Conservation Commission

PO Box 365

Walpole, New Hampshire  03608

 

September 4, 2007

 

Present:                        M. Galloway (Vice-Chair), P. Graves, P. Happ, M. Schupack, J. Dion, L. Shelley, D. Watson, P. Palmiotto (alt.)

 

      Absent:                         G. Speed (Chair), M.L. Montgomery (alt.)

 

Others Present:             Christa Zacharias, Barbara Dretzin

 

Ms. Galloway called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM

She called upon alternate member Mr. Palmiotto to sit in for Mr. Speed

 

                                    Minutes – August 6, 2007:  Mr. Schupack moved to approve the Minutes of the August 7, 2007 meeting as printed.  Mr. Dion seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

                                   

Non-Public session (for the purpose of discussing real estate):  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.  Mr. Schupack seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:38 PM. 

 

The regular meeting resumed at 7:50 PM.

 

Cranberry Meadow Dam:  Ms. Galloway mentioned that Bryon Fletcher had completed all maintenance work at the Cranberry Meadow Dam.

 

Conservation Value Map by Parcel:  Ms. Zacharias presented the survey results and discussed the criteria for the map.

 

Duncan Watson came in.

 

Mr. Happ discussed his opposition to the Conservation Commission doing work related to municipal infrastructure.  He felt it was not our responsibility.  Mr. Palmiotto went on to discuss the definition of natural resources and how he felt that it does relate to our work.

 

Ms. Zacharias continued with her presentation and demonstrated how small percentages of specific values can factor into the overall value of a parcel.  In some cases these numbers may skew the overall result of the parcel due to the way the percentages are not be truly representative of the adjacent parcel’s values.  A discussion continued on how to determine parcels of local importance.  It was decided that 20% of any particular parcel will be used.  Further discussion spoke to the values related to parcels when they are adjacent to parcels that are already deemed valuable.  Ms. Zacharias will present more on the mapping project at the next meeting.

 

WCC – September 4, 2007 – Page 2

 

Conservation Plan:  Mr. Schupack asked about any action that had been taken by the Planning Board on the conservation plan that was previously worked on by the Conservation Commission.  Mrs. Galloway will ask Mr. Speed about the status of this.

 

Roos Property:  Mr. Schupack inquired about the status of the “Roos Property” work being done by the Monadnock Conservancy and Mrs. Montgomery. 

 

Huntington Farm:  A discussion began regarding whether the Conservation Commission has a position on Huntington Farm.  This parcel was given special exception by the Planning Board.  The preference of the Conservation Commission would be for planning to be well thought out, not done bit by bit, and to consider these changes as a part of the bigger picture related to land use in town.  A conversation continued about the possible effects that a machine shop business could have on the aquifer in this location.  Another comment was made in regards to one of the town wells going dry recently, and how water sources need to be protected.  Other uses and their impact were also discussed.  It was suggested that the Conservation Commission voice an opinion to the Planning Board.  A motion was made Mr. Watson for that purpose.  It reads as follows:

 

The Conservation Commission supports development of light industry, however given the high conservation value of (the Huntington Farm property) the parcel under consideration, the Conservation Commission urges the Planning Board to maintain current zoning and suggest alternate locations where such land use would not threaten the conservation value.

 

Mr. Schupack seconded the motion.  All were in favor, except P. Graves who was opposed.  Mr. Speed will present this to the Planning Board. 

 

Mrs. Galloway adjourned the meeting at 8:58 PM. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lew Shelley, acting for Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

(Note:  These are unapproved minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the October 1, 2007, Conservation Commission meeting.)