Town of Auburn

Conservation Commission

September 23, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:01 pm with Jill Morrison, Jeff Porter, Ann Gagnon, Jacquelyn Cote, Chuck Joy, Paul Raiche, Mary Brundage (SNHPC), Amy Kizak (SNHPC), and Duffy Smiley (entered at 7:10).

Comments were made on the SNHPC Auburn Open Space Plan.  A few corrections to the draft were submitted by ACC members, and Mary & Amy discussed the goals of the plan.  They will give us an updated map with lot numbers for targeted land.  We will get hard copies of the plan for the ACC & Town Hall (Carrie).  Chuck Joy will discuss with Bill Herman the best use of the plan with/ for Planning & Zoning, Town Master Plan and if there is a formal process to officially adopt the plan.  

There was a brief discussion about future meeting dates.  The town website states the second Wednesday, we will discuss again at the next meeting.

Duffy Smiley brought everyone up to date on the L-CHIP grant process and its potential use for an easement on the Audubon property.  The Audubon now wants substantially more that they previously indicated for an easement.  They are looking for $9000.00 to total of around $1,000,000.00 based on an appraisal they have.  It was not clear exactly what the appraisal was based on.  (Al Cote enters at 7:30)  The L-CHIP deadline is 10/16/09 and it is unlikely that we will be able to take advantage of it for the Audubon land.  Conservation easements purchased to date have been around 20% of the Audubon asking price.  Al Cote suggested that it would be difficult to find any land in Auburn with development rights valued at $9000/ acre.  To proceed further on the Audubon land we will need to at least review their appraisal and may need a new independent appraisal before decisions. 

Jeff Porter attended the last planning board meeting and recounted what happened when Martel presented the Chester Hills subdivision.  There were a number if issues: concerned abutters, last minute changes to the plan, a question of a bait and switch with the conservation land, a density swap with an abutting development, cul-de-sac length, and additional points of egress.  Alan Cote elaborated on why the planning board had some safety concerns with cul-de-sac & egress issues.  He also explained their position on density swap, lot line adjustments, wetland buffers, and potential requirements to get a subdivision approved.  Duffy brought up the subdivision renewal deadlines for the Jean Gagnon / JEMCO property, and Al Cote stated that it was 3 month, and may change to a cluster development.    Ann suggested that we keep DES informed of the changes developing with this project and will contact DES.  The abutters described a wide variety of wildlife seen on the property and showed a lot of emotion at the meeting.  The original site walk was also discussed and how the original plan was "sold" on low density.  Chuck Joy stated that the ACC has never approved anything regarding Chester Hills.  Everything that has been presented to date has been informational.

OSC - C. Joy asked for thoughts on the reformed sub committee.  (Someone) said that they need to follow the SNHPC plan, and also focus more on grants.

Duffy motioned to adjourn, and Ann Gagnon seconded at 7:59pm.