Conservation Commission

PO Box 365

Walpole, New Hampshire 03608

October 1, 2007

Present: G. Speed – Chair; M. Galloway, P. Happ, M. Schupack, J. Dion (alt), M.L. Montgomery (alt), P. Palmiotto (alt)

Absent: P. Graves, L. Shelley, D. Watson

Others Present: C. Zacharias, Bruce Cramer, Hal Wilkins

Mr. Speed called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

He called upon alternate members M.L. Montgomery, J. Dion and P. Palmiotto to sit in for regular members P. Graves, L. Shelley and D. Watson who were absent.

Minutes – September 4, 2007: Mr. Dion moved to approve the Minutes of the September 4, 2007, meeting as printed. Mr. Schupack seconded the motion with the following change: Page 2 – change “Gateway to Walpole” to “Roos Property”. On Page 1, under Conservation Value Map by Parcel, Mr. Happ requested that his opposition be clarified from “soils and aquifers” to “municipal infrastructure”. With all in favor, the motion and corrections were approved.

Wetlands Permit: Hal Wilkins is representing Bruce Cramer who is requesting a Wetlands Permit By Notification at 229 Prospect Hill. Sketches and photos of the pond in the front yard and surrounding area were distributed and viewed. They are not sure if the pond was there when the house was built in 1790 but it has been there for many years. There is an out-flow but no in-flow of water. Mr. Cramer wants to dredge the pond and then start over again.

Mr. Happ moved to approve this DES Wetlands Permit By Notification application and that the Chairman be authorized to sign it. Mrs. Galloway seconded the motion and with all in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Conservation Value Map, Criteria Checklist and Parcel IDs: Ms. Zacharias distributed copies of the Walpole Conservation Value Map, Criteria Checklist and Parcel IDs and provided an explanation on the work done to-date. The darkest areas have the most conservation value. Ms. Zacharias asked how the CC sees themselves using this map. Mr. Schupack felt copies will go to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Adjustment; it will enable them to see the various land values and if they want to develop more commercial or industrial space the recommended information will be helpful. Ms. Zacharias noted that it is based on 14 criteria. Mrs. Montgomery feels it gives the CC an opportunity to know who those landowners are that have high conservation value land that is not under an easement especially if it is close to the “brown” areas. Mr. Happ asked if the map can be blown up; Ms. Zacharias advised that the final product will be a large document. Mr. Palmiotto said they were dealing with some information that is a few years old so some parcels may be out of date but the maps can be up-dated in the future; Stevens and Jennison are missing and two other properties are pending at this time. Perhaps the CC can include funds in the budget every five years for up-dates. There was discussion pertaining to a name change from “Walpole Conservation Value Map” to “Comparative Land Values of Walpole’s Natural Resources Map”. Mr. Palmiotto said the struggle has been how many categories of values should be created; they settled on six because it looked more manageable. Ms. Zacharias did not want low, medium and high. Mr. Schupack noted that they will be looking for places to put in industrial parks. There was a general

Walpole Conservation Commission Meeting – October 1, 2007 – Page 2

consensus that the ranking of areas should be simple and objective and six categories will be adequate. Mr. Palmiotto confirmed that the final map will have layers to locate the aquifers, etc. There was a consensus to change the basic colors from shades of brown to shades of green and blue. Mr. Palmiotto hopes to get a draft to the members before the next meeting.

NON-PUBLIC MEETING: Mr. Dion moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II for (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property which, if discussed in public, might benefit those with interests adverse to the general community. Mrs. Galloway seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 8:40 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:48 PM.

Huntington Farm Property: Mr. Dion reported that the Zoning Board of Adjustment would be discussing the Huntington Farm property during their next meeting on Wednesday, October 17^th as Chamberlain Machine is requesting a Special Exemption. Following a discussion there was a consensus to send a letter to the ZBA, before their next meeting, to advise that this was discussed and the majority of the CC members are opposed to the ZBA granting this on the basis that it is a Wetland Protection area, the aquifer and prime agriculture land will be lost. Reference was made to the CC motion made during the September 4^th meeting. Mr. Speed will ask Mr. Watson to make the presentation but Mr. Schupack volunteered to attend if Mr. Watson is not available.

Annual State Conservation Commission Meeting: The Annual State Conservation Commission meeting will be held on November 3^rd in Concord. If any members wish to go, contact Mr. Speed.

Whitcomb Construction: There was discussion relative to the Public Hearing for Whitcomb Construction but since the project is not in the wetlands area it appears they will not need a permit. If they impinge on the wetlands the CC will get involved.

Route 12 Project: The next meeting on the Route 12 project between Charlestown and North Walpole will be held on Wednesday, October 10^th. Mr. Speed will attend.

Term of Office: Mr. Speed announced that he will not request a re-appointment to the Conservation Commission when his term is up in March of 2008.

Mr. Speed adjourned the meeting at 9:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved minutes. Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the November 5, 2007, Conservation Commission meeting.)