Town of Henniker, New Hampshire

 Conservation Commission

Open Space Subcommittee Minutes

Minutes from the September 18, 2006 meeting of

Henniker Conservation Commission

Open Space Sub-Committee Meeting

7:00 p.m. at the Grange

Members present:  Bob Stamps, Denise Rico, David Marshall, Gail Beckett, Ruth Zax, Kristin Claire, Sher Kamman.

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

Bob Stamps summarized the site visit to some of the town parcels and gave a summary of the lots.  The Committee went through each town owned parcel again and addressed the conservation value on each.  Bob will document the Committee findings and summarize for the Conservation Commission.

The Contoocook River parcels were discussed and the next action will be for Kristin Claire to set up a meeting with Walt Morse to discuss possible next steps with the family.

The Committee discussed the possibility of organizing a mailing regarding conservation to be sent to property owners in Henniker.  Denise will discuss this with the Conservation Commission to see if funds can be used for this purpose.

Upcoming meeting dates:

      Monday October 9 at 7 p.m at the Grange

      Monday November 6 at 7 p.m.

      Monday December 4 at 7 p.m.

Open Space Subcommittee - Minutes of October 9, 2006 Meeting

• Finalized the recommendations for the tax deeded properties  - we will present at the next Conservaton Commission Meeting
• Agreed we should invite active conservationists in the area to come to some of our meetings.  Members will send Kristin and Bob suggestions of people to invite.
• Discussed the conservation properties candidates

Minutes from the December 4, 2006 meeting of

Henniker Conservation Commission Open Space Sub-Committee Meeting

7:00 p.m. at Town Hall

Members present:  Bob Stamps, Denise Rico, David Marshall, Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Sher Kamman, Holly Greene (Conservation Commission)

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

The Contoocook River parcels were discussed.  The Conservation Commission has requested a summary of the recommendation regarding the parcels to present to the Selectman.  Bob Stamps will write the rationale summary and Kristin Claire will summarize pricing.

The Conservation Commission requested a site walk of the river parcels.  A date will be selected based on availability of the listing agent.

The Selectmans’ decision regarding town owned parcels was discussed.  The following lots will be considered at the 2008 town meeting:  (sorry, didn’t write down the lots, can someone insert please)

Upcoming meeting dates: (location to be determined

      Monday January 8^th, 2007 at 7 p.m

      Monday February 12^th, 2007 at 7 p.m.

      Monday March 5th at 7 p.m. l

Meeting adjourned 8:20 p.m.

Open Space Subcommittee

Henniker Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

January 8, 2007 – 7:00 p.m. – Grange

DRAFT

Members Present: Gail Beckett, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps, Ruth Zax

Others Present: Holly Green - Conservation Commission (CC) Chair, Joe Norton

Members Absent: Kristin Claire - chair, Sher Kamman, David Marshall

1. Joe Norton as New Member:  Joe said he was not certain if he could be a member but he would attend meetings and help with contacting NH Fish and Game, Trout Unlimited, Five Rivers Conservation Trust, The Society for Protection of NH Forests, and other agencies to help with Henniker’s conservation efforts.

2. River Front Properties: Several river front lots are being considered for purchase for conservation. Bob had written the rationale for purchase which had been emailed previously. He requested additional review and suggestions. Kristin is to draft a written proposal for the CC and Board of Selectmen. Holly will formerly invite Kristin and the Open Space Committee to present the proposal to the CC. Three members of the CC conducted a site visit lead by Walter Morse on Dec. 29, 2006. They were shown approximate boundaries of the lots. There was a discussion about whether the lots are buildable and if spending the conservation fund to purchase lots that are not in danger of development is justifiable. Formalizing the kayak put in spot and acquiring riverfront for the public’s recreational use were suggested as the most important rationale for purchase. The stretch of river bordering these lots is very important for sports fishing and kayaking. Chuck Miner of NH Fish and Game spoke with Bob concerning land acquisition funding – he said funding may be available to help purchase the larger lot if the town showed a willingness to fund riverfront conservation –no guarantees. Holly spoke with representatives of the Contoocook River Advisory Committee who support this effort but have no funding available. Joe, Ruth, and Denise will work to contact various agencies to explore funding for acquiring riverfront for conservation. They will report on their efforts at the next meeting.

3. Mink Hills Conservation: There was a brief discussion concerning the large parcel whose owner is considering a conservation easement. Kristin needs to be present for further discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM.  

The next regularly scheduled meeting is February 12, 2007 at the Grange. The following meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2007 at Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted, Denise Rico

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

Feb 12 2007

Attending:

Gail Beckett (member)

Sher Kamman (member)

Kristin Claire (chair)

Joe Norton

Paul Doscher

• Reviewed proposal for possible purchase of conservation land
• Agreed to present proposal at next Conservation Commission meeting
• Agreed to start working on grant proposals
• Agreed to continue lobbying for funds with various agencies

Next Meeting:  Monday March 5 7PM  Town Hall

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

March 5, 2007

Members present:  Kristin Claire, Bob Stamps, Denise Rico, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Ruth Zax, Paul Doscher

-          Discussed the March 6, 2007 presentation to the Selectman requesting permission to hold a public hearing with regard to the proposed purchase and conservation of the River Front Properties, 561, 561B, 763D and 349E. 

-          Discussed plans for seeking grant money along with other fundraising possibilities for the River Front Property project. Paul Doscher presented the committee members with a letter conveying the support of the Basil Woods Jr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited. 

-          Discussed the need to create awareness in the town of the potential for future conservation projects.

-          Decided future meeting dates for the following Mondays:

April 2^nd

May 7th

June 4^th

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

April 2, 2007

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Sher Kamman, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps

Guest: Joe Norton (Executive Director, NH Wildlife Federation).

-          Discussion centered on the offer that had been made to purchase the River Front Properties.  The terms of the offer and the dollar amounts to be used as a counteroffer were decided. 

-          The securing of grants as a means of acquiring the additional funds needed for the purchase of the River Front Properties was discussed.

    Assignments for completing the grant proposal guidelines are as follows:

Executive Summary Bob and Joe

Narrative Organizational information Denise

Purpose of Grant Bob

Attachments

Maps Denise

Photos Cher

Budget for project Bob

Fundraising Strategy Cher

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Next meeting dates:  May 7^th & June 4th

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

May 7, 2007

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Sher Kamman, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps, Ruth Zax

Guest: Joe Norton (Executive Director, NH Wildlife Federation).

-          A verbal acceptance for the purchase of the Contoocook Riverfront properties has been received.  A purchase and sales agreement has been written and given to the town’s attorney.

-          A public hearing will be held 7 am, Monday, May 14, 2007 at the Town Hall.  The proposal will then go before the town’s selectmen at their meeting, Tuesday, May 15, 2007

-          $105,00 of the town’s Conservation Fund made up of LUCT funds will be used to purchase the three smaller properties, lots 561, 561A and 561B. 

-          Fund raising through both public and private resources will be made for the purchase of lot 349E.  It was noted that individuals will be able to contribute to this fund raising effort by writing a check to the N.H. Wildlife Federation with the designation that the monies be used for the Henniker/Contoocook Conservation Project.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Next meeting date, time  & location:  June 4^th at 7 pm in the Grange Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

June 4, 2007

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps,

-          Strategies for reaching out to the community with regard to future conservation projects were discussed.  It was suggested that other conservation organizations be contacted that could support us is that community outreach.

-          A list of potential sites that could be considered for conservation was made.

-          The fund raising efforts for the current Contoocook Riverfront Conservation Project was reviewed.  At the present time, there are five different groups that are being approached.

-          The need for committee members to explore more fund raising options was discussed.   Committee members were asked to search online for riverfront conservation organizations that could help us in this effort.  

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.

Next meeting dates:  July 2^nd, August 6^th and September 17^th.(7 pm in the Grange Hall)

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

July 2, 2007

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Joe Norton, David Marshall, Denise Rico, Ruth Zax

-          The town’s attorney has approved the committee’s proposal for the purchase of the Contoocook riverfront properties and this proposal has been given to the owners.

-          The need to do a Phase One assessment of the properties was discussed. 

-          The fund raising efforts for the current Contoocook Riverfront Conservation Project was discussed.  A document that outlines the summary of the project was reviewed.

-          It was announced that there is possibility to add three more properties to the conservation efforts along the Contoocook.  These properties would add approximately 36 acres to the land available for a conservation easement.

-          The Conservation Priorities Parcel Weighting Map and Prioritization model were reviewed.  It was felt that prioritization as currently defined should be balanced by the need to determine those properties that are at the greatest risk for development.  Denise will provide G.I.S. maps depicting the properties at risk.

-          Based on the tax law that increased income tax incentives for anyone donating a conservation easement during the year 2007, it was suggested that an informational meeting be held for interested landowners before the end of the year.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Next meeting dates:  August 6^th and September 17^th.(7 pm in the Grange Hall)

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

August 6, 2007

Members present:  Bob Stamps, Kristin Claire,& Sher Kamman

Ø       The Phase One Assessment of the Contoocook River front properties was discussed.  A motion was made and seconded to limit the scope of this assessment to lead testing, given knowledge of the land’s prior use.

Ø       The status of fundraising was discussed, along with the requests that are in process from private donors and other private/public agencies.

Ø       It was recommended that the committee research and pursue other grant possibilities.

Ø       It was suggested that modifications be made to the Conservation Priorities Parcel Weighting Map and Prioritization model, to be discussed in more specific detail at the September meeting.

The following actions were recommended:

Ø       Kristin will determine the specific date for completion of Phase 2, and notify the committee.

Ø       Kristin will send grant proposal to a possible private donor.

Ø       Bob will e-mail Paul and Joe to confirm the name of the project and the agency where monies for the project will be sent.

Ø       Kristin will electronically send a copy of the template she is using for private donor requests to committee members.

Ø       Ruth will send a list of grant possibilities that she highlighted during a prior meeting to all committee members for their preliminary research prior to the September meeting.

Ø       All members will research other grant possibilities and bring them to the next meeting.

Ø       Denise to bring the formula and model for creating the Conservation Priorities Parcel Weighting Map to the September meeting, so the committee can discuss modifications. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm

Next meeting date:  September 17^th  - 7:00pm  - The Grange

Respectfully submitted,

Sher Kamman

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission

Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

Draft Copy                                     

September 17, 2007           

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps

-          The Phase I Assessment of the largest of the Contoocook River properties, lot 349-E, has not yet been completed.  The committee recommended that we seek an extension to complete the due diligence process by October 20^th.

Bob moved that an October 20^th extension be requested

Kristin seconded the motion

The motion passed unanimously

    - The closing date for the smaller properties, lots 561, 561-B & 763-D is September 21^st. 

-          It has been agreed that the town would have a year from the date of closing on the smaller properties to raise the funds needed to purchase the larger property.

-          The fund raising efforts for the purchase of the Contoocook Riverfront Conservation Project was discussed.  In addition to pursuing the current contacts with Fish and Game and Trout Unlimited

Bob will inquire about applying for funds from the Land & Water Conservation Fund Program at the New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development.

Sher will inquire about applying for a Conservation License Plate Grant at the New Hampshire Conservation Committee agency.

-  Bob will invite Ian McSweeney from the Piscataquog Watershed Association to attend a future meeting.

-          The Conservation Priorities Parcel Weighting Map and Prioritization model were reviewed again.  It was felt that prioritization as currently defined should be balanced by the need to determine those properties that are at the greatest risk for development.  The use of soil priority mapping was discussed.

-          It was noted that the town currently has no excavation restrictions.

-          The process for posting the agenda and minutes for committee meetings was reviewed.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Next meeting dates:  October 4, November 5 and December 3.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission
Open Space Subcommittee Meeting
October 4, 2007

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, David Marshall, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps, Ruth Zax


- The minutes of the September 17th meeting were read and accepted as amended.

- Kristin reported that the town had closed on the three smaller Contoocook River properties, lots 561, 561-B and 763D.
o It was proposed that the “For Sale” signs be replaced by signs that would make known that these riverfront properties are now protected by the town of Henniker.
o Denise and Ruth will be writing an article for the newspapers to publicize the town’s purchase.

- A report was given about the October 3rd Conservation Commission meeting at which the state responded to the phase I environmental testing done on the large property. That report indicated a significant amount of lead had been found and the following will need to be done:
o Further testing to see if the ground water has been contaminated
o Extension of the boundaries of the surface testing area

The Conservation Commission authorized the town’s engineer to provide an estimate of the costs needed to do additional testing.

The purchase of an AUR (Activity Use Restricted) property vs. a developable property was discussed.

- Bob reported that he had contacted the Land & Water Conservation Fund Program at the New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development and will recommend submitting an intent form for fund application by October 22nd.



The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Next meeting dates and location: November 5 and December 3 at Grange Hall.

Respectfully submitted,
Gail Beckett
 

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission
Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

Draft copy November 5, 2007

Members present: Gail Beckett, Kristin Claire, Holly Green, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps, Ruth Zax
Guests: Ian McSweeney of the Russell Foundation, Margaret Watkins, executive director of PWA

- The minutes of the October 4th meeting were read and accepted as amended.

- The status of the Contoocook River property lot 349E was discussed.
- Kristen has met with the property owners, the Maines, and informed them of the state’s findings.
- The Conservation Commission will meet November 7th to discuss the town’s options in pursuing the purchase of this property.
- A meeting will be scheduled with representatives who did the environmental testing for the state, the property owners and Kristin Claire.

- The article about the riverfront project to be submitted to newspapers will be modified before being published to reflect the current status of lot 349E.

- Kristin moved that we recommend to the Conservation Commission that signs be purchased, both boundary diskettes and a minimum of 3 wood signs identifying the purchased Contoocook riverfront acreage as town property.
The motion was passed unanimously

Bob Stamps has sent in the Application Intent Form to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program requesting funds to help with the river properties purchase. Fund applications are due Jan 15

- Ian McSweeney and Margaret Watkins discussed their interest in the current conservation projects in Henniker.
- It was recommended that enough boundary diskettes be purchased so that they can be placed on the Chase Brook property.
- Bob offered to prepare a letter that could be sent to landowners in the area informing them of the current status of conservation efforts and the opportunities to expand these efforts.

- Holly Green provided detailed information about the requirements for committee minutes under The New Hampshire Right-to-Know Law


The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Next meeting date and place: December 3 at the Grange Hall

Respectfully submitted,
Gail Beckett

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission

Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

      Draft copy                                February 4, 2008       

Members present: Gail Beckett, Sher Kamman, Denise Rico, Bob Stamps

Guests:  Ian McSweeney of the Russell Foundation

      -     The minutes of the November 5, 2007 meeting were read and accepted as stated 

-          The status of the Contoocook riverfront lots was reviewed

    -    There has been no further progress on acquiring property lot 349E since the town withdrew its offer

          -    Permanent protection for the three purchased lots (561, 561B & 763D) was discussed

Ian offered to contact two local land trusts, the Piscataquog Watershed Association and Five Rivers once a decision has been made to permanently protect these lots.

Ian also outlined the upfront costs and requirements to establish a conservation easement.  These costs would be approximately  $8,000 to $10,000.  The town’s conservation fund could be used for this purpose.

     -    The newspaper article about the riverfront project has been finalized

     -    The design for the signage on the purchased properties was approved.  It was suggested that                     

            wood posts would be preferred to metal posts.

-          A map of conservation target areas and the letter to landowners that Bob had drawn up were reviewed. Specific landowners in the target areas were identified.  It was suggested that some landowners be contacted and invited to an informational open space committee meeting.

Denise moved that the open space committee recommend to the conservation commission that letters be mailed to landowners in the top priority conservation areas.

Bob seconded the motion

The motion was passed unanimously

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Next meeting:  7 PM  , March 4th at the Grange Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission

Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

Draft copy                                                                  March 3, 2008      

Members present: Denise Rico, Gail Beckett, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Bob Stamps, Ruth Zax

-  The minutes of the February 4^th meeting were read and accepted as stated

-   Contacting landowners potentially interested in placing their land in conservation

-          Denise reported that she had contacted a landowner who is interested in meeting with the open space  

      subcommittee

-          The committee reviewed a letter addressed specifically to landowners in the Chase Brook

     area. 

- The potential donation of a 2 ½ acre riverfront lot

-  This donation is on the agenda for the March 5^th meeting of the Conservation Commission.

-   It was suggested that the conservation commission seek the advice of the town council with        

           alternatives to the use of easements when protecting small properties.

- The Contoocook Riverfront Lot 349E

-          The Maine’s family attorney has contacted the town’s attorney with the possibility of pursuing negotiations.

-          Bob moved that the subcommittee recommend to the Conservation Commission that they open negotiations with the Maine family.

     The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

- The subcommittee is seeking a new chairperson.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Next meeting:  7 PM, April 7^th at the Grange Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission

Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

Draft Copy                                                            April 7, 2008      

Members present: Denise Rico, Gail Beckett, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Bob Stamps

-          The minutes of the March 3^rd meeting were read and accepted as amended

-          Four property owners whose lands are near or adjacent to the Foster Conservancy property have been contacted and expressed interest in discussing conservation options for their properties.

Denise will contact Paul Doscher of the Forest Society to discuss the feasibility of setting up meetings with these property owners. 

-  The committee was apprised of two properties that are currently for sale.  The use of conservation funds from the Land Use Change Tax to purchase properties was discussed. 

-          As part of a public outreach program, it was suggested that articles describing conservation options be placed in local publications.

Bob offered to have a draft of an article for the next meeting.  If needed, Sher offered to provide pictures.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Next meeting:  7 PM, May 3 at the Grange Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

Minutes of Henniker Conservation Commission

Open Space Subcommittee Meeting

Draft copy                                                        May 5, 2008      

Members present: Denise Rico, Gail Beckett, Sher Kamman, David Marshall, Ruth Zax

-          The minutes of the April 7th meeting were read and accepted as written

-          Riverfront properties

The locations for the signs that will mark the three town-owned properties along the Contoocook River were discussed.  Murdough Morgan has completed the work on these signs and will do the installation.

Denise will suggest that the Conservation Commission consider initiating a litter clean-up day.

-  Future conservation efforts

The four property owners whose lands are near or adjacent to the Foster Conservancy property have been contacted and expressed interest in discussing conservation options for their properties.

David will contact Margaret Watkins, executive director of the Piscataquog Watershed Association about being a presenter at meetings with these landowners.

Denise will be in contact with Brian Hotz from the Forest Society to obtain more information about how the society’s Quabbin to Cardigan conservation project may impact Henniker’s  conservation efforts.

-          Public Outreach

The Conservation Commission approved the purchase of conservation handbooks to be used for public outreach.

In Bob’s absence the discussion of the draft of an article to appear in local publications was postponed until the June meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.

Next meeting:  7 PM, June 2nd at the Grange Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Beckett

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