Allenstown Conservation Commission

Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2004

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Allenstown Town Hall

MINUTES

The meeting began at 7:05 pm

Commissioners Present: Jenna Gray, Dave McKay, Al Heavey, Laura Bonk, Phil Trowbridge

Guests Present: Dave Evans

  1. Approve the minutes of the 12/8/04 meeting (5 min)

    2. Motion to approve the minutes by Dave McKay, seconded by Laura Bonk. The motion passed unanimously.

  2. Present the 2004 Annual Report (P. Trowbridge, 10 min.)

    3. Phil Trowbridge distributed the 2004 Annual Report. The report summarized the major accomplishments of the ConCom in the past year.

  3. Plan projects and priorities for 2005 (15 min.)

The group brainstormed the following ideas for ConCom projects in 2005:
  1. Update on 12/15/04 Planning Board Meeting (J. Gray, 10 min.)

Jenna Gray attended the 12/15/04 Planning Board Meeting at which the plans for the Ferry Street Campground were presented. Jenna Gray gave a report of the meeting and the plans. After hearing of the plans, there was a motion by Jenna Gray, seconded by Al Heavey to "Express disapproval of the project because it is not the best use of the critical riparian habitat and the loss of prime agricultural soils that would result". The motion passed unanimously. The ConCom will continue to track this project to ensure compliance with septic system, wetland, and shoreland protection laws.

Acton Items:
  1. Plan for winter hike in Hayes Marsh in Bear Brook State Park (D. McKay, 10 min)

Dave McKay reported that the Boy Scouts cannot attend the hike because of a conflict. The date will remain the same. We will meet at 10 am at the skier/hiker parking lot. Dave Evans confirmed that a small campfire would be permitted if we decide to have one.

Action Items:
  1. Review Use Change Tax revenues for 1990-2004 and discuss proposed annual cap (10 min.)

Phil Trowbridge presented the warrant article that would cap the annual revenues to the Conservation Fund from UCT at $10,000 per year. The group also reviewed the record of UCT revenues over the past 15 years. The town received UCT payments in only 6 of the last 15 years. The group decided to have a meeting with the Selectmen to discuss the warrant article.

Action Items:
  1. Review wetlands application for Route 3 Bridge design (10 min)

    2. Laura Bonk reported that the wetlands application appeared to be complete and thorough.

  2. Update on Conservation Commission budget account (5 min.)

    3. Phil Trowbridge reported that the Selectmen had authorized a non-lapsing account for the ConCom budget. All of the funds that had not been spent from the 2004 budget were deposited in this account.

  3. Review, Process and Distribute Mail Received (10 min.)

The group reviewed the mail received.

Action Items:
  1. Other business

Dave McKay reported that Home Depot will likely donate pressure treated posts for the Welcome to Allenstown signs. He needs letter to the Store Manager on Town letterhead with the Town’s tax ID number and the number and dimensions of the lumber requested.

Action Items:

Dave Evans reported that NH Division of Forest and Lands cleared 2-3 acres in Bear Brook State Park off Dodge Road for wildlife habitat.

Al Heavey reported that the ConCom should consult with the DES Wetlands Bureau well in advance of the Albin Avenue boat launch work.

Action Items:
  1. Confirm Next Meeting:

    2. The Town Hall was reserved for ConCom meetings on 2/9/05, 3/9/05, 4/13/05, 5/11/05, and 6/8/05.

  2. Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.