Milford Conservation Commission: Meeting Minute Archive: 2008

The public meeting of the Milford Conservation Commission was called to order by Diane Fitzpatrick at 7:08 PM.

MINUTES:
Upon a motion made by Hub and seconded by Andy, the minutes of the November 8, 2007 meeting were accepted as presented.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Wildlife Study Requirements - Diane explained that the Planning Board is including in their development regulations criteria regarding the need for a developer of a large parcel to complete a wildlife study. The Commission would like to submit a list of things they suggest be included, along with criteria as to when a study would be required. Rita presented the group with a list of items she compiled from looking at other studies and related documents. Members scheduled a work session to review and edit the list. They will meet on January 17 at 7 pm in the Community Development Meeting Room.

NEW BUSINESS:

Falcon Ridge Open Space (non-agenda item)- Al Williams, President of the Wilton-Lyndeborough Winter Wanderers Snowmobile Club appeared at the meeting to ask about the layout of the Falcon Ridge subdivision's open space that has been deeded to the town. He questioned whether or not the snowmobile club has a trail easement and if it is affected by the location of houses and roads. Diane informed him that the town owns the open space and that the snowmobile club will be given permission to use it. Rita will mail him a copy of the plan showing the open space location.
Diane also suggested that ConComm meet with the snowmobile clubs in the area to determine where they like to ride in town and where their trails are, so that ConComm is aware in case an area comes up for development.
Rotch Town Forest - Forest and Wildlife management plan. Dan Cyr, from Bay State Forestry has historically managed the property. In response to a request for a quote, he sent a letter and work order to do a forest management plan for this property. Diane read the letter and work order to the members. Mr. Cyr suggests that the property lines be reflagged and reblazed, if it has not been done already. He suggests that the lines be redone due to the subdivision of the church lot, the house lots and a tract that was given to the Rotch's son. If the Conservation Commission helps him locate and blaze the bounds, costs would be reduced. In May of 2003 Chris Guida, Chris Costantino and Wayne Hardy had marked the boundary of the Rotch property that runs along the back property lines of the new houses on Ruonala Rd. Conservation Land signs and orange blazes were used. They had also attached the conservation land signs to trees along Melendy and Ruonala Rds. The group discussed visiting the property before and during Mr. Cyr's first visit to the property. They believe that Meridian had marked the bounds and may have posted some conservation land signs. They would like the blazing on the trees refreshed.
Dan also proposes that for $1000, he will do the field work for the management plan and meet with the CC twice, first to discuss what the Commission would like in the report and then to present the completed report.
Hub made a motion that Diane sign the work order with the condition that Rita send a letter with it to Mr. Cyr. She will include information from the 2003 minutes about the work that ConComm and Meridian have done marking the bounds. She will also inform Mr. Cyr that the Conservation Commission members would like to join him on his initial survey visit to help him locate the existing bounds on the property. Andy seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
CIP Process - Chris and Andy volunteered to work on putting together a list of priorities for the CIP committee in order to ask for LUCT Funds to be put into the Conservation Land Fund. The list should be submitted by the end of March, early April. Chris will contact Carol Andrews, Executive Director of the NHACC, for input on what other towns are doing. Rita will send her the contact info.
Keene State Student Stormwater Education Project - 4th grade event day. As part of the compliance with the EPA Phase II stormwater regs, Sarah and Bill have been working with a group of Keene State College (KSC) students to put together a curriculum for Stormwater in the Milford Schools. The students completed their project and the high school and middle school teachers will be incorporating the KSC student projects in the early spring. The Elementary School has asked that the Town do a one day event for all the 4th graders on the projects developed by the KSC students, to that end Sarah is looking for some volunteers to help her do the one day event. She has asked if any one in the Conservation Commission might be interested in volunteering to help. The plan is for the day to be in the middle to end of April - around Earth Day. Diane, Chris and Hub are interested in helping out. Sarah will provide more details when available.
Diva Day - The Commission is interested in participating in this event. When the date is set, Rita will let people know.
Adams St. wetland violation - The Commission has received a standard D&F application for lot 22/73-1 on Adams St. The lot has a very small dry, buildable area. The owner's contractor, when clearing for the driveway cut and stumped trees in the wetlands and buffer. The state has ordered the owner to restore the stumped wetlands. Kevin has also instructed him to restore buffer that has been impacted. A culvert is needed for the driveway. This project will be discussed at the March 13 meeting after abutter notification. ConComm members plan to visit the site on Sunday, January 13 at 8 am. Rita will notify the engineer and some of the abutters.
Membership - Rod Dellafelice - Rod told the group that because of a new full-time teaching position, he will be unable to participate as a full member of the Conservation Commission. After discussion, he agreed to stay on as an alternate member. Upon a motion made by Andy and seconded by Chris, Rod will change his membership level to that of an alternate member of the Conservation Commission.

INTERDEPARTMENT REVIEW: See Planning Board agenda. (These were done prior to the meetings.)

Buknam, M/L 7/26
Cherb/Tractor Supply Company Stores, M/L 9/25-1
Lull Farm, M/L 52/23-2

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Shoreland Protection Act Workshop - There will be a workshop hosted by Arlene Allen, NHDES Shoreland Protection Outreach Coordinator, on the newly revised Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. The talk will be held on January 23, from 6-8 pm. in the Banquet Hall. Conservation Commissions, Planning Boards and Zoning Boards from area towns will be invited. Inviting local engineering companies, such as Meridian, TF Moran, Sandford, etc. was also suggested.

There being no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 9:23PM.

The next regular meeting of the Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 7 PM, in the Board of Selectmen's Meeting Room in the Town Hall.

The public meeting of the Milford Conservation Commission was called to order by Hub Seward at 7:10 PM.

MINUTES:
Upon a motion made by Audrey and seconded by Andy the minutes of the January 10, 2008 meeting were accepted as presented.

APPOINTMENTS:

7:15 - Chris Guida, Meridian Land Services - D&F application for M/L 22-73-1 Adams St.
Chris presented the after-the-fact application to fill 245 SF of wetland fill for a driveway and to restore 2,460 SF of wetland that had vegetation cut and stumped. A site walk had been held on January 13. Notes from that site walk are attached to and part of these minutes. Chris explained that the drive needs a small amount of wetlands filled near Adams St., and that when clearing for the drive the contractor had removed and stumped a number of trees in the wetlands. He pointed out that the state allows impacts to wetlands to allow access to dry areas on lots. The owner plans to revegetate with similar vegetation to what was cut and stumped. [4,780 SF of buffer has also been disturbed. The applicant plans to restore that as well.]

Abutters present expressed a number of concerns:
Linda Kallfelz asked if the wetland line were farther up [east, closer to the lot line], how would the driveway construction affect it? Chris answered that more buffer would be impacted. Even if the wetland came all the way to the property line, there still would not be more impact than would be allowed using a minimum impact application.
  The potential effect of the project on the water level in their yards was asked about. Chris answered that 245 SF is a small amount of fill and that the source of water to their yards is the higher spots on their lots. There will be a change, but a small amount. Linda Kallfelz said that the drive is currently higher than the rock wall that borders the properties. They are already pumping water. Chris said that engineering has not yet been done for the drive, but he expects that culverts will be done for the drive to accommodate the surface water.
  Ken McGettigan asked why the PSNH utility pole was not relocated to allow the driveway to be located farther away from the wetland. There was some discussion over whether or not the trees in line with the pole had already been removed. Audrey stated that the impact to the wetland is small, compared to the value of the large trees there.
  Concern was also expressed by Wayne Barrow and Linda Kallfelz about the impact of running the water and sewer lines to the house. There are boulders out there and a high water table. Chris explained some of the methods used to run the sewer lines. He said that it would be up to the Code Enforcement Officer to make sure the project is done correctly. Blasting in the area was of concern and the blasting that had been done in 1991 was brought up.
  Concerns about the pollution to the brook and wetland were brought up. The hydraulic line that ruptured has still not been completely cleaned up. Fluid was sprayed on the pads and trees.
  Linda Kallfelz asked where the snow would be plowed and was concerned about plugged culverts and impacts to the wetland.
  The abutters also recommended that before projects, owners and/or contractors talk with abutters to inform them of what was happening and to agree on boundary locations. There was some discussion about the locations and markings on trees that had been removed. The abutters expressed frustration with all the work that had been done without a permit.
  Linda and Wayne Barrow also questioned the wetland delineation. This had been looked at a second time. The town could ask that a 3rd party be hired to redo the delineation.

[Discussion was postponed to later in the evening to allow the second appointment to be heard.]

When discussion began again, Audrey stated that she thought that a small wetland impact would be more acceptable than having the large trees removed and was concerned that moving the pole would cause the trees to be removed. At the site walk (see report below), concern was expressed regarding tree removal, the need for culverts under the driveway and the sediment control barriers that were seen. Chris said that right now there are bark mulch berms, which may be better than silt fencing in the cold ground, but he agree that they will need more barriers if they build in the spring. Audrey also asked about the restoration plan. The plan shows native species, such as dogwood, blueberries, ash, and a planting schedule. The plan requires 80% success and monitoring for erosion.

Audrey made a motion to recommend approval of this application with the following conditions:

that the utility pole located near the entrance of the drive be moved so that the driveway can be up as high and away from the wetland as possible;
that an adequate number of culverts be engineered across the drive, so that the drive does not impact surface runoff from the back yards of the abutting lots;
that adequate silt fencing be added to protect the wetland;
that the trees along the driveway not be removed.

Andy seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous in favor

7:45 - Earl Sandford, Sandford Surveying and Engineering - Hollow Oak Lane M/L 7/5
Earl presented a D&F application to fill 1714 SF of wetland for this project at the end of Hollow Oak Lane. He had appeared before the Commission a number of times to request a recommendation for the ZBA. Per the Commission's request he has included on the plan a conservation easement on the western 2.8 acres of the property. He did receive a recommendation from the Commission for the ZBA to approve the project. [See minutes of September 13, 2007.] Earl agreed that they will ask the Planning Board to allow them to not pave the far western row on the lot until necessary; however that section of the parking lot will be shown on the plan, in order for them to get the approval now if the parking does become necessary.

Andy made a motion that the Commission recommend approval of the D&F application as presented. Audrey seconded. Vote was unanimous in favor.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Town Forest Management Plans - A proposal has been received from Dan Reed, New England Forestry Consultants, to do management plans for Hitchiner, Tucker Brook, Mayflower and Patch Hill (if the town votes to incorporate it into Mayflower). Vote is needed whether or not to accept. Audrey made a motion to accept the proposal as presented, including the Patch Hill quote, as long as Patch Hill does become incorporated into Mayflower. Rita will ask that each forest have a completely separate report and Diane will ask for some clarification on exactly what can and will be done regarding the maintenance of the bounds. Andy seconded the motion. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
Dan Cyr, Bay State Forestry, is ready to set a date to walk with the members at Rotch to begin his work on that property's management plan. Members decided to wait for the snow to melt in order to be able to help him find the bounds. This item will be place on the March agenda.
Diva Day - March 8th. Diane will have a table there for SVLT and ConComm. Audrey volunteered to be there from 12:30 - 3:00 PM. Wayne may be available, but does not know yet. Hub might be available. Kim will be available and will let us know what time.
Wildlife Study Requirements - work session was Jan 17th. The draft from this session had been emailed to members. Rita will compile all suggestions for the draft and send it around again. At that time members can decide if another work session is necessary.
CIP Process for 2008 - Andy reported that Chris has sent him a great deal of info and that he and she will be working on it. They need to be ready for the end of March or the beginning of April.
Wildlife sighting reports for the Web site - Andy had suggested adding something to the Web site asking people to call or email in information when/what, etc. wildlife they see in town. Rita will work on creating a form for the Commission's Web site. The creation of a layer for ArcView was also suggested. It could show points of where animals or signs were sighted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Site Walk - M/L 22-73-1, Adams St. - Audrey made a motion to approve the site walk notes as presented. Andy seconded. Vote was unanimous in favor.
Site Plan and Subdivision regulations - Building envelopes. ConComm has an appointment with the Planning Board on March 4 to present a suggestion that a 15 ft. building setback from the buffer be included in their development regulations, in order to prevent buffer impacts due to construction of a building. Audrey and Wayne said that they would be able to attend this meeting. Rita will discuss it with Kevin Lynch.
Membership renewals - Rod, Wayne and Andy are scheduled to appear before the BOS on March 10, 7pm.
ConComm Budget Report. The Conservation Commission town report and budget summary for 2007 were presented to the members. No questions or concerns were brought up.

INTERDEPARTMENT REVIEW: Were done in the office prior to the meeting.

D. Ouellete, South St, M/L 25/35
J. Remson, Amherst St., M/L 26/8
Burger King Corp., Nashua St., 44/13
TDK Realty, Emerson Rd., M/L 48/37

REPORTS:

Conservation Land Management Committee - nothing new to report.
Warrant Articles for 2008 - A suggestion was made to include some information about these in the paper.
Shoreland Protection Act - ConComm held a workshop hosted by Arlene Allen, NHDES Shoreland Protection Outreach Coordinator, on the newly revised Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act. Audrey suggested that people who own and/or live on properties affected by the new law be sent some sort of notification about what they can or cannot do.

Andy moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 PM.

The next regular meeting of the Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 7 PM, in the Board of Selectmen's Meeting Room in the Town Hall.

ATTACHMENT:
Adams St. Wetland Violation - Site Walk

Site Walk Notes: 77 Adams St. M/L 22-73-1 - Wetland Violation
Sunday, January 13, 2008, 8am.
Present: Chris Costantino, Audrey Fraizer, Diane Fitzpatrick, Kim Rimalover, Chris Guida (Meridian Land Services), Nathan Kiner (owner of 22-73), Linda Kallefiz (owner of 22-71), and Kenneth McGettigan (owner of 22-68, 22-69).

Chris Guida pointed out the wetland impact, driveway location, buffer location and house site. Those present were dismayed at the very small size of the usable area. A concern came up that we assured the abutters we would pass on to the building inspector. We observed the slope of the land from the surrounding dry land and the driveway location in respect to stormwater flow. There is only one culvert shown on the plan, very near the road. We believe that several more culverts will be needed along the driveway to prevent water from backing up into the abutting lots. Stormwater already creates soggy lawns and if the stormwater is not given free flow across the improvements on the new lot, there will be flooding issues on surrounding properties. The restoration schedule was questioned. Chris Guida did not have that information on the plan. We need to check the D&F permit and be sure Kevin is aware of the requirement for planting time line and extent prior to the completion of the project.

No evidence of a barrier for sediment control was seen, even though there will be and has been fill dumped along the road. Something more effective than plastic and hay bales, such as a heavy duty fence should be required by whomever is laying the water and sewer lines as well as the driveway work. The impact to the trees along the driveway should be minimized.

The public meeting of the Milford Conservation Commission was called to order by Hub Seward at 7:05 PM.

MINUTES:
Upon a motion made by Andy and seconded by Wayne, the minutes of the February 14, 2008 meeting were accepted as presented. Vote was unanimous in favor of the motion.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

CIP - LUCT presentation - Rita showed the PowerPoint presentation that Chris Costantino had drafted to present to the CIP Committee. It asks that a portion of the funds received from the Land Use Change Tax be designated for the Conservation Land Fund. Members thought the presentation was well done and had some suggestions. Rita will compile the list of suggestions and give that and the presentation to Andy and back to Chris.
Rotch Wildlife Preserve - Forest Management Plan Site walk- Tabled until April meeting waiting for the snow to be gone.
Wildlife Study Requirements - members reviewed and discussed the requirements for an Environmental Assessment and an Environmental Impact Study that Rita had compiled from their suggestions. Andy suggested that the CC meet with the Planning Board at a work session to gain their opinions on what has been done so far.
Keene State Student Stormwater Education Project - 4th grade event day will happen around Earth Day. Rita will let members know once the date is set.
Wildlife sighting reports for the Web site - members reviewed a form that Rita had created for people wanting to report wildlife sightings in town. It was decided that the form would be simplified. People could print it from the Web site or they could email the office and give a report. Rita will keep a log of sightings. If enough data is reported, she could create an ArcView layer.

NEW BUSINESS:

New Member - Kim Rimalover - Kim has been present at three meetings. She also participated in ConComm's display at Diva Day and went on at least one site walk. She told the group that she has had an interest in conservation for a long time and has wanted to become involved for awhile now. Audrey made a motion to ask the Board of Selectmen to appoint Kim as a full member of the Conservation Commission. Andy seconded the motion which passed by unanimous vote.
Town Clean Ups - Rita asked if there is a need for a volunteer clean up activity in any area of town. Andy mentioned that there is a lot of debris along the Souhegan River and suggested hosting a clean-up of the bank late in the summer when the water is low.
Tree cutting work - The town's insurance company has stated that they do not want volunteers working on town properties to be handling power equipment, such as chain saws. Rita will be looking into hiring a licensed professional to cut dead trees that are on or threatening the trails in town.

INTERDEPARTMENT REVIEW: (had been completed and submitted before the meeting)

NH Charitable Gaming - Granite Town Plaza
Commission's Comments: No Comment.
Chappell Properties, LLV 454, Rt. 13 South - 48-8
Commission's Comments: What is and will be the percent impervious surface on the site?
Brown Subdivision, Union Street - 42-37 [This project had been discussed at a ConComm meeting on Nov. 8, 2007.]
Commission's Comments:
The Conservation Commission still has serious concerns with lots 10, 12 and 15 for two reasons.
1. Proximity of the houses to the wetlands on the lots. How will the builders construct a house on lot 12 without impacting the buffer, which is only 11 ft. away? How will they stabilize the steep bank behind lot 15 without impacting the wetland below?
2. Stormwater Management. This project will greatly increase the amount of water flowing to lots 10, 12, and 15. On Nov. 13, 2007 we asked that the lots be reconfigured to locate the wetlands out of the lots and to provide a lot for stormwater management. Lot 12 shows a 14 ft. deep detention pond ~20 ft. from the house. We have suggested using lot 12 for stormwater management only. A house on that lot will take away any opportunity to increase stormwater capacity there if needed.

REPORTS:

Building setback from a wetland buffer. Diane and Rita had met with the Planning board regarding the creation of a 15 ft. building setback from a wetland buffer. The Planning Board supports the idea and suggests that ConComm move forward to come up with wording. One thing that needs to be looked at is the definition of a building. There can be no building in the setback. What exactly is a building? What would be and would not be allowed? There also is a need to think about unusual or creative situations, for example the corner of a building touching a buffer. This regulation will need to go in the zoning ordinance; therefore will be voted on in March of 2009. The Wetland ordinance should also have some of its language clarified.
Conservation Land Management Committee - Jon Thunberg reported in an email to the office that:
- The trail manual [being drafted by this committee] should ready to issue in about 2 months. Thereafter, all editing suggestions will come from inputs from our committee but the document will be issued and controlled by the MCC office.
- Routed trail signs are being prepared for Mayflower and Tucker Brook.
- 15 Information Boards have been built to display single documents (usually maps) along trails or at secondary trail heads.
- A numbering system for emergency use on Town Trails is being studied for implementation later in the year.
- Dead or dying trees in Mayflower will be marked with survey tape for cutting by a contractor to be selected by the MCC office. The same will be done for Tucker Brook and eventually for all town properties with trails.
- A map and other documents have been posted in the new kiosk off Shady Lane in the Mayflower Town Forest.
Warrant Articles for 2008 - Both articles submitted by ConComm for the election passed.

There being no further business to come before this meeting, Andy made a motion to adjourn at 9:15PM.

The next regular meeting of the Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 7 PM, in the Board of Selectmen's Meeting Room in the Town Hall.

The public meeting of the Milford Conservation Commission was called to order by Diane Fitzpatrick at 7:05 PM.

Approval of Minutes:
Upon a motion made by Hub and seconded by Wayne, the minutes of the meeting of March 13, 2008 were accepted as presented.

Appointments:

Marcy O'Connell, Eden Gallant - Holland Farm CSA - discussion regarding the Holland Farm. Marcie introduced herself and Eden and told the group that they are the managers of the Holland Community Supported Agriculture farm at the Holland Farm. She explained the way a CSA is structured. She pointed out that members have the advantage of picking what they want and knowing who is growing their food. They are currently pesticide free and in 3 years will begin the process of becoming certified organic. They are starting with the 5 acres behind the buildings and will expand to other areas from there. There is a waiting list of people wanting to participate in the CSA. When asked about existing trails on the property, Marcie stated that she wants to keep the trails. She talked about a fence around the perimeter with room to keep the trail outside. She has heard from volunteers who would like to help.
Paul Amato, owner of the Holland Farm, told the group that the buildings are being improved. The house is coming along well and the other buildings will be started next year. Current Use was discussed. There is no plan that specifically delineates the exact area that is in Current Use for the property. However, the records in Assessing describe the two buildings each within an acre that is out of current use. Marcie said that they are happy with the buildings there; they are adaptable to their needs and there is no need to tear anything down.
Chris pointed out that this farm is something that the Commission and residents wanted to see happen with this property and that she is glad they are doing it.
Steve Reisland, Scott Brown - Union St. subdivision, 42/37 - Mr. Brown and Mr. Reisland were present to discuss two issues related to this project.
Mr. Reisland explained that he had met with Bill Ruoff regarding the wetland on the lot that is adjacent to Union Street. There is a chronic drainage problem along Union St. and with two abutters. The abutter to the wetland (owner of lot 34/1) has to run a sump pump continuously at this time of year. Mr. Ruoff would like to see the engineers on this project take the road drainage that goes into the wetland to their system, which will take the water out under Rt. 101. They would like to see the wetland drained. Diane asked if there were another solution. A swale along the side of the wetland would direct some of the surface water away from the wetland and into the system. Mr. Reisland believes that the drainage problem is not solely a surface water problem. It is a combination of surface run-off and subsurface water. A swale would at least take care of the surface run-off to the wetland. In addition to the swale, a berm could be created along the line between the abutter's property and the wetland to help keep the flow from coming into his back yard and up to his foundation. Hub suggested putting in an overflow drain that would keep the wetland at a specified level. The wetland would be maintained as a wetland, but the flooding problem could be alleviated. The disturbance that would be created in the wetland to put in the structure would be a temporary disturbance. Diane suggested that they contact the Wetlands Bureau for their input.
The other issue discussed was lot 12. The Planning Board had voted to make the determination that it is a non-buildable lot. Mr. Reisland presented a plan with a blow-up of that lot. Encroachment on the detention area has been of concern, in that there is only a small (11 ft.) area between the single car garage and the detention pond. In order to maintain the integrity of the wetland and buffer in this area, Mr. Reisland offered to construct a stone wall on the buffer line. He would also grant an easement "with teeth" so the landowners would not encroach. He pointed out that there is 7300 SF of buildable area on the lot, which is enough room for the 24' x 36' house and 20' x 20' garage.
Diane said that one of the concerns that the Commission has is stormwater. They have seen stormwater management in other subdivisions prove to be insufficient. If that happens for this project and there is a house on the lot, there will be no room to make adjustments. The lots are small and will probably be entirely landscaped with lawns that are nearly impervious. For this project the entire site basically becomes impervious causing a tremendous increase in the water flowing off the site. Chris pointed out that often models do not work. The Wallingford subdivision has made many adjustments for stormwater management. They have waited to deed their open space to another entity until all their stormwater issues have been worked out.
Mr. Reisland pointed out that the water will flow to outlets under Rt. 101 to Great Brook. He said that the detention basin is designed for a 25-yr. storm, will pass a 50-yr. storm and will just begin to flow over the top in a 100-yr. storm. He also had made modifications that were suggested by the town consultant. DES site specific will be weighing in on the project also. A stone wall is much better than a line on a map. He would be willing to use mortar on the wall and to make the wall fairly tall. The landowner would have almost no backyard, but would have an area for wildlife.
Hub asked if it would be better if the landowner did not own the detention area, if that lot were made smaller. The question arose, however, about who would own that space. Members agreed that they were uncomfortable with the small buildable area and wanted to support the Planning Board's decision to call it a non-buildable lot.
Andy made a motion to support proposal #1 and to not support proposal #2. Audrey seconded and the vote was unanimous in favor. [Proposal #1 was the construction of some sort of an overflow drain that would keep the wetland at a specified level. Proposal #2 was to allow lot 12 to be a buildable lot.]

Unfinished Business:

LUCT presentation for CIP Committee. This presentation has been edited per the suggestions at the last meeting. Members asked how much would be asked for, be it an amount with a cap or a percentage. They agreed to ask for 50%, with no cap. Kathy Bauer pointed out that there will be a meeting between the BOS, CIP and the Facilities Committee on April 28 that she believes is an open meeting for attendance, but not input. She also suggested that even though there are a lot of other town projects being considered she felt that ConComm should still come and propose this to the BOS. Even if the BOS does do not support it, it does not hurt to present it.
Rotch Wildlife Preserve - Forest Management Plan - Members agreed that they would like to take a walk to find the bounds soon, so that when they walk with Dan Cyr they will be able to show him. They set a site walk for Mon, Apr, 14, 9AM. They will meet off Rt. 13 in the area where the Church is going in.
Wildlife Study Requirements - CC has an appointment at the PB work session on May 6 at 6:30 PM. The Planning Board would like to review a draft before their work session. CC members scheduled a work session to prepare for this on Monday, April 14, 7 pm in the Community Development meeting room. Rita will send a copy of the latest draft for member review and comment before the work session.
Sarah had also told Rita that the PB would like clarification on 3 things included in Conservation's suggestions for the Development Regulations.

New Business:

Election of ConComm officers:
Chris made a motion to reappoint Diane as Chair of the Conservation Commission. Andy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Chris made a motion to reappoint Hub as Vice-Chair of the Conservation Commission. Andy seconded; motion passed unanimously.
Forest Management - Mayflower Town Forest. Diane told the group that trees that are dead or dying and threatening to fall on the trails have been flagged by the Conservation Land Management Committee. Any tree leaning away from the trail and not threatening the trail will be left for habitat. Understandably, volunteers can not operate chain saws on town land. An insured professional will be hired. After contacting and pricing a few, the Committee chose Perry Cloutier. Diane estimates the cost to be ~$2000.
Chris made a motion to spend an amount not to exceed $2500 from the Forest Fund for the removal of the trees at Mayflower Town Forest. Audrey seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor.
Potential Conservation Easement - Diane informed the board that Peter Leishman would like to grant a conservation easement on his property on McGettigan Road, M/L 40/2. The easement would be about 3 acres in size and abuts the Tucker Brook Town Forest. A brook runs through the property.
Audrey made a motion to ask the BOS to accept the conservation easement on this property. Andy seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Souhegan River Trail - Andy brought up the fact that he was out on the trail and noticed a couch and a great deal of garbage in beyond the gate at the new parking area. He or Rita will inform Fish and Game.
EPA Phase II Clean Water Act - Stormwater Training Presentation - Rita gave a presentation to the group that she had compiled from the presentations that she had attended. She talked about what the program was about, how Milford has been working on their compliance and what can be done by municipal employees in terms of pollution prevention.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 pm.

The next regular meeting of the Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 7 PM, in the Board of Selectmen's Meeting Room in the Town Hall.

The public meeting of the Milford Conservation Commission was called to order by Diane Fitzpatrick at 7:15PM.

MINUTES:
Minutes of meeting of April 10, 2008. No vote was taken, in that there was not a quorum present.

APPOINTMENTS:

7:15 - George Infanti - owner of Map 8-54-1 - Standard D&F application for construction of a Self Storage Facility, Rt. 13 North. Special exceptions for the wetland and buffer impacts were granted at the ZBA meeting of May 1. This project had also been discussed by the Commission in September of 2002 and June of 2006. George explained that there is currently an old woods road into the property. The road has an undersized 15" culvert that backs up causing water to flow over the drive. The project proposes to replace that culvert with a 4 foot culvert, recessed to create a natural bottom for wildlife passage. The new drive will be higher than it is now. It will be in the same location as the woods road, crossing the wetland in the narrowest area. The culvert has been sized in order to prevent flooding both upstream and downstream of the property. There will also be a gated emergency access to the back (western end) of the lot connecting to his other property on North River Road. 2267 square feet of wetland and 3740 square feet of buffer will be impacted for the access driveway into the property. An additional 4670 square feet of buffer will be impacted to create stormwater swales that will be vegetated. .
Members discussed the project. Wetland and buffer impacts are permitted to allow a landowner access to his property; the Commission had no concerns with those impacts. Back in 2002 the Commission had asked that some of the buildings be reduced in size to keep the pavement out of the buffer. That had been done per the Commissions request. For this project there will be no pavement in the buffer other than the access driveway. The purpose of a buffer is to treat water before it runs to a wetland. The buffer used for the stormwater swales will be vegetated and will allow the slow release of water to the wetlands. The sense of the group present was that they had no concerns with the project as presented. Rita will write a letter to the Wetlands Bureau recommending that the Dredge and Fill permit be issued for this project.
Al Williams, Buddy Dougherty - Winter Wanderers Snowmobile Club (Not on the Agenda) Al and Buddy asked if they could address the Commission. They asked for permission to cut the brush back on the trails at Mile Slip to maintain the trail width. They were referring to the 3 � miles of trails and bridges that had been constructed by the NHATV club. They are currently mapping their trails with GPS units and will give ConComm a map of the trails in Milford. To maintain the 10-12 ft. width that currently exists, they need to remove brush and brambles and can use a tractor with a rotary mower. If the work is done soon, chainsaws will not be needed. Members thought that clearing the existing trails would be a good thing. Audrey mentioned that it could also be good for horseback riding. ConComm needs to remove the ATV signs and put others out there. Diane said that the Conservation Land Management Committee will be doing that. Two kiosks also need to be relocated. The bridge on the road to Mason was discussed. Within 3 years it will need to be constructed. DPW will do the excavation and the Snowmobile Club will do the construction. Bridges need a minimum of 6 feet in width to safely accommodate 4 ft. wide snowmobiles. Also discussed was "You are here" signs with GPS coordinates. Rita will ask Fish and Game about a program they are starting doing that. Al will give Rita the names of any volunteers who will be working at Mile Slip, so that Rita can pass them onto Dawn to include on the Town Volunteer list. Rita pointed out that for liability reasons volunteers cannot be using chainsaws on town land. The mowers will be ok. Al mentioned that the Club could write a letters of support if needed for other trails in town being created, maintained and used as snowmobile trails in the winter.
Buddy asked if the parking lot at Mile Slip can be used to unload snowmobiles. Diane answered that yes, snowmobiling is an allowed use on that property and therefore the parking lot can be used for that purpose.
Al also asked about the location of the trails at Falcon Ridge. Diane told him that there will be a connection through the property, but not where the trail is now. Snowmobiles will have to cross a road at some point.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Environmental Impact Study Requirements - The suggestion to require an environmental impact study for some projects was submitted to the Planning Board and discussed at their work session on May 6. The Planning Board had some questions and input. They asked about the criteria that would be used in deciding whether or not an environmental impact study would be required. Would all, one or a certain number of criteria need to be met to trigger the impact study? They also asked that a study include some sort of discussion with recommendations to avoid impacts. They asked that the Commission get an idea of the costs involved for a developer to fulfill these requirements. And they asked for a "purpose". What will be done with the data? Why would a developer be made to do all that extra work if nothing would be done about it?

NEW BUSINESS:

New ConComm member - Vote to ask BOS to appoint Lise Bigl as a new member. No quorum present; this vote will take place at the June meeting.
Burns Bridge in Tucker Brook - Diane explained to the group that last year during the April flood, the bridge in Tucker Brook had washed away. Dave Wheeler had organized and completed a project to build a 25 ft bridge over the brook to replace it. Per his request on 8/27/07 the BOS named the bridge the "Burns Bridge". ConComm will host a small event to dedicate the bridge. Diane suggested a plaque be ordered, a brief history of the Burns family be read and that there be a guided hike along that loop in Tucker Brook. Lise volunteered to look into the family history. The morning of June 14 was set as a tentative date.

INTERDEPARTMENT REVIEW:

Hendrix Wire and Cable - 14/8 - Old Wilton Rd.
Commission Comments: No Comment
Milford School District - 38/50, Brookview Drive.
Commission Comments: No Comment
Samonas/Ninety-Nine Restaurant - 44/111, Nashua St.
Commission Comments: No Comment
Church of Our Saviour, 52/18-6, Rt. 13 South.
Commission Comments: No Comment

There being no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15PM

The next regular meeting of the Conservation Commission is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 7 PM, in the Board of Selectmen's Meeting Room in the Town Hall.