Lyme Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes – DECEMBER 1, 2008
- Chair Matt Stevens opened the meeting at 7:32. The following were in attendance: Matt Stevens, Dick Jones, Russ Hirschler, Blake Allison, James Graham, Lee Larson and Adair Mulligan (members) and Lou-Anne Conroy, Tom Morrissey (public).
- The minutes of November 3rd, 2008 were approved as submitted.
- POST POND/CHAFFEE UPDATES
- Watershed to Wildlife Report
Matt presented two copies of the report “Ecological Study Focused on Post Pond Water Level” prepared for the commission by Watershed to Wildlife, Inc. Within the context of the meeting, there was not enough time for all commissioners to review the report and comment. Dick Jones said he arrange for the report to be posted on the town’s web site.
- Recreation Commission Meeting Report
James attended a meeting of the Recreation Commission that occurred just prior to the tonight’ Con Com’s meeting and reported its content to the Con Com. He said the Rec Com continues to pursue the idea of a land swap that would put a conservation easement on Chaffee Wildlife Sanctuary to serve as mitigation for improving the ball field’s drainage. Lee raised the issue of how this might affect the current water level control policy. James said the Rec Com would probably prescribe the current water control policy as part of the easement. Several commissioners questioned whether any conservation group involved in the easement would accept such a condition.
James noted that the project’s projected cost has grown to $190,000 from the original estimate of $90,500 (see Article 18, Warrant for March 11, 2008 Town Meeting).
It was asked whether - given the project’s significantly increased costs and the problems in negotiating an easement such as the Rec Com proposes - an alternative course of action was being explored such as leasing time at the Crossroads Academy field adjacent to Shoestrap Road.
There was also discussion about the water release policy’s future should the improvement project not move forward.
- Chaffee Land Acquisition Covenant
Lee reported on research he conducted regarding whether the original Chaffee land acquisition covenant imposed any restriction on a land swap for some of the sanctuary’s upland area as proposed by Tom Morrissey and Lou-Anne Conroy at the Con Com’s November 3, 2008 meeting (see minutes). He said the original purchase price in 1976 was $16,000. Eight thousand of those dollars had come from a federal grant program administered by the state. The terms of the grant, Lee said, stipulate that the town enhance recreational opportunities beyond what existed at the time of the purchase, such as the trail the Con Com has installed. Lee also noted that the balance of the acquisition funds came from 58 families who contributed with the understanding Chaffee would be wildlife preserve. He said
an opinion from DES concluded that any change in use from wildlife preserve would violate that “implied contract” with the donor families. It was also mentioned that the protection provided by this implied contract might inhibit using the Sanctuary as mitigation for development of the ball field wetland.
Russ asked what steps might be taken to facilitate communication of relevant information from the Con Com to the Rec Com while the latter pursues its options. The sense of the meeting was that the Con Com should be proactive in that regard, and James volunteered to lead that effort.
- Report on Site Visit to Elizabeth Belder Property
Lee reported on a site visit to view a parcel of land across Rt. 10 opposite Post Pond that might serve as a site for new playing fields. Elizabeth Belder owns the parcel. She does not live in Lyme but has expressed a willingness to sell the land. It is a 25.52-acre pentagram-shaped parcel. It is bounded on the north and east by open lands that include Trout Brook and part of the former Wagner property. A series of residential properties fronting Pinnacle Rd. form the southern boundary, and Rt. 10 comprises the western boundary.
Lee noted that the parcel contains wetland as well as upland segments. Whether there is ledge is unknown. He noted the site would need extensive improvement to accommodate athletic fields. . Tom Morrissey, who communicated with the landowner through an intermediary, said he was unable to obtain a proposed selling price.
Those attending the site visit concluded this property would likely not be a good alternative due to the costs of acquisition and site improvements.
4. TRAILS UPDATES
Lee reported that the Upper Valley Trail Alliance’s hike to Trout Pond on Sunday, November 30th was very successful with 20 people attending.
5. Further Discussion of Committees and Leaders
Matt renewed discussion of his earlier proposal to make more use of subcommittees “to get more done and involve more of the public (see Meetings Minutes – September 8, 2008). Lee noted that the Commission’s Bylaws (rev. 1999) allow for four standing committees: lands, programs, application reviews and easement monitoring. Discussion followed regarding whether the lands standing committee also should include trail maintenance. Some commissioners thought it should be a separate committee. Lee pointed out that the easements standing committee included acquisitions and monitoring. The discussion will be continued at a subsequent meeting.
Dick distributed a chart showing land use changes from 1997 to 2008. It shows on an annual basis land use change taxes assessed, acres withdrawn from current use and number of new building lots. The pattern over the time period charted is characterized as one of peaks and valleys. Only $66 in Land Use Change Tax was collected in 2008.
Matt asked for proposals pertaining to future publicity. Adair said she would submit a piece on “ice safety” for inclusion in the next Lyme Community and Church News. It was also proposed that a public winter outing be planned.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted, Blake Allison, Recorder Pro Tem
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