LYME CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes – July 10, 2006
The meeting convened at 7:30pm.
The following members of the commission were in attendance: James Graham, Dick Jones, Lee Larson (chair), Vicki May, and Adair Mulligan. The following members of the public were in attendance: Rob Finley (Pathways Consulting), Karen Keane, Tom Morrissey, Hebe Quinton, Patricia Reynolds, and Shawn Smith.
1. Visit by Pathways Consulting: Rod Finley from Pathways Consulting discussed plans for construction at the Holzer property at the corner of Highbridge and Pinnacle. The Holzers are planning to relocate the driveway from near the brook to off Pinnacle. A garage and addition are also planned. The relocation of the driveway is desirable from a conservation standpoint. Adair requested that they replace the riparian buffer at least as far as the drainage swale. She will give a list of planting recommendations to Rod. Dick and Lee asked that drainage during construction be mitigated with silt fence and hay bales and that the excess soil be hauled away. Lee will draft a letter with recommendations.
2. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the June 5th meeting were approved (Dick/Vicki). Approval was unanimous.
3. Visit by Karen Keane and Shawn Smith: Karen Keane introduced Shawn Smith of Earth Assets in VT, an appraiser with a specialty in conservation. The Keanes and Treadwells wish to transfer property on Franklin Hill Road and make some changes to the existing conservation easements. Shawn is a consultant to the Keanes. Dick pointed out that changes to the conservation easement involve an interest in real property and thus may require approval at town meeting; he suggested they contact Vickie Davis and Carole Bont. Lee also pointed out that Planning Board approval might be required. The Keanes and Treadwells plan to exchange property, remove one building site, and move the remaining buildable area (of increased size) closer to the road. Currently
two 1.5 acre building sites are listed in the conservation easement. The intended use of the increased buildable area is for an accessory building. The commission requested that a draft of the easement (with the increased size specified and the intended use described) be submitted before a decision is made. Dick also suggested that they put out stakes showing the current lot dimensions and the proposed lot dimensions.
4. Old Business
a. Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) Update.
i. Lee reported that we need a coordinator for local volunteers and that Vickie Davis is interested in the position. Adair moved (second by Vicki) that we hire Vickie. The commission voted unanimously to hire Vickie Davis as the coordinator of local volunteers for the NRI.
ii. Lee reported that we have raised about $400 so far toward the NRI and asked if we should now have David Roby start his fundraising efforts. Lee will contact David.
iii. Watershed and Wildlife is planning to do field work by mid-August. Thus, they need to hold a public meeting in early to mid-August. Lee will contact John and Elise to set a date.
b. Post Pond water levels: Lee reported that the Selectmen had authorized the Town (Dina Cutting) to release water according to the Post Pond Water Release Policy on June 10, 15, 21 and 28. Water was released on June 10, 15, and 21. No water was released on June 28 since when Dina checked the gauge it was under the 3 foot mark. Pictures taken in early July show, however, a major hole in the dam. While it is possible that the missing debris washed away it looks like someone helped dismantle the dam without following the policy. Lee pointed out that the water release policy is working. Adair pointed out that sudden releases of water are dangerous and
have a major environmental impact. Lee pointed out that damage to the dam without following the policy is a violation of state law and the state has in the past assessed significant fines. Tom suggested that consequences by put into place if the dam is further damaged against the policy; for example, the Selectmen could shut the beach down if it happens again. Dick said that he will take suggestions to the Selectmen. Tom requested that others be present to monitor whenever the dam is breached. Hebe stated that it is likely that in August the water level will now be too low resulting in high levels of E. coli and possible closure of the beach.
c. Post Pond/NRI. Tom has contacted Normandeau Associates and requested a Post Pond/wetland evaluation. He proposes having Normandeau perform a wetland evaluation including a one-day site visit. Tom will underwrite the study, which will be incorporated into the NRI. Lee pointed out that legal steps need to be taken to designate prime wetland areas and that the point of the NRI is to be informative; there is no guarantee that legal steps will be taken to designate prime wetland areas. Dick moved (Lee seconded) to accept Tom’s offer to hire Normandeau to conduct a wetland evaluation at Post Pond as long as it is okay with Watershed to Wildlife. The commission
unanimously approved the motion.
d. Wetlands and Easements
i. DES has requested additional information regarding the Kotz project on River Road. Jim Kennedy has responded.
ii. Skiway silt problems: construction at the Skiway is not following the conservation requirements listed the proposal. This is a DES enforcement issue. The Conservation Commission asked Adair to file a complaint with DES.
iii. Hewes Brook boat launch complaints. Lee reported that he had received a couple of irate calls regarding use of the Hewes Brook boat launch. One caller requested that no commercial vehicles and no overnight parking be allowed. Another complained about fumes from a tanker truck hauling water all day from the Brook to fill a neighbor’s swimming pool. The commission decided not to make changes to the use of Hewes Brook boat launch based on these isolated incidents since in general use of the launch is acceptable.
5. New Business: The following jobs were assigned to willing “volunteers.”
a. Thank you notes for NRI donors. Mimi will be asked to draft a “form” letter and send thank you note to all of the donors.
b. Lee and James will install a new Post Pond gauge stake.
c. Adair and Dick will install fencing around trees and shrubs at the Hewes Brook boat launch.
d. Matt will remove new blowdowns in the Trout Pond Forest.
e. James will serve as the new Tree City contact person.
6. Other Business
a. Vicki will draft a “water release policy statement” for inclusion in the Lyme Ministry Town News and the Lyme listserv by tomorrow morning.
b. Lee reported that the UV Trail Alliance has contact him again requesting that the Lyme trails be publicized regionally and possibly nationally. The commission was against further publicity feeling that it might lead to overuse and increased maintenance requirements.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30pm.
Vicki V. May, recorder
| 
