MADISON CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes
March 5, 2009
Regular Meeting
Members Present: Michel Benoit – Selectman, Ralph Lutjen, Marcia McKenna, Edith McNair, Marc Ohlson, and David Riss - Chair
Members Not Present: Brian Fowler and Beverly Klitsch
Others Present: Robbin Rancourt
Meeting Agenda Posted: 2/25/09 at Madison Town Hall, Madison Post Office, and Silver Lake Post Office
1. CALL TO ORDER: Dr. Riss called the Meeting to order at 7:02 P.M.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of February 12, 2009 were unanimously approved as presented.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Rancourt reported that there were no federal funds available to municipalities for 2009 so the proposed clearing on the Wold property would be done using Conservation Commission funds.
4. OLD BUSINESS:
Deer Trot Lane Deed Correction: There has been no response to a request sent for signatures to a corrective deed. Another attempt will be made to contact the parties involved.
McNair Property – trail liability issues: The Kaskells have been contacted and information has been sent via email.
Madison Boulder: Mr. Fowler informed the commission that work on the “Memo” has been slightly delayed but should be available for the April meeting.
Spring 2009 items:
Wold Property – clearing maintenance: It was agreed to schedule a trail clearing day on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 in honor of Earth Day. Notice will be made at Town Meeting, the town website, and with a flyer to the elementary school. Mr. Rancourt outlined the steps needed to start a maintenance program for the clearings on the property on a rotating basis. He estimated the work at $1,000 for two days and recommended starting on the west side of the property. He also noted that after 2 – 3 cuttings the deer won’t eat the new shoots and new clearings must be created. Ms. McKenna moved, seconded by Mrs. McNair, to authorize up to $1,000 for payment to Forest Land Improvements, Inc. for maintenance clearing on the Wold lot. Motion passed unanimously.
Wold Property – boiler removal: the owner will be contacted when the ground is clear of snow
Goodwin Forest – gate & road work: There was general discussion of the road work required prior to the 2010 potential burn. The gate will be discussed at a later date.
5. 2009 GOALS – continuing discussion
River Water Quality Testing – Fund Raising: Dr. Riss has made preliminary contact with Tin Mountain and Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG) for a logo contest through the elementary school. Mrs. Huff provided some information regarding canvas bags. Mrs. Huff provided clarification of the Conservation Commission’s proposed warrant article on behalf of Ms. Stacey, Administrator, stating that the Department of Revenue Administration has determined that the warrant article as proposed will not impact taxes. Ms. Stacey has sent emails to the budget committee and Selectmen with this information which could result in a reversal of their vote to oppose the article based on a perceived tax impact. Ms. McKenna moved, seconded by Mr. Ohlson, to reverse the February 12, 2009 decision to withdraw the warrant article pertaining to water quality testing in light of this new information. Motion passed unanimously.
A review of the Conservation Funds ensued. It was explained that legal opinion had been obtained stressing the need to carefully document all gifts and contributions and to note whether the funds are for a restricted purpose or may be used as the commission desires. The Commission has statutory authority to establish an account for the acceptance of such gifts. Research of the existing funds in the current Gift Account will occur. If no documentation is available, the Commission has been advised to specify the purpose of the Gift Account and apply those funds to that purpose. The $1,000 voted to for river water quality testing from the Gift Account will be postponed pending the outcome of the research.
General discussion regarding the Land Use Change Tax ensued. After much good debate, the Conservation Commission maintained their position that 50% of the tax should continue to be given to the Commission for future preservation of open space. Members will be present at Town Meeting to speak in favor of that position.
6. TOWN CONSERVATION LAND REPORT – none
7. NEW BUSINESS: none
8. SELECTMEN’S REPORT – Mr. Benoit reported that a controlled burn of the brush pile will occur at the Transfer Station when conditions are right. Abutters and others in close proximity have been notified. The Fire Department will be in attendance. He also noted that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee is continuing to meet.
9. PLANNING BOARD REPORT: Mr. Ohlson reported that Planning Board approved a site plan application for changes at the cell tower located on Eidelweiss property and for a veterinary clinic to operate at the former Waldorf School.
10. TOWN FORESTER REPORT: none
11. CORRESPONDENCE:
Conservation News Bulletin: copies of the bulletin from the NH Association of Conservation Commissions were distributed.
There will be a Source Water Protection Workshop at Tin Mountain on Saturday, March 7, 2009 from 9:00 – 12 Noon.
The GMCG will sponsor a membership drive with a ‘Wild & Scenic Film Festival” on March 22 at the Majestic Theatre in Conway.
The GMCG will host a New Hampshire Water Resources Primer on April 2, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the Ossipee Town Hall. It was agreed that this was an important event and the Commission agreed to change the date of their next meeting to April 9.
The Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests will sponsor ‘Saving Special Places 2009’ on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
12. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 P.M.
The next Regular Meeting is April 12, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy J. Huff
PB Administrative Assistant
Minutes Approved: April 9, 2009
Corrections: none