Warner Conservation Commission

Minutes of Meeting

October 3, 2007


Attending:  Ted Young, Sarah Allen, Chris Connors, and Jim McLaughlin (recording). Also Robert Shoemaker, Clark and Evelyn Davis.
Approval of Minutes of September 5, 2007
The minutes of the meeting of September 5, 2007 were amended as follows: Replace the first sentence under Planning Board, Warner Aggregates, with: “Discussed concern of pit storing volume of wood ash that is used with other materials on site to create loam for sale.” The minutes were then approved with this amendment.
Land Protection:
Chris reported that she understood from Brian that the Martin parcel project may be delayed until next year. She said that the third phase of the Courser project may also be delayed.
Jim gave an update on the conservation fund balance of $124,852, as of the end of August.
Land Use
Harte property: Chris gave a report on the ZBA site walk of the Harte property on the Warner River that she participated in as an observer. She voiced concern that the WCC has no procedures for responding to an emergency situation between regular monthly meetings and suggested this be worked on. For example, some communities have empowered a subcommittee to act for the commission when there is an immediate issue that requires attention.
Discussed the Harte property and the activity that has occurred, primarily the building of three retaining walls along the shore in an attempt to keep flood waters away from this parcel. No permit for this work has been issued by DES. According to the Town’s FIRM maps, most of this parcel is in the regulatory floodway. No encroachment is allowed under our ordinance. Also  discussed encroachment onto Town land - railroad bed. This is a non conforming lot and is subject to new requirements, since transfer of ownership. Concern over the retaining walls and their impact on flooding’s impact on other property across the river and downstream.
Jim will draft a letter to both the ZBA and the Board of Selectmen with the views of WCC.
Wagner subdivision project - Report on Planning Board site walk was given. A copy of a second letter to Allan Wagner from DES was received, asking for more information. Chris will follow up .
Lovejoy subdivision - Chris reported that she understood this proposal had been reduced to a minor subdivision.
Melvin Mills - Chris reported that a permit for the concrete block structure was given by DES in 2004.
DOT - I89 wetland impacts - Sarah reported on her investigation of the proposed improvements along the Warner River by DOT appeared to be justified and beneficial. A new set of plans that had been received from DOT appeared to be different and so Sarah agreed to check these out.
 
Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)
Chris described her proposed scenic view and road assessment procedure. After some discussion, it was agreed that due to the complexity of the assessment, it would be better if the same person(s) carried out this work. Chris said she had an individual working for her on other projects who was well suited to assisting Chris in doing this. It was the sense of the members that it could recompense her for this work. Chris will check this opportunity out.
Newpaper Article
Discussed ideas for an articles on Getting Green in coming issues. on energy efficient appliances, 

New Business
WCC  discussed the Town Forest logging landing and concerns of an abutter.
Also discussed a proposed logging operation of a landowner on the road beyond Cunningham Pond and concerns about road crossings and wetland impacts.
An upcoming  hike to Palmertown on the Gore Road was mentioned.
Ted advised that the American Legion has put up two signs at Ordway Woods. One asks patrons not to leave trash around and the other advises that rest facilities are a mile down the road. Both of these signs seem to be effective.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
 
Land Protection:
Chris reported that she understood from Brian that the Martin parcel project may be delayed until next year. She said that the third phase of the Courser project may also be delayed.
Jim gave an update on the conservation fund balance of $124,852, as of the end of August.
 
Land Use
Harte property: Chris gave a report on the ZBA site walk of the Harte property on the Warner River that she participated in as an observer. She voiced concern that the WCC has no procedures for responding to an emergency situation between regular monthly meetings and suggested this be worked on. For example, some communities have empowered a subcommittee to act for the commission when there is an immediate issue that requires attention.
Discussed the Harte property and the activity that has occurred, primarily the building of three retaining walls along the shore in an attempt to keep flood waters away from this parcel. No permit for this work has been issued by DES. According to the Town’s FIRM maps, most of this parcel is in the regulatory floodway. No encroachment is allowed under our ordinance. Also  discussed encroachment onto Town land - railroad bed. This is a non conforming lot and is subject to new requirements, since transfer of ownership. Concern over the retaining walls and their impact on flooding’s impact on other property across the river and downstream.
Jim will draft a letter to both the ZBA and the Board of Selectmen with the views of WCC.
Wagner subdivision project - Report on Planning Board site walk was given. A copy of a second letter to Allan Wagner from DES was received, asking for more information. Chris will follow up .
Lovejoy subdivision - Chris reported that she understood this proposal had been reduced to a minor subdivision.
Melvin Mills - Chris reported that a permit for the concrete block structure was given by DES in 2004.
DOT - I89 wetland impacts - Sarah reported on her investigation of the proposed improvements along the Warner River by DOT appeared to be justified and beneficial. A new set of plans that had been received from DOT appeared to be different and so Sarah agreed to check these out.
Natural Resources Inventory (NRI)
Chris described her proposed scenic view and road assessment procedure. After some discussion, it was agreed that due to the complexity of the assessment, it would be better if the same person(s) carried out this work. Chris said she had an individual working for her on other projects who was well suited to assisting Chris in doing this. It was the sense of the members that it could recompense her for this work. Chris will check this opportunity out.
Newpaper Article
Discussed ideas for an articles on Getting Green in coming issues.
New Business
WCC  discussed the Town Forest logging landing and concerns of an abutter.
Also discussed a proposed logging operation of a landowner on the road beyond Cunningham Pond and concerns about road crossings and wetland impacts.
An upcoming  hike to Palmertown on the Gore Road was mentioned.
Ted advised that the American Legion has put up two signs at Ordway Woods. One asks patrons not to leave trash around and the other advises that rest facilities are a mile down the road. Both of these signs seem to be effective.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.