MADISON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes
September 4, 2008
Regular Meeting
Members Present: Brian Fowler, Marcia McKenna, Edith McNair, Marc Ohlson, and David Riss - Chair
Members Not Present: Michel Benoit, Beverly Klitsch, and Ralph Lutjen
Others Present: none
Meeting Agenda Posted: 8/27/08 at Madison Town Hall, Madison Post Office, and Silver Lake Post Office
1. CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Riss called the Meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. He welcomed Brian Fowler to the Conservation Commission.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Dr. Riss moved, seconded by Mr. Ohlson, to approve the July 3, 2008 minutes as amended. Motion passed. Dr. Riss moved, seconded by Mr. Ohlson, to approve the August 7, 2008 minutes as presented. Motion passed.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT: none
4. OLD BUSINESS:
Wold Property entrance: Mr. Ohlson reported he had spoken to Mr. Brooks regarding the difficulty in accessing the site due to the new rip rap in place.
WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Inventive Program) Contract: update
The contract has been completed to date, with some work to take place in 2012. Forest Land Improvements has submitted three invoices recently, two relating to this contract. Mrs. Huff will check on the payment progress.
Master Plan: The Commission reviewed Draft #2, making some changes to the proposed editing comments. It was agreed that an additional listed goal should be to work cooperatively with the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment regarding land use issues. The 2002 Master Plan made note of the Commissions’ proposal to have the town change the status of some Class VI roads to walking trails; the members felt this proposal should be tabled at this time. All agreed that the current roads designated as scenic were protected by existing legislation. Mrs. Huff will provide Draft #3, incorporating the changes, as well a copy of Appendix D with the proposed changes for the next meeting.
Wold Dedication – update: Mr. Ohlson has not heard from the company doing the engraving on the rock; he will contact them for an estimated installation date. He will also try to do some clearing maintenance soon.
TNC (The Nature Conservancy) Donation – update: The check has been received by TNC.
Deer Trot Lane – deed correction: Mr. Ohlson and Mrs. Huff have not met yet; they will do so before the next meeting.
5. TOWN CONSERVATION LAND REPORT – McNAIR EASEMENTS
Dr. Riss introduced the properties, explaining that there are two easements comprised of six lots totaling 516 acres. The first two parcels border East Madison Road and the entrance to Lead Mine Road, and include Durgin Pond. The remaining four parcels are off Goe Hill Road. The easement language includes maintenance of the properties as undeveloped open space with restrictions for clear cutting, use of motor vehicles except for snowmobiles, and subdivision. The Commission discussed the following items:
Trail Marking to Bald Ledge: It was agreed that the trail would benefit from trail & guide signs. Discussion ensued regarding trail access, with Dr. Riss reporting that Mr. & Mrs. Kaskell would be willing to provide access across their property. RSA 508:14 provides liability protection for landowners permitting land use for recreational purposes; however some members were concerned about insurance issues. Mrs. Huff will call the Local Government Center for further information.
Durgin Pond exposure to salt from East Madison Road: There was some concern about the use of salt and potential run-off by the Highway Department; Mrs. Huff will ask the Road Agent for his input.
Access from East Madison Road via Kelsey right-of-way: It was agreed that this would be tabled until legal issues were resolved.
Further McNair easements: Mrs. McNair advised waiting a few years to make further inquiries.
A site visit will be planned for the fall.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
Mrs. McNair, reporting poor road conditions, trash, and graffiti, inquired regarding road maintenance for Boulder Road and the Madison Boulder. The Parks Commission has oversight and will be sent a letter requesting maintenance and repair work.
Ms. McKenna provided a newspaper article about the Peterborough Transfer Station (copies available for the next meeting) and suggested contacting the manager for his suggestions.
Budget Review: The Commission reviewed the budget expenses to date and drafted a preliminary budget to present to the Selectmen and Budget Committee. This draft includes a new line item for Water Quality Testing by Green Mountain Conservation Group at three locations.
7. SELECTMEN’S REPORT - none
8. PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Mr. Ohlson reported that Excavation & Site Plan Review applications had been approved for A.J. Coleman for their property on Route 113 for the area in the Rural Residential District. There will be a site visit at the property on September 16, 2008 at 4:30 P.M., meeting at the entrance gate to the property.
9. TOWN FORESTER REPORT: none
10. CORRESPONDENCE
11. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:07 P.M.
The next Regular Meeting is October 2, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
PB Administrative Assistant
Minutes Approved: 10/2/08
Corrections: none