CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

 

DATE:  April 9, 2003

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: B. St. Clair, D. Jarvis, J. Belanger, G. Holt, R. Jarvis, M. Lavey, M. Watkins

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: L. Cook

 

MINUTES: Minutes from March accepted

 

Approximately 20 residents attended this meeting as the Conservation Commission (CC) invited interested parties to provide input on all aspects of the long term management of the Kimball Pond Conservation Area (KPCA). 

 

Brett St. Clair opened the meeting with a brief history of the commission’s acquisition of the land around Kimball Pond in three distinct “Phases” and described what types of activities are acceptable on this conservation land.  Brett provided a handout which suggested a number of issues the commission will need to address.  Many in attendance felt that the house lot on Kimball Pond Road should be retained.  Several people predicted that the town might need the lot in the future.  A number of residents favored eventually razing the house and letting the area revert back to nature while others felt that Scott Warriner’s presence was beneficial and wished to see him remain in the “caretaker” role he’s been in for many years. 

 

Several townspeople are interested in a walking trail(s) and access to the historical sites on the property.  A number of residents recommended that the commission give scout troops permission to camp in the area.      

 

Dumping, late night partying, campfires, parking, and ATV use were confirmed as problems with complex solutions.   

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Kimball Pond Phase III update

 

Brett St. Clair reported that the CC has received a $3000.00 bill from our attorney.  Brett also confirmed that the $214,000.00 in federal tax owed as a result of Phase III has been paid.

 

Local projects/Wetlands Bureau updates

 

Keefe subdivision (off Rt. 77)

 

As reported last month a letter expressing the CC’s concerns was sent to the Wetlands Bureau on March 4th.  On March 11th the state requested more information from the applicant and asked that several changes be made including the relocation of a road as suggested by the CC.  

 

Stillwater subdivision (off Mansion Rd.)

 

The permit for this 15 lot subdivision has been amended to change the permanent conservation easement to a deed restriction and to reduce the amount of conservation land from 11.34 acres to 7.27 acres with 4.07 acres of land to be available for additional recreational use by the town.     

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Gravel pit (Kimball Pond Rd., acquired in Phase III of Kimball Pond project)

 

This summer road agent, Jan VandeBogart, may need to know where he may remove gravel.  Jan feels he is not responsible for removing trees at the site.  Brett St. Clair will meet with Jan at the pit within the next few weeks.

 

CORRESPONDENCE:

 

CC received a copy of a letter Steve Cohen (Long Pond Rd.) sent to the Selectmen regarding the effects of the Lussier development on the stream that feeds his stocked pond.  George Holt reported the Planning Board has contacted the building inspector in regard to the problem.  

 

NEXT MEETING: May 14, 2003

 

AGENDA:

 

Kimball Pond Conservation Area

     Parking issues (Scott Warriner)

     Management Plan

     Cleanup Day

Local Projects/Wetlands Bureau updates

Other business

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Darlene M. Jarvis