Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting 

October 1, 2008


Attending:  Nancy Martin, Chris Connors, Russ St. Pierre, John Dabuliewicz, and Jim McLaughlin (recording). Also Dan Sundquist (SPNHF), Paul and Barbara Iverson, Mimi Wiggin, and Doug Allen.

Approval of Minutes of the September 3 2008 Meeting
The minutes of the meeting of September 3, 2008 were approved as submitted.

Pond Dredging Application
Paul and Barbara Iverson, Couchtown Road, described their application for NHDES Permit by Notification approval to dredge a small, man-made pond on their property. The area to be dredged consists of 3,715 square feet of pond which has cat tail growth that threatens to fill in the pond. According to the Iversons, the pond is fed by ground water and has no inlet or outlet. The dredge material is to be spread on a nearby field to dry and then used as a soil amendment on the property. The edge of the pond will be planted with appropriate grass mixtures. After discussion, this application was approved, and Nancy signed the PBN application for the Commission.
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Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)
Dan Sundquist gave a brief status report on the NRI report. After some discussion on the wildlife co-occurrence map, the consensus was that three additional rankings would be added to the co-occurrence process. Nancy Martin, Mimi Wiggin and Doug Allen will submit their scoring to Dan for the various components of the wildlife resource map. Dan will email the necessary information for them to participate. These additional scores should be sent in by next Wednesday.
Dan answered Chris’ questions concerning the scenic resources map. He agreed to check on the labeling used to identify the various points of view inventoried by Chris.
Dan indicated that he could finish the project by the end on October.

Land Protection
Bound Tree Parcel - Brian Hotz reported by written message that the appraisal on this property has not been completed yet. Brian said he plans to ask SPNHF for some funding for this project next week. He said he feels that, with currently available Town funding, and a portion from a bargain sale, we could move forward this fall.
Courser Phase 3 - Brian reported no new information on when this project will close. An amendment to the agreement concerning withdrawal of a home site from the easement, as originally agreed to, is in the works.
There followed discussion as to whether or not the Commission should pursue the $50,000 request in this year’s CIP. Brian’s letter indicated his support for foregoing the request this year in light of the economic crisis and Town tax concerns. There was a general consensus that asking for less than the full amount would be appropriate, maybe $25,000.

Wetlands Issues
Concerning Peter Ladd’s project to restore a small hydropower dam on the Warner River, Chris will send a letter to DES asking the WCC to be informed of the status and progress of DES’ approval, as well as copies of any documentation that is a part of their record.
No further information on the Harte property on the Warner River.
Also no information on the status of the Town’s two road work wetlands applications.

Planning Board/Zoning Board
Chris advised that in order for the Wagner subdivision project to move forward, it is likely that another alteration of terrain permit will be required if an access road is to be constructed to get equipment to the top of the rock ledge.
Concerning Warner Aggregates, a draft letter to the Zoning Board was reviewed and Chris will finalize the letter for nancy’s signature, along with background information of this property. Mr. Herrick’s application for a variance to hold vehicle auctions in the sand pit is before the Zoning Board next Wednesday.

Other Business
Chris Connors has agreed to represent the Warner Conservation Commission on the Ausbon Sargent Board.
Chris mentioned the newly formed Town Energy Committee and suggested that the WCC be in contact with them.
New WCC members: Mimi Wiggin agreed to be nominated for the vacant alternate position and Doug Allen agreed to the full member vacancy. Jim will forward their names to the Board  of Selectmen for consideration.

The next meeting is November 5, 2008.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.