Town of Auburn

Conservation Commission

August 12, 2009

Present: Chuck Joy, Chairman, Duffy Smiley, Alan Villeneuve, Paul Raiche, Jeff Porter, Jacqueline Cote, Jill Morrison, Anne Gagnon and Guests:  Keith Martel and David from Southeast Land Trust

Chuck Joy called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Keith Martel began discussions regarding the property at 644 Chester Road.  Two reasons for his being at the meeting were: 

1.      He approached the land trust with a cluster sub-division for a potential holder of the conservation easement of the open space which would allow for better enforcement of the nature of the open space itself being preserved.

2.      It satisfies the component from the mitigation standpoint for his wetlands permit.

In talking with David he found that most land trust organizations are reluctant to hold an easement of property that has any type homeowner’s association associated with it.  More discussion followed regarding support from the Conservation Committee regarding this topic. 

David mentioned problems the Land Trust might face such as:

·      how many abutters are on the property?

·      Home Owner’s Association?

·      It’s a difficult structure to work with – a challenge monitoring the easement.

The Land Trust would like to see a different type of structure rather than a Home Owner’s Association in place.  More discussion ensued regarding this subject.

For the Land Trust a conservation easement being held by the town would be ideal – first choice.  Auburn currently is holding one easement on another property that is now working well for the Conservation Commission.  The Land Trust is a private, non-profit but does pay taxes on the property. 

The conservation commission would support an easement where the land is tied to the subdivision with the deed held by the Land Trust, and the conservation easement held by the Rockingham County Conservation District. 

Martel Builders & Southeast Land Trust leaves at 7:35 pm.

Discussion of 378 Chester Road Property – Rousseau Conditional Use Permit

Chuck Joy visited the property on the way to the meeting.  After a brief discussion on the location of the deck and there being no wetland disturbance or increase in impermeable surface. The Conservation Committee decides they will not contend the placement of the deck.

Alan Villeneuve made a motion to plead “NOLO” on this issue.  Second -  Jeff Porter.  All in favor.

Status of SNHPC Auburn Open Space Plan

 Chuck Joy initiated discussion regarding status, stating that the SNHPC Open Space Plan for Auburn is near completion.  Alan Villeneuve asked about land that may have been previously evaluated by the Auburn Open Space Committee and it was decided that the ACC would evaluate or reevaluate future easements based on the completed SNHPC plan.  Jeffery Proter asked about the current status of the Open Space Committee, and it was decided that the continuation or reformation should wait until we have the completed plan from SNHPC.  Chuck Joy will follow up with Bill Hermann and Mary Brundage on the information needed.

DES Shoreline Application – 136 Appletree Road

Discussions regarding pool permit.  Site walk will not be requested as there is not enough information at this time.  Will ask Planning Board for more information.

Subdivision – West Side of Mt. Miner

Zoned industrial – some homeowners are trying to get the property re-zone without success to this date.

Duffy Smiley is stepping down from the Conservation Commission, leaving the position of Vice Chairman open.

Chuck Joy made a motion to nominate Alan Villeneuve for Conservation Commission Vice Chairman.  He declined the nomination.

Another motion was made to nominate Jeff Porter for Conservation Commission Vice Chairman.  Second – Alan Villeneuve.  All in favor.

Chuck Joy will ask the Selectmen to replace Duffy Smiley’s position on the board with Jill Morrison as a full voting member. 

More discussions ensued regarding Open Space Committee.  This topic would be discussed further at future meetings.

Alan Villeneuve made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Second – Chuck Joy.  All in favor.