2008

7:00 p.m.

 

Members Present: Holly Green (Chair), Mark Mitch, Denise Rico, Martha Sunderland, Terry Stamps, Bob Stamps,Tom Watman, Stephany Lavallee

 

Members of public present:    Rick Patenaude

 

 

Meeting called to order at 7:05 PM

 

 

1. Work on Western Avenue Culvert-  this item was tabled until a later meeting.

 

2. Vote on appointment of new member (Rick Patenaude) to the Water Resources Subcommittee-

 

Rick discussed his qualifications to be on the subcommittee. Tom nominated Rick to the subcommittee,  Stephany seconded the nomination, and the nomination was approved unanimously.

 

3. Review and approve minutes for the 5/21/08 meeting-  this item was tabled until a later meeting.

 

4.Mail:

 

 Request for comments from Planning Board on Excavation Application Case 2008-0001 Map 1 lot 552-A  (Old Concord Rd)-We discussed the application and felt that the applicants do need to have a test pit or boring to determine the depth of the water table. We felt they also need a plan for surface water runoff and a reclamation plan with a topo map. We also think this project needs a licensed engineer to look at possible grading and wind erosion issues.  These comments will be passed on to the planning Board.

 

Request for comments from Planning Board on Dunkin Donuts site plan review case 2008-004 Map1 Lot 619-A (Old Concord Rd and Rt 202/9)-  We discussed the report from the town engineer. We agreed that we share the concerns noted in the town engineer’s report. We further think that the plan to use less than 750 gallons a day of water  and to have 600 gallons of septic flow per day is unrealistically low; we also recommend permeable pavement for the parking lots. We also question how disturbance to the wetlands will be avoided due to the proximity of the proposed retaining walls to the wetlands. We also noted a building on the preconstruction plan  and don’t understand how it will be removed without disturbance to the wetlands. Finally, we recommend additional tall and thick landscaping next to the western abutting property (more than is shown on the plan). We noted that the plan does not show the trees on the property that will be removed, and that the plan needs additional landscape screening around the entire  property. These comments will be passed on to the Planning Board.

 

Intent to cut on lot 83- no concerns were noted.

 

Intent to cut on lot 631-X- no concerns were noted.

 

 

5. Other Business: 

 

Terry mentioned that there will be a Planning Board meeting July to discuss possible proposed zoning amendments for the 2009 town ballot. We need to get any of our ideas to them by then.

 

Martha mentioned that a landowner approached her about his concerns about work being done in a wetland area. He is requesting a site visit.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:35.

 

 

Draft minutes submitted by Bob Stamps

 

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