The Walpolean

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, August 7, 2017

Present:  Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Gary Speed, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Jackie Kensen, Kelli Wilson, Lewis Shelley, Cheryl Mayberry (SelectBoard representative), Elaine Heleen, acting secretary

Not Present:  Duncan Watson

Ms. Flammia, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Seating of Alternates 

Ms. Mansouri was seated to achieve quorum.

Treasury/Budget Report

No Treasury or Budget reports were available.

Minutes

Mr. Peska moved to accept the minutes for the July 10, 2017 meeting as presented. Ms. Wilson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

New Business

1. Much discussion ensued regarding trail work needed at Mill Pond and Fanny Mason and getting other volunteers to assist. Members will contact other groups such as school kids who need volunteer hours, snowmobilers, bike club, walking group, scout troops, Hooper students, Ag Dept of High School, etc.  Late fall is best for heavy work as there are less ticks.
2. Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund Program (ARM) re: funding for dam removal/replacement through DES. Mr. Peska will contact Warren Stevens, engineer to get an estimate on time needed to assess the Reservoir Dam and cost to hire him.
3. Prioritize Town Forests for the Town Forester to assess. The Commission members recommend Fanny Mason, Hooper Forest, Reservoir Forest, Nelson, March, Burton, Watershed, Trombley, Great Brook, and Sawyer Easement.

Old Business

1. Palmiotto says that nothing has been done about the Antioch University intern project as school is just getting started again.
2. Monadnock Conservancy/ Nerrie Easement request for $9,000. The sticking point is still the Easement Stewardship Fund. Commission members remember that in the past only the cost of Surveys and Legal fees were covered; it was not the intent to cover the Easement Stewardship costs.  Shelley moved to state that going forward the Conservation Commission will only cover Survey and Legal Fees related to Easements.  No one seconded as attempts to correct the language flooded in.  Mr. Peska moved to table Mr. Shelley’s motion until the Town Attorney could review the motion and recommend the best language to correctly state the intent of the situation. Ms. Mansouri seconded Mr. Peska’s motion which passed with all in favor.
3. Mayberry will confirm that the Selectboard appointed Laura Hayes to the Conservation Commission.

Other

1. Fanny Mason trails have gotten overgrown. A feasibility study needs to be done to establish what work is needed and what it would take to have the trails cleared and completed. Shelley has done feasibility studies for other groups at around $50/hr and he estimates that the FM would take 3 days including write up.  Ms. Flammia will check with the Town Attorney on how to best avoid any conflicts of interest if Mr. Shelley is to be hired to do the study.
2. Peska has looked into the best place for the Commission’s monies. Mrs. Pschirrer, Selectboard member, has recommended a state fund that would earn better interest for the Conservation fund.  Mr. Peska made a motion to move the Conservation Fund to the State fund. Ms. Mansouri seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
3. Additional property will be added to the High Blue Easement of 40 acres to the North of the current 260 acres with a neighbor contributing over half of the funding.

The next meeting will be Monday, September 11, 2017.

Mr. Peska moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:45pm.  Ms. Mansouri seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

Minutes for the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, July 10, 2017

Present:  Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Jackie Kensen, Kelli Wilson, Peggy Pschirrer (SelectBoard representative), Elaine Heleen, acting secretary

Not Present:  Lewis Shelley, Gary Speed, Duncan Watson

Ms. Flammia, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.

Non-Public session: 

Mr. Palmiotto was seated to achieve quorum.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of 5/31/17, the Conservation Commission Fund had a balance of $97,709.77.  This includes a withdrawal of $22,880.70 which was supposed to be in the Forestry account.  The Forestry fund (with that deposit) is $64,570.75.  The Mason Expendable Trust Fund had $307,897.82 as of 4/30/17. The Non Expendable Mason Trust Fund had $12,234.23 at the end of April 2017.

Correspondence

1. NH Timberland Owners Association; still choose not to be members
2. Drinking Water & Groundwater Bureau DES newsletter
3. Reservoir Dam response letter by Mark Houghton; approved by DES
4. BSA (Tax Map/Lot: 11/47; 48) cutting approved
5. A deed was recorded in 1998 shows that the Town owns the Conservation Easement of the Hubbard property off of North Road. However, there are questions of who owns which Easements. Peska moved to allocate up to $2,000 for an internship for a grad student to create a template for an annual report of the list of the Town Conservation Easements for the Selectboard. Ms. Wilson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Minutes

Corrections to the minutes:

1. 1^st paragraph: “hills to the river; create a corridor” add Conservation before corridor
2. 2^nd paragraph: Antioch is a University, not a College
3. 2^nd paragraph, 2^nd page: “capability to expand the town’s boundaries” should be “capability to expand the Conservation maps to go beyond the town’s boundaries”
4. New Bike Trail: change “illegal bike patch” to “unauthorized bike path” as it may not have been illegal

Mr. Peska moved to accept the minutes for the June 5, 2017 meeting as corrected. Ms. Kensen seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

New Business

1. Anne McBride from the Monadnock Conservancy is present to report on the efforts to create a Conservation Easement on the lands owned by Michael & Kathy Nerrie (owners of Distant Hill Gardens). Approximately 48 acres are in both Walpole and Alstead.  The home, outbuildings, gardens and pond will be excluded from the easement area.  The easement would include a reserved right to build a pavilion for potential school groups.  Monadnock Conservancy estimates the costs to be $18,510 and is asking for $9,000 from the WCC.      After Ms. McBride left, it was decided to table the decision until next month so that some research can be done on whether a payment to the Conservancy’s Easement Stewardship Fund is within the purview of the Walpole Conservation Commission as several members remember that it was not done in the past.
2. There have been inquiries about the vacant position on the WCC. Laura Hayes has submitted a letter of interest, Cliff Peters has not yet sent in a letter, and Steve Dumont (formerly on the Charlestown Conservation Commission) will be moving to Walpole and expressed interest.  After discussion, Peska moved to recommend to the Selectboard to appoint Laura Hayes to fill the WCC vacancy.  Mr. Palmiotto seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Alternate slots are available should the other two finish the requirements for consideration.
3. Repairs to the Bellows Falls Dam near Aumand Furniture have started.
4. Kensen has volunteered to monitor the Lazaro Easement as it has not yet been done.

Old Business

1. Reservoir Dam; as noted earlier, Mr. Houghton submitted the form to DES with expected improvements and maintenance.
2. Public Meeting on Route 12 expansion; expected to happen Spring/Summer 2018
3. Fanny Mason trail loop. Palmiotto moved to request proposals for finishing the trail loop pending information from Mr. Shelley.  Ms. Kensen seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Other

Sharlene Beaudry passed on June 7, 2017.  Mr. Peska moved to allocate up to $50 for Ms. Flammia to purchase a card and gift to be delivered to the Beaudrys.  Ms. Kensen seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

The next meeting will be Monday, August 7, 2017.

Mr. Palmiotto moved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:05pm.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

 Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

February 6, 2017

Present:  John Peska, Jackie Kensen, Kelli Wilson,  Lew Shelley, Alternate Members: Peter Palmiotto, Myra Mansouri (arrived after start of meeting); Elaine Heleen, alt (acting as secretary)

Not Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); Alicia Flammia, Duncan Watson, Gary Speed, Whit Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Call To Order:  Mr. Peska, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  Mr. Palmiotto was seated to achieve quorum.

Review and Approve Minutes: Mrs. Pschirrer emailed a correction to the minutes: SWRPC is working with Ransom Consulting Co. not Branson. Further clarification on the issue can be found in the minutes of the Public Hearing January 26, 2017. Mr. Palmiotto clarified that Andrew Toepfer (spelling corrected by Mr. Shelley) did not ask to go through the files.  He was merely asking about the procedure if there was a possibility of going through the files. Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the January 9, 2017 meeting as corrected.  Ms. Kensen seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  As of 12/31/16, the Forestry Fund is $33,628.02. The Conservation Savings Account has a balance of $88,473.75. A deposit of $1,019.14 for Lumber & Stumpage was deposited on 1/30/17.

Correspondence:

• Town & City Magazine

NEW BUSINESS:

• Barry Conservation Camp—This scholarship is given each year enable a student to attend this camp at the White Mountain National Forest during the summer. Beaudry asked Eloise Clark to recommend a student.  Ms. Kensen will follow up to see who is interested.  Ms. Kensen moved to fund this scholarship as budgeted. Mr. Shelley seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the proposal was approved.
• Presentation on Wetlands and Wetlands Permitting will be 6pm March 27 at Keene Library
• Presentation on Pollinators is available for future meeting.

Mr. Palmiotto made a motion that the minutes of the January 23, 2017 meeting attended by Mr. Palmiotto, Mr. Peska, Ms. Flammia, and Ms. Kensen be sealed because it is determined that the divulgence of this information likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of this board. Mr. Peska seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Palmiotto made a motion to enter non-public session due to RSA 91-A:3, II(c), Personnel Issues. Ms. Kenson seconded the motion.  With all present in favor, the motion passed at 7:50pm.

Motion to leave nonpublic session and return to public session by Mr. Palmiotto, seconded by Ms. Kensen. Motion: passed.

Public session reconvened at 8:23pm.

Mr. Palmiotto made a motion that the minutes of the Nonpublic Session be sealed because it is determined that the divulgence of this information likely would affect adversely the reputation of any person other than a member of this board. Mr. Shelley seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

• No report is available about the DES inspection of the Reservoir Dam. Since nothing can be fixed without knowing what is expected, the issue is on hold.
• Connecticut River Watershed Council-Members are hesitant to commit money to this request. Mr. Shelley will report back next month after he researches the potential benefits.
• Terms expiring in March. Shelley has decided that he would like to continue as Full Member of the Conservation Commission.  Mr. Beaudry has chosen not to seek reappointment.  Ms. Heleen will provide a letter to the SelectBoard asking them to post his open position and the reappointment of Mr. Shelley and Ms. Heleen.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Friends of Hooper will have a Songbirds presentation in April.  Mr. Palmiotto moved to donate $50 to Chris Rimmer for the Friends of Hooper presentation.  Ms. Wilson seconded.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 6, 2017 at 7:00pm.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Palmiotto moved to adjourn this meeting.  Ms. Kensen seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the minutes of the February 6, 2017 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

January 9, 2017

Present:  John Peska, Lew Shelley, Alicia Flammia, Jackie Kensen (arrived after start of meeting); Alternate Members: Gary Speed, Myra Mansouri, Peter Palmiotto; Whit Aldrich (Selectboard Representative), Elaine Heleen, alt (acting as secretary)

Not Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); Kelli Wilson, Duncan Watson

Call To Order:  Mr. Peska, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:31 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  Mr. Palmiotto, Mr. Speed & Ms. Mansouri were seated to achieve quorum.

Review and Approve Minutes: Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the December 5, 2016 meeting as presented.  Mr. Speed seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  The Conservation Commission Savings Account at 11/30/16 has a balance of $88,466.24. The Forestry Fund is $33,625.16. A deposit of $5,425.33 was made on 11/17 and $6,574.85 was made on 11/28.  This money will be going to the Water Company.

Correspondence:

• Comprehensive Environmental Incorporated letter about their partnership with NHDOT for the project to improve @3 miles of NH Route 12 from North Walpole to just north of the NH 12A overpass. The Department’s project website: http://www.nh.gov/dot/projects/walpole14747/index.htm

NEW BUSINESS:

• Peggy Pschirrer reports on the future possible donation of the Westberg Estate property (Map 20 Lot 65 & 66) to the town. This is the Central Plating Co property and as a brownfield is eligible for Federal funds. SWRPC in partnership with Branson Engineering did Phase II and Phase I assessments in 2015 under the impression that they had someone willing to purchase the property. This fell through but SWRPC voted at their 1/3/17 meeting to begin to clean up the property.  New requirements were added such as the test for PFCs. Lot 65 had a wastewater treatment plant for the Plating Co. and is highly contaminated with nickel, chromium, arsenic and others, therefore the soil will have to be removed. Updated tests will be done and a remediation plan will be subject to state and federal approval. Only after it is cleaned up and declared free of liability will the Selectboard move forward with the process designated in RSA 41-14B (as approved at the 2002 Town Meeting). Part of that process will be to get approval by the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board, but that is some time in the future. In October, the Selectboard will apply for 2 grants of $200,000 for each piece of property with the Town being liable for 20% of each of the grants.  Pschirrer already has pledges towards part of that 20%. After the cleanup and donation process is complete, the properties will probably be turned into parking lots as that is what is needed. Mrs. Pschirrer will return with an update and will ask at that time for a letter of support to go with the grant application.
• Walpole Town Forests Management Plan ideas can draw from the Walpole Conservation Plan of 2006 which will be made available to the Conservation Members for review.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Town Forester: Six applications for Town Forester have come in and will need to be reviewed. Mr. Palmiotto provided a list and map of Town Owned Conservation Land. Mr. Palmiotto moved  to call a special meeting on 1/23/17 @7:30pm to review the applications with notices to be posted one week prior.  Mansouri seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the proposal was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

• Andy Toefler would like to go through the Conservation Files to create a database of Conservation Lands including date of acquisition, easement language and terms of protection. He was told to go through the Selectboard and that he must be supervised when going through the files.
• Members whose terms are expiring include Tom Beaudry, Lew Shelley and Elaine Heleen. Beaudry will be stepping down.  Mr. Shelley will decide by next meeting.  Ms. Heleen would like to continue on the Commission.  This will be discussed at the next meeting.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 6, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Speed moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Palmiotto seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

December 5, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Duncan Watson; Alternate Member: Gary Speed, Whit Aldrich (Selectboard Representative), Elaine Heleen, alt (acting as secretary)

Not Present:  Myra Mansouri

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Review and Approve Minutes: Corrections: The Monadnock Conservancy article was not written by Mr. Shelley; he was featured in it. The next meeting date had skipped a month and should have been December 5^th.  Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the November 7, 2016, meeting as corrected.  Mr. Peska seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry did not get the November balances of the Conservation Commission Savings Account or the Forestry Account. They will be included in next month’s report. Of the budget of $6,729, the YTD amount spent was $2,392 as of 12/5/16.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• NH Cooperative Extension will have a meeting 12/14/16 in Salisbury, NH on Forest Laws for Municipal Officers & Volunteers
• NH DES will be doing emergency repairs to a deteriorating footer (location not clear).
• Copies of 3 stumpage checks from the Water Co. lot totaling almost $11,000. The equipment is now gone so they are done harvesting. The consensus is that a good job was done.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Forester:  The RFP (Request for Proposal) for a new Town Forester went out this morning to 4 foresters and Mr. Robarge. All proposals are asked to be in the Town Hall before 1/9/17 when they will be reviewed.

Maplewood Circle: Mr. Shelley went to look at the property and took photos.  A Red Oak does lean towards her house and a Cherry leans to her neighbor.  Nothing is an imminent hazard. He gave her the name of some people who can assess how much it would cost to remove some of her branches.

NEW BUSINESS:

Monadnock Conservancy has sent out an appeal “Keep Farming Strong in Walpole”.  Mr. Beaudry again brought up the fact that there were only 4 farms lost in the State not 19. Mr. Watson moved to deny the appeal since we have a policy of funding administrative costs when land is put into Easement.  Seconded by Mr. Speed. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

The Nerries of Distant Hill Gardens are looking to do an Easement on 37 acres with the Conservancy.  A Conservancy member will be coming to a meeting soon to ask for money to make this happen.

Mason Forest kiosk:  Some citizens are asking for signage for the Fanny Mason Annex as they were unable to find the trails. This will be taken care of in the Spring.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Federal holiday on January 2nd, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

Alternate Member Peter Palmiotto arrived at 8:11pm but had nothing to add or report.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Watson moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Speed seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

November 7, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Whit Aldrich (Selectboard Representative), Elaine Heleen, alt (acting as secretary)

Not Present:  Regular Members:  Duncan Watson; Alternate Members:  Peter Palmiotto, Gary Speed, Myra Mansouri

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  No alternates were needed to achieve quorum.

Review and Approve Minutes: Corrections: Under the section Maplewood Circle, the “main tree is on the” Mill Pond land not the Mason Forest land. Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the October 3, 2016, meeting as corrected.  Mr. Peska seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry reported that as of October 31, 2016, the balance of the Walpole Conservation Commission Savings Account is $88,458.97 and the Forestry Account is $21,622.97.   This includes $9,264.77 in deposits from Garland lumber.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• Monadnock Conservancy Newsletter (includes an article by Lew Shelley)
• Connecticut River Watershed Council
  • 2016 Annual Report
  • Request to join CRWC and donate (tabled until next meeting)
• Supply Line- DES newsletter

NEW BUSINESS:

Town Forester:  A draft of the RFP (Request for Proposal) for a new Town Forester was presented. Issues of timeliness of response, attendance at meetings, and single person vs a firm were discussed. As Ms. Flammia has experience with RFPs, she has volunteered to create a draft with assistance from other members. Mr. Peska moved to have Ms. Flammia put together a RFP for the purpose of hiring a new Town Forester.  Seconded by Mr. Shelley. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Current Use Meeting:  November 20, 2016 in the Town Hall.

2017 Budget: For last several years the WCC has held to a level budget.  Without the budget reports, no changes are expected for the next year.  Mr. Shelley moved to keep the budget for 2017 the same as the 2016 budget.  Seconded by Ms. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

TransCanada Dam Relicensing:  There is a sale pending for all 13 dams, with tributary dams being looked at for sale purposes.

DES Inspection of Reservoir Dam:  This has already happened without notification of any Walpole residents including Mark Houghton or the Conservation Commission.

WCC Meeting –November 7, 2016- Page 2

Mason Forest kiosk:  Per Mr. Shelley, this will be at the top of the list for next spring as it will not be possible before then. Trail work will also be done at that time.

Cheshire County Conservation Annual Meeting: Attended by Alicia Flammia, Kelli Wilson, Elaine Heleen, Gary Speed, and Tom Beaudry.  The presentation on Coyotes was well done although Mr. Speed did add quiet editorial comments which were well liked by his tablemates. Eloise Clark and Rebecca Whippie were awarded Educators of the Year and did a marvelous job with their acceptance speeches. Ms. Flammia was impressed at the wide range of services and projects offered by the Cheshire County Conservation District.

Maplewood Circle: Mr. Speed is not available to report on the tree situation, but members agree that WCC cannot be responsible for limbs/branches hanging over private property. Mr. Shelley will look at the property if Mr. Speed has not done so.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Boat launch: Ms. Flammia noticed that the boat launch off Rt. 12 has a gate. It was explained that there had been damage to the property and inappropriate behavior. The gate only closes off vehicular traffic; foot traffic is still allowed.

Boy Scouts:  Adam Terrill had leftover funds of $13.00 that had been raised for his Eagle Project.  He has elected to donate it to the Conservation Commission. Mr. Peska moved to accept the $13.00 from Adam Terrill and then donate it to the Boy Scouts.  Seconded by Ms. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Tools: Mr. Shelley purchased the tools as discussed in previous meetings. Mr. Peska moved to refund Mr. Shelley the $357.81 for purchase of tools for WCC.  Seconded by Ms. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. They are currently being stored in Mr. Shelley’s garage until a locked box can be found for storage at the Town Garage.

Dairies: There was confusion from an article in the Keene Sentinel regarding the number of dairies in the state and the effects of the drought.  The Commissioner of Agriculture says that the question was asked two different ways and the wrong number was applied to the overall number of dairies in New Hampshire.  Walpole has 8 dairies which is the largest number for any town. “We do not have the largest number of cows but we do have the most dairy farms” per Mr. Beaudry.

Naming of the Falls: Per USGS, the proposed geographic name is “Great Falls”.  The WCC can approve the name, reject it or take action.  Mr. Peska moved to approve the name of the falls as “Great Falls” .  Seconded by Mr. Shelley.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Federal holiday on January 2nd, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2017 at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Peska moved to adjourn this meeting.  Ms. Flammia seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the December 5, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

June 6, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Joseph Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:  Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri

Not Present:  Regular Members:  Duncan Watson, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia

Alternate Members:  Peter Palmiotto, Gary Speed

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  Mr. Beaudry requested that alternate members Elaine Heleen and Myra Mansouri sit on the Board for this meeting.

Review and Approve Minutes:  Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the May 2, 2016, meeting as presented.  Mrs. Heleen seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

Mr. Peter Rhoades – Water Company Timber Harvest and Town Forests:  Mr. Rhoades did not attend this meeting.  Hopefully he will be able to attend the July meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report From Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry reported that as of May 31, 2016, the balance of the Walpole Conservation Commission Savings Account is $88,421.90 and the Forestry Conservation Account is $12,354.07.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• Monitor – Conservation Easement Stewardship Newsletter – Spring 2016;
• NH Town and City – May/June 2016;
• Society for the Protection of NH Forests publication.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DES Route 12 Repairs:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) advising that there will be a Public Hearing on the re-design of the Route 12 Project on Wednesday, June 8^th at the Elementary School in North Walpole.  Doors will open at 6:30 PM for folks to look at the revised design and the Public Hearing is at 7:00 PM.  Now the State is not moving the railroad tracks.  Mr. Peska plans to attend and will report next month.

Fanny Mason Forest:  Mr. Beaudry received a letter from Mr. Palmiotto.  There is a graduate student at Antioch College who is working on her Environmental Studies Master’s Degree.  Her thesis will focus on the effects of road salts on terrestrial and stream salamanders.  In order to conduct her study, she will be searching for salamanders under cover objects, such as logs and rocks, in forested areas near roads.  She asked if the Conservation Commission would allow her to use a portion of the Fanny Mason Forest to conduct a portion of her research.  Mr. Beaudry had given her verbal permission to do so.

Mr. Peska moved to allow the Antioch College student to use a portion of the Fanny Mason Forest for her study.  Seconded by Mrs. Mansouri.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

Garland Lumber Company:  Mr. Beaudry advised that they now have an extended Timber Sale Agreement between the Town of Walpole and Garland Lumber Company.  The Selectboard made and approved a motion to sign the extended agreement for twelve (12) months; it will expire on March 31, 2017.

Mr. Peska moved to recommend to the Selectboard that the Garland Lumber Company extend the Timber Agreement for twelve months.  Seconded by Mrs. Mansouri.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Terms of Office:  Mr. Beaudry reported that they now have a full Board as Mrs. Jackie Kensen of Drewsville has expressed an interest in being a WCC member.  A lot of her interest is in agriculture.  She was on the Hooper Commission for many years but this was another opportunity to serve the Town.

Mr. Duncan Watson was also re-appointed by the Selectboard as a regular WCC member.

Current Use Change Payment:  There was no new information on this.  Mr. Aldrich will check into it.

TransCanada Dam Relicensing:  Mr. Beaudry attended a meeting with the head of the re-licensing for TransCanada.  The meeting was at Wilder Dam. Mr. Beaudry’s concern is erosion along the river bank.  TransCanada is looking at environmental issues.  They are required to have a minimum flow in the river at all times.  Everything is set in parameters.  The meeting was very interesting.  TransCanada is trying to balance the flow all the way through.  They did the dredge project in the North Walpole harbor last summer.  One study was done on the erosion and a second one is due in July.  They are complicated and costly. This is a 40-year re-licensing by FERC. There is a lot of information on the TransCanada web-site.

Mr. Shelley reported that there are camp sites all along the River.  Now there is a new camp site in Westminster a little below Allen Bros.  TransCanada has something to do with it.

Mason Forest – Clean-Up: Mr. Shelley proposed two dates for the Mason Forest clean-up; June 18^th or June 25^th.  He would like to work toward June 18^th.  They could meet at 10:00 AM; it will probably take about two hours.  Mr. Beaudry suggested getting the Boy Scouts involved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Boy Scouts:  Mr. Shelley advised that two Boy Scouts will be doing projects in Town.  Adam Terrell is asking for a letter of support from the WCC to allow him to ask for donations of material for his work at Mill Pond.   Mr. Beaudry asked Mr. Shelley to follow-up on this by writing the letter and then emailing it to him.  Benjamin Haefner will also be doing work in Mill Pond but on a different project than Adam Terrell.

Mr. Peska moved to approve and sign the letter of support for Adam Terrell.  Seconded by Mrs. Heleen.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Gary Speed came into the meeting.

Sludge:  Mr. Beaudry acknowledged receipt of a letter from the DES to Charlie Hansen, Resource Management.  The DES did an inspection and found that the property owner did comply with the concern of sludge in Langdon and Walpole.  Mr. Speed noted that nothing was going into the Cold River. The DES also did an inspection on the bio-solids for the odor.  

Vilas Bridge:  Mrs. Mansouri heard on the news that Bellows Falls was bringing a court case against the State over the Vilas Bridge.  Mr. Beaudry pointed out that the bridge was supposed to be done about ten years ago but the State kept moving it down their Ten-Year Plan and now it is off that list.  Mr. Aldrich reported that the Selectboard members attending a recent joint meeting with the Town of Rockingham and Village of Bellows Falls on the Wastewater Agreement and the issue of the Vilas Bridge was brought up.  It is a State issue between New Hampshire and Vermont.

ATVs:  Mr. Shelley advised that the Governor signed the bill that private land owners can now file claims for damages caused by ATVs.  Mr. Beaudry noted that 4-wheelers also cause property damage.  This might make people think twice because now they are financially responsible for property damage.

Private Driveway Culvert: At the last meeting the question came up about a driveway culvert.  Mr. Shelley called Mrs. Marsha Galloway about that and she said all the work that was done by the Snowmobile Club was run through the Monadnock Conservancy.  He also asked her if they pursued any Grant money.  They felt the State should take care of it.  Mr. Shelley offered to write a letter to the State and bring it back to the next WCC meeting when they can vote on it.

Alyson’s Orchard:  At the last meeting there was a question about Alyson’s Orchard and a subdivision.  Mrs. Mansouri feels that was a Boundary Line Adjustment.  She will check with Marilou Blaine the Planning Board Secretary.

Gravel:  At the last meeting Mr. Shelley mentioned there was a pile of gravel in Christian Hollow.  He discovered that it was for re-doing the roads.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Monday, July 4^th holiday, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2016, at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Mansouri moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Peska seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the July 11, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

July 11, 2016

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Jackie Kensen,

Joseph Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:     Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri, Gary Speed

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called this meeting to order at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Seating of Alternates:  Since a full Board was present there was no need to seat alternate members.

Review and Approve Minutes:  Mr. Peska moved to accept the Minutes of the June 6, 2016, meeting with the following correction:  Mr. Palmiotto had requested that on page 1, under Fanny Mason Forest, “Antioch College” be changed to “Antioch University New England”.  Seconded by Mrs. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion and amendment were approved.

1. PETER RHOADES – Water Company Timber Harvest and Town Forests: Mr. Rhoades was unable to attend this meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION – Report From Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry did not have the bank statements for the end of June.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

• Town and City magazine – July/August issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH Route 12 Repairs:  Mr. Peska attended this NH Department of Transportation meeting and reported that the time line is they are looking at soliciting bids in October and awarding a contract this November.  The start date will be in the spring of 2018.  There was lots of discussion relative to the revised plan.  They went with the low option as it is about half what the cost would be for the plan to move the railroad.  They opted for an armored retaining wall and steel enforced embankment with natural vegetation.  The Hydrologic Study has not been done so they do not know what the impact will be further downstream.  They looked at how the flow of the River will be impacted.  Almost 7,000 vehicles travel in both directions on that road daily.  The last major flooding was in 1996.  Some folks who live along the River clearly had concerns about the quality of their wells and erosion along those banks.  Mrs. Lucy Weber, State Representative, was there.  The DOT will have another Public Hearing prior to awarding the contract.  At that time Mr. Peska hopes they will have an opportunity to look at the Hydrologic Study.

Fanny Mason Forest:  There was nothing new on the Fanny Mason Forest.

Garland Lumber Company:  Mr. Beaudry reported that the contract has been signed with Garland Lumber Company and the Town of Walpole.  He asked Mr. Aldrich if one of the signed contracts was returned to Garland.  He will check on it.  Mr. Beaudry has a signed copy.  Mr. Shelley had a question from the Monadnock Conservancy on where the Management Plan was; it is needed for the Easement.  Mr. Beaudry said Mr. Rhoades did a Management Plan.  Mr. Shelley told the Conservancy that nothing is happening now.  They would like to have a copy when the cut begins.

OLD BUSINESS:

Current Use Change Payment:  Mr. Aldrich did not have an answer but he contacted the Department of Revenue Administration to verify if the transaction was done in the right manner.  As soon as he has a response from the DRA he will report to the Conservation Commission.

Up-date – TransCanada Dam Relicensing: Mr. Peska noted that on the sign-in roster at the DOT meeting on the Route 12 project that two TransCanada representatives were there.  He asked how far down the Hydrologic Study would go but they did not have an answer.  They did admit to doing the dredging in North Walpole last year.  Mr. Beaudry mentioned that TransCanada is coming out with their second survey on erosion on Friday.  TransCanada has a re-licensing web-site where they release information; it is involved.

Mason Forest – Clean-Up: Mr. Shelley suggested Saturday, July 30^th.  They will meet at 10:00 AM and do the clean-up until about Noon.  He will send out two reminders to the members.  (Mr. Watson came into the meeting but he has not yet taken the Oath of Office). 

OTHER BUSINESS:

NH Association of Conservation Commissions:  Mr. Beaudry received a booklet from the NH Association of Conservation Commissions that he passed around.  There is an article on invasive plant species.  It looks at projects done in all sections of the State.  We do pay dues to them.

Antioch University New England:  Mr. Beaudry has not heard from the student who did the study in the Fanny Mason Forest.

Natural Resources Advisory Committee:  Mrs. Flammia attended the most recent meeting as she took over Mr. Palmiotto’s seat.  There was a presentation from a member of the US Fish and Game out of Amherst, Mass.  They have a program called “Connect the Connecticut”; she passed around the booklet entitled “Connect The Connecticut – A Roadmap for Conserving the Connecticut River Watershed for Future Generations”.  This is a landscape co-op group with a shared vision.  Twenty organizations are a part of this group.  They want to restore aquatic productivity and look at areas that are right for conservation and stewardship. Their first report came out in June; “connecttheconnecticut.org” has all the documents and information. Mr. Beaudry expressed his concern with the Wildlife Refuge; the land will no longer be used for agriculture as they take out that use.

NEW BUSINESS:

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Peska and Mr. Mark Houghton have not heard from the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  Mr. Peska will be happy to attend the inspection with Mr. Houghton when they receive notification of the date from the DES.

Merriam Farm Property:  Mr. Shelley had a visit with the new owner of the Merriam Farm property.  They discussed putting an Easement on some of the property.

Hooper Golf Course:  Mr. Speed discussed the CC pond by the Hooper Golf Course as it appears the golf course side of the pond is not going down as fast as the CC part.  In the past members of the golf course asked for permission to use some of that CC pond water but recently they have not done so.  Mr. Peska does not want the Fire Department to run low as they use the CC pond to pump water.  The Community Garden is no longer taking water from the pond.  Mr. Beaudry explained that Cranberry Meadow is on the other side of the CC pond.  The new folks running the golf course might just be turning on the water and not realize where it is coming from.  The lower water level will have an impact on the pond vegetation.  Mr. Beaudry will talk to Mr. Joe Goodhue about this.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 1^st, 2016, at 7:30 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Peska moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Flammia.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the Minutes of the August 01, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

AGENDA

WALPOLE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MEETING

MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016

7:30 P.M.

Location:  Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2016-2017

3. SEATING OF ALTERNATES

4. PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair

1. Treasury / Budget
2. Correspondence

5. NEW BUSINESS:
6. Current Use Change Payment
7. TransCanada Dam Relicensing

6. OLD BUSINESS:
7. Water Co. Timber Harvest
8. Terms of Office
9. Mason Forest – Clean-Up

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
8. Connecticut River Clean-Up – May 7^th