Town of Auburn

Conservation Commission

March 11, 2009

Present: Duffy Smiley, Chairman, Anne Gagnon, Chuck Joy, Alan Villeneuve, Paul Raiche, Stephanie Hanson, Jeff

                 Porter and Jill Morrison

Guests:  Ed Fahrenbach

Duffy Smiley called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.   

Duffy Smiley stated that Keith Martel will not be here this evening and neither will Mary Currier. 

The Commission discussed that in the future for minutes that are sealed they should determine how long to seal the minutes for.  Also as a reminder that the minutes are sealed in the closed session and then go to open session.

Easement Fahrenbach Property

Ed Fahrenbach asked if the Commission had approved the wording of the easement?  All agreed that the wording presented by Mary Currier was fine.  Alan Villeneuve did note that all of his questions were answered in regards to composting.  Ed Fahrenbach also stated that the draft easement presented at a previous meeting was drawn up by Rockingham County and they had no part of the wording.

Chuck Joy continued stating he did forward to all the most recent easement draft by Mary Currier.  Alan Villeneuve stated that he was ready for it to move to the next step.  Chuck Joy stated Mary Currier will add Appendix A - which is the meets and the bounds - then she would send a copy to the town lawyer to review and then from there it would go to the selectmen.  Stephanie Hanson asked what the barn size was?  Chuck Joy responded 100x200 max. 

Paul Raiche stated in a previous easement the amount of money being paid for the easement was not in there and wanted to make sure that amount was in the document. 

Alan Villeneuve motion to approve the draft easement from Mary Currier - then finalized version to the selectmen and then for them to forward to the town attorney.

Chuck Joy stated that Mary Currier asked that it be forwarded to the town attorney.

All agreed it would be sent to the Selectmen first and they would forward.

Second - Chuck Joy

All in favor - Motion carries.

(Ed Fahrenbach exits at 7:25 p.m.)

OTHER BUSINESS
 

Disease Resistant Elm Trees (handout)

Duffy Smiley stated the Conservation Commission could purchase elm trees at a cost of $100.00 to plant on conservation land in town.  The Cub Scouts are doing this and thought maybe the Conservation Commission would like to get some and plant them.  Stephanie Hanson suggested we give them to the Boy Scouts to plant?   Alan Villeneuve also stated we could purchase them and have them install.  The other concern raised is a safe place to plant them where they will be cared for.  Duffy Smiley stated she would get more information and bring it to the next meeting.

Announcement -

March 18^th at the Safety Complex, Major Subdivision - Tenn. Property - located off of Harvard Avenue

Paul Raiche stated we would be losing this parcel from commercial to residential if this happens.  Duffy Smiley stated how can the Planning Board consider a change if it is not in the correct zone?  Alan Villeneuve noted the terrain is very steep and rocky. Also stating that at a previous Planning Board meeting this parcel was discussed and it used to be residential and then it was changed to commercial.   Paul Raiche stated to encourage residential in a commercial zone is not in the town’s best interest.  Jeff Porter suggested we could use the prime wetlands study.  After reviewing the map there does not seem to be Prime Wetlands in this area.

Prime Wetlands Study

The Commission agreed that at the next meeting they would work on a plan to educate the public about the importance of the prime wetlands so that next year it could be voted on again. 

Duffy Smiley will find out the cost from Don Dollard to put the first four tiers of wetlands on the maps - all four tiers will need to be color coded.  Also to invite Don in to explain to him what we are looking for. 

Also need to find the Prime Wetlands map that was brought from the Town Hall to the School on voting day to make sure it did not get misplaced.

All agreed that at Planning and Zoning Board meetings the Conservation Commission would use the Prime Wetlands report in assisting them in making decisions in regards to variances.  All agreed that the continued support in attending meetings is important. 

Next meeting will be CTAP April 8 and 22.  Next Conservation Meeting will be April 15^th.

Stephanie Hanson will review the contract with Mark West to make sure we are receiving everything from him that he has agreed to per the contract.  Also requesting that all files be also sent electronically and request CD’s. 

In forwarding information to DES, copies of the maps and supporting information would be sent on a case by case basis.

Duffy Smiley stated that Jarlene suggested having the Prime Wetland map framed and put downstairs where Planning Board meets.  All agreed once it has been color coded this would be a good idea. 

At the next meeting a vote will be taken for Chairperson.

Motion to adjourn meeting made by Alan Villeneuve at 8:15 p.m.

Second by Jeff Porter

All in favor.