Town of Auburn

Conservation Commission

December 9, 2009

Present: Chuck Joy, Chairman, Alan Villeneuve, Jeff Porter, Anne Gagnon, Duffy Smiley and Paul Raiche.  Guests: Amy Sullivan and Mike McElly(sp?).

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

Massabesic Grant Writing

Proposed matching grant agreement:

·        Town of Auburn 10%

·        Manchester Water Works 40%

·        LCHIP 50% (funding will probably be reduced)

This grant will hopefully supplement any shortfall in LCHIP’s funding.

Audubon wants to sell the easement and cannot write the grant themselves.

More discussions ensued regarding this issue.

The volunteers would like the Conservation Commission to submit the grant.  Chuck Joy aired concerns with the Town of Auburn applying for the grant because the Town could possibly use those funds for another purpose.  Chuck is concerned about coming up with extra monies from the taxpayers of Auburn.  Alan doesn’t have a problem with submitting the grant through the Conservation Commission.  There is an 18 month deadline for the grant.

Drafted mission statement of Auburn Conservation Commission for grant purposes.  The mission statement was updated.  It reads “The Auburn Conservation Commission’s mission is to help with the proper utilization and protection of Auburn’s vast natural resources.  We value our open space, seek to educate our citizens on the tremendous opportunities these natural resources afford us.”

Anne Gagnon makes a motion to adopt, Jeff Porter seconds.  All in favor.

Alan makes motion to support and submit OSI grant as presented.  Anne seconds.  All in favor.

Lover’s Lane Update

·        Excavator cut down tree within 75’ of vernal pool.

·        They will be replanting within 125’ of vernal pool.

·        More discussions ensued.

Open Space Committee

Will be discussed at next month’s meeting.

Audubon status feedback/sitewalk

·        Chuck & Duffy attended the sitewalk

·        LCHIP representatives were impressed with the land

·        Unsure if the entire $500,000 asked for will be available

·        Discussions ensued

Miscellaneous

·        Anne made a motion to approve meeting minutes from October, Alan seconds the motion – all in favor.

·        DES Notices are reviewed.

·        Meeting dates will be moved to the first Tuesday of every month.  Alan makes motion to approve change of schedule, Anne seconds – all in favor.

Site Walk at Calef Road Estates at Pinegree Road – Jemco Builders

·        Walked through the property – walked through proposed cul-de-sac

·        Wetland impact on cul-de-sac area.  There will be an impact due to the slope of the land

·        30 lot cluster sub-division – 250’ buffer the builder wants to eliminate is a Fish & Game Wildlife Corridor

·        Commission objects to the cluster development

·        Builder has shown the right-of-way which is now missing.  Planning Board should force the right-of-way issue

·        Town Zoning states - Cluster developments are to promote conservation of the natural environment and the development of community uses in harmony with the natural features of the land.  Gagnon should be allowed only 15 lots he has now for building

·        More discussions ensued regarding planning board issues, etc.

·        Road is in 250’ buffer on Gagnon property

·        Open space ordinance was rewritten after the Townspeople voted on it

·        Chuck Joy is drafting up a letter regarding objections by the Commission

Alan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Anne Seconds – All in favor.  Meeting is adjourned at 8:35pm.