Town of Fitzwilliam
Minutes of the Conservation Committee
Date: 06/23/03
Time Meeting Opened: 7:30 p.m. Name of Person convening the meeting: Rosalind Slavic
Members Present: Barbara Green, Paul Kotila, Katie Metzger, Jeanne Sable, Fred Slavic, Rosalind Slavic, Carmen Yon (alternate).
Minutes of Previous Meeting Dated: 5/26/03 were reviewed.
Comments: One correction was made.
Motion to accept the minutes as amended made by: Paul Kotila. Seconded by: Katie Metzger Vote Tally: Unan.
Unfinished business and old recommendations not taken care of:
Status of conservation land: Paul’s understanding is that the Cyr land transaction is on hold due to a boundary issue.
Whitcomb property survey is complete and recorded with the Registry of Deeds.
Stone operation on Rhododendron Rd.: Fred received a letter from selectmen stating that it did not appear to be a town issue, as the owner claims to be paving his own property with stone. Fred has since noticed that the stone piles keep changing, more like a commercial enterprise.
Apparent logging operation near Town Forest—Paul will call Paula at Town Office to see if a permit to cut has been issued for Rhododendron Rd.
Road damage complaint: Gap Mt. Rd. – Members agreed to meet at 2 p.m. Monday, June 30 for site walk.
Quest for new members: Jeanne sent request over FitzwilliamNet. No takers. Rosalind will mention it in the Newsletter.
Smart Growth CD was transferred from Jeanne to Paul for viewing.
Filing System: Jeanne will tell Paula to have Margo replace the file folders and labels we used and charge it to our budget.
Review of Planning Board activity: Carmen—Preliminary request concerning building application for Rt. 12 and # 4 Rd. involves Scott Brook, major wetlands.
Van Valkenberg was allowed to build deck per their plan. Paul referred to 127-16.1.5E. Conclusion—we erred in not recommending request as it involved adding to an existing structure in Wetlands Overlay Protection District, not in wetland itself. In future, we can make recommendations such as no pressure treated materials, etc.
New Business:
Rosalind recommends creating a Warrant Article to have more of the current use change tax go to conservation fund for land acquisition, helping owners fund surveys for granting easements, etc. Katie will find out what percentage other towns get and bring in a sample article for discussion.
Board would like to meet with Selectmen from time to time to discuss relevant matters: Gap Mountain and “Lake Hortense” (see Discussions below.) Jeanne will ask Paula to put us on the agenda for July 2.
2 videos on exotic weeds—Paul: Will make them available at library. Rosalind will mention in newsletter.
SWRPC map of conservation lands – Paul: map needs updating. He is completing paperwork for necessary amendments.
Driveway regarding request—LaValley, 27 Richmond Rd.—need to look at.
Discussions:
“Lake Hortense” complaint. Jeanne received an email concerning the flooding of the village area between Rt. 119 and Richmond Road. Rosalind questioned whether it was a conservation issue. Jeanne feels it is because complaint alleges that the flooding is due to beavers, which moved in due to flooding after wetlands were filled for a building project many years ago. Septic systems have been backing up ever since, causing public health concerns.
Paul: The state Fish & Game Dept. could come in and take care of beaver problem. Perhaps a discharge tube could be installed. We will bring up topic when we meet with selectmen. Jeanne will get back to complainant to say we are working on it.
Announcements:
Katie: Garden Club Picnic at Rhododendron Park at noon on Thursday, July 10. Desserts and beverage provided. Bring a sandwich. Diane Schott of the Conservancy will discuss environment. Katie will invite the Castles, in appreciation for their conservation land.
Votes taken and results:
None taken.
Other committee remarks:
Paul--great programs offered through Monadnock Institute at FPC.
Next Meeting: July 28, 2003
Chairman: Paul.
On agenda: Bob Boynton from NHACC and New Ipswich Conservation Commission will come to speak.
Minutes posted and/or sent out to members: 06/26/03
Minutes sent to Selectmen’s Office: 8/4/03
Meeting Adjourned at: 9:00 p.m. Motion made by: Paul Kotila
Seconded by: Fred Slavic. Vote Tally: Unan.
Signed: Jeanne Sable, Secretary
| 
