CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

DATE: August 13, 2003

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Cook, Brett St. Clair, Darlene Jarvis, George Holt, Ron Jarvis, Matt Lavey, Margaret Watkins

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jacques Belanger

 

MINUTES: Minutes from July’s meeting were accepted

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Kimball Pond Conservation Area

 

Field across from house

 

Margaret Watkins reported that grant money is available to help maintain open fields.  Members agreed that an application should be submitted since a “brontosaurus” chipper is expensive but able to quickly clear the unwanted vegetation.

 

Business and profits tax issue

 

Brett St. Clair stated that he will be attending an informal meeting with the Department of Revenue Administration on Friday, August 15th.  However, no decision will announced at that time.

 

Dunbarton’s conservation article published

 

An article on landscaping and invasive species recently appeared in the Bow Times.  The information was compiled by Margaret Watkins.  The Times has recently provided this column to local conservation commissions.   

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Water level at Kimball Pond

 

Dave Schroeder of Robert Rogers Road questioned the rationale for removing the top boards on the dam.  After some discussion Mr. Schroeder and members of the commission agreed that the boards should be at the same height as the spillway, which is the height we had attempted to achieve, per DES requirements.  Corrective action will be taken in the near future.

 

Scenic quality of Tenney Hill Road lost

 

Gail and Leo Martel of Tenney Hill Road described how a developer’s cutting of large trees along the road had destroyed its scenic value.  Gail suggested that “scenic road” signs along other roads might help protect them by increasing awareness.  The commission agreed.  These roads are in desperate need of more protection.  More protection could be provided in the new master plan. 

 

Support needed by building inspector

 

Ken Swayze came before the commission because he is concerned about several local projects that have environmental impacts.  He expressed his desire to work closely with the commission to monitor these and encouraged Commission members to attend any meetings held with developers and/or the Selectmen where project impacts, etc., are discussed. 

 

Variance for addition to home in Wetlands Conservation District (WCD)

 

Zoning Board member, Ron Slocum, met with the commission to explain the board’s decision.  Zoning board members decided that certain regulations did not apply because the dwelling is in the WCD setback.  A brief discussion determined that a change of wording is needed.

 

NEXT MEETING: September 10, 2003, 7:30 PM

 

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Darlene M. Jarvis, Secretary