Town of Fitzwilliam
Minutes of the Conservation Committee
Date: 02/23/04
Time Meeting Opened: 7:30 p.m. Rosalind Slavic convening the meeting.
Members Present: Barbara Green, Paul Kotila, Jeanne Sable, Fred Slavic, Rosalind Slavic, Eleanor Vander Haegen
Guests Present: None
Minutes of Previous Meeting: dated 1/26/04 not reviewed. A later email requested revisions, and hearing none, minutes were approved.
Agenda Items:
· 1. Seppala Dredge and Fill: Discussion of Richmond Road driveway. Fred submitted photos of site walk from 2/19/04 attended by Fred, Eleanor, Barbara and Jeanne. A deep depression was observed running perpendicular to the driveway on both sides, with running water on the left side. A black plastic pipe was seen on the right hand side of the driveway. The snow was not disturbed, leading us to believe that the culvert had been installed prior to the most recent snows. A person was observed washing windows inside the house, though we could not determine if it was occupied. Members noted that the location of wetlands indicated on the
drawing accompanying the original building permit application was not accurate. Jeanne made a motion and it was seconded by Barbara that we simply report our observations to the Planning Board. Later in the meeting, a review of recent mail turned up a letter from DES stating that our letter of 2/5/04 pertaining to this project was received after the allowable limit of 14 days from the date a Dredge and Fill is signed by the Town Clerk, per RSA 482-A:11,III. However, the letter added that DES would appreciate any information we could provide, which “will be considered if received prior to a decision on the application.”
· 2. Natural Resources Inventory: Eleanor suggested we take advantage of a free natural resources inventory workshop offered by Southwest Regional, which could teach us how to interpret the maps and better locate wetlands. We could host the workshop, inviting other town boards and interested parties. Fitzwilliam appears “ahead of the curve”, in that we have already obtained the needed maps. Eleanor will ask Jeff Porter about it and try to schedule the workshop.
· 3. Prime Wetlands Designation: We are in receipt of Mel Schupack’s copy of Walpole’s document outlining how this is done. The project would be a good follow-up to the above-mentioned workshop. Prime wetlands designation could offer greater protection for wetlands deemed of greatest importance according to a list of 14 specific criteria. Rosalind will ask Mel about the cost. The Southwest Regional Natural Resources report is a regional example of what we could do on a town basis. It could be included under long range planning. The first step will be to update our Natural Resources Inventory. Then we would have our specific
wetlands evaluated. Finally, we would come up with a plan for the town to protect the areas designated most important. Aerial maps can be digitized and put on CD Rom. A large mylar overlay can then show the wetlands, but prime wetlands can only be evaluated with field work. Perhaps matching grants can be obtained for the project. Paul will look into how the Walpole project was done.
· 4. Land Use Change Tax request: Article in Keene Sentinel was discussed. Gist of it is not to wait until the last minute to protect natural resources. Jeanne will get a history of building permit activity from past 5 years for Paul to present at Town Meeting.
Other Business:
Hazardous Waste Cleanup grants: Eleanor announced an opportunity for federal funds for towns to clean up brownfields not related to petroleum contamination. The sites must not be under ownership of those responsible for the pollution. She will attend a meeting on March 2 at the Keene Library. Suggested sites were the former Aaron Pallet company on Rte. 12, a sandpit in Bowkerville near Tommila’s, where sand is said to turn color when it rains. Also—Nick’s junk yard on Rte. 12, where asbestos had been dumped many years ago, but petroleum contamination may be a factor that eliminates the site.
Town Land Gift: A letter was received acknowledging the gift of land on Map 35, Lot 6, from David and Elaine Love of Sutton, Mass. We will determine location on the map.
Hazard Mitigation Volunteer: Selectmen are seeking volunteers on a committee to per requirements by FEMA for towns enrolled in the National Flood Insurance Program. Barbara Green volunteered. Jeanne will inform the selectmen.
SWRPC Natural Resources Council: Eleanor has been attending this and asked if she should continue as Fitzwilliam’s representative. The Commission was all in favor.
Old Business:
Groundwater Protection Plan —Eleanor—SWRPC turned in a copy of Rindge’s Water Resources Management & Protection Plan that we have been waiting for as a model. It appears to be a draft. Eleanor will ask about it.
Forest Management—Signs for town forest(s)—Jeanne has a check from the town to pay for the signs, which she will mail when Fred receives them.
Newcomers’ Bulletin—No discussion. (Chuck absent). Jeanne has a draft of the document which she will work on with Chuck.
Maps— Jeanne noted that the maps do not fit in the flat files in Margo’s office, and has suggested that cubby hole units be constructed above the cabinets to hold such maps.
Follow-up projects—
Nickerson—Jeanne: Project on hold until spring.
Elderly Housing Rte. 12—Katie—Ongoing.
Bowker Pond island protection— No discussion
Hazardous Waste disposal—Jeanne—No discussion. (Note: Household Hazardous waste collection day schedule for 2004 has been submitted to newsletter.)
Regulation for septage/sludge/biosolids—No discussion.
Budget—No discussion. (Note: Carmen emailed members that we should be able to stay within the amended budget.)
Planning Board—Fred volunteered to attend next Planning Board meeting to present our findings from the Seppala site walk. (Note: Since then, Jeanne learned that the case will not come up until March 16. She will contact members to see who is available.)
Draft of minutes posted and/or sent out to members: 03/01/04
Minutes sent to Selectmen’s Office:
Meeting Adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Motion by Jeanne. Seconded by Rosalind. Unan.
Next Meeting date: March 22, 2004. Paul will chair.
Signed: Jeanne Sable,
Secretary
| 
