Town of Fitzwilliam
Minutes of the Conservation Committee
Date: 07/29/03
Time Meeting Opened: 7:30 p.m. Paul Kotila convening the meeting.
Members Present: Katie Metzger, Barbara Green, Fred Slavic, Rosalind Slavic, Jeanne Sable. Paul Kotila chaired.
Others in attendance: Bob Boynton, NHCC; Lori Plungys
Minutes of Previous Meeting Dated: 6/23/03 were read.
Comments: Motion to accept with one correction made by Paul, seconded by Katie. All in favor.
Unfinished business and old recommendations not taken care of:
Trails project—No discussion
Ten Year Plan—No discussion.
Need for representation at Planning Board meetings: Jean Castles has expressed an interest.
New Business: Bob Boynton, from New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions met with us as part of a project to find out what various conservation commissions are working on. Paul mentioned a Warrant Article to increase our share of the Land Use Tax Change. Bob said New Ipswich gets 100 percent, but has a cap on the figure. He added there must be other ways to raise revenue.
Bob recommended Planlink, a listserv put up by the Office of State Planning, as a good resource. He said he would like the legislative committee to be more proactive. Marge Swope has proposed legislation. Questions may be directed to her at 1-800-407-7867.
Bob said regional conservation commission meetings would provide a good chance to network but require an organizer on the local level.
Also, people tend to see lots of trees and open space and think the town does not need any more conservation land. Colored maps are useful to show how much open space is unprotected. Towns are putting in for bonds. He welcomes any questions at: Bob@gopcc.com.
Discussions:
Lori Plungys-- request for a wetlands inspection. She explained that she hopes to buy a 20-acre piece of property on old Rt. 119 W., but wants to know where the wetlands are before making further commitment. The land was surveyed in the 1970’s but wetlands might have changed.
Paul explained that wetlands may be indicated on the deed, which she can view at the Registry of Deeds in Keene. Otherwise, a wetlands surveyor must look at the soil and vegetation on the specific site to make a determination of wetlands, because large, general maps such as aerials are never accurate enough. The Commission could look at the property but would have no authority to make an official designation of wetlands.
He also stated that there is a provision that allows for driveways to cross wetlands if a lot is deemed suitable for a house and septic system.
Rosalind suggested that the present owner might be willing to help pay for the survey in order to sell the property.
Referred to Carl Hagstrom for survey work.
Junk cars near wetlands complaint—Jeanne said a resident of Tree Farm Road had approached her about the appearance of junk cars in a wet area there. It was agreed that Jeanne would forward the complaint to the Code Enforcement Officer.
Planning Board business—Carmen was unable to attend this evening but forwarded information to Katie about the last Planning Board Meeting. Four conservation related issues were brought up:
1. The Verizon building expansion proposal on Upper Troy Rd.—No wetlands involved.
2. Preliminary proposal to open a quarry and remove aggregate dimension stone.
3. Veterans’ home on Pierce Road—Plot plan shows 2 septic fields. One appeared too close to wetlands.
4. John Tommilla—Preliminary proposal for 10-12-lot subdivision on Rockwood Pond Rd. Much wetlands involved.
Invasive Species video instruction tapes were distributed. Katie received one, Jeanne received the other which is damaged but she will try to have it fixed.
Votes taken and results:
None taken.
Other committee remarks: Paula at Selectmen’s office has requested minutes of previous meetings. Jeanne will see which ones she needs.
Minutes posted and/or sent out to members: 08/04/03
Minutes sent to Selectmen’s Office: 09/01/03
Meeting Adjourned at: 9:00 p.m. Motion made by: Katie Metzger
Seconded by: Barbara Green Vote Tally: Unan.
Next Meeting date: Aug 25, 2003. Fred Slavic will chair.
Signed: Jeanne Sable
Secretary
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