Lyme Conservation Commission
Minutes for Meeting on January 7, 2008
Commission members present: Dick Jones, Adair Mulligan, Matt Stevens, Vicki May, Lee Larson, and James Graham
Public present: Luc Beaubien and Tom Morrissey
The meeting convened at 7:30pm
Finowen Tower Project: Luc Beaubien, presented Finowen’s plan to install a 50’ tower with additional 30’ vertical pole near the top of Pinnacle hill. The Planning board requested comments from the Conservation Commission as part of its site plan review. Matt agreed to draft a letter based on the Commission’s discussion and agreement that the Commission did not object to this particular project given that it has minimal visual impact and will cause no erosion concerns or disturb important habitat, with the understanding that the tower and pole height will remain beneath the tree line.
Prior Meeting’s Minutes: Dick motioned to approve the minutes of December 3rd, Matt seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Site Visits: Dick announced that Planning and Zoning are looking for C.C. input on two projects: (a) Changes to house in the floodplain on River Road near Grant Brook outlet and (b) Renovations to Lyme Inn within the bounds of possible wetland. A site visit was scheduled.
Grant Brook Revetment Project: Matt announced that a wetlands permit has been issued.
Proposed Post Pond Water Policy changes: Dick suggested not making any changes until we’ve decided on our next course of action. James suggested that when we update the policy we should shorten the document and refer to another document that contains in-depth and background data. Dick suggested folding the background information into the Chaffee Preserve Management Document. Lee moved to fund an independent study of the Chaffee Preserve vis a vis the water level of Post Pond and the positive and negative affect thereof for no more than $3000. The motion was seconded and passed. Lee will speak with Watershed To Wildlife to see if they are interested.
There was additional discussion about the Chaffee Preserve and the Post Pond water level and the legal constraints regarding manipulating the beaver dams.
Vital Communities requested our permission for labeling Valley Quest designed for the Chaffee Preserve as “Best of the Quest.” There were no objections.
New Member Search: Adair and James reported that two candidates under consideration were not available. Matt reported a possible lead that he would follow up on.
NRI Public Access: James and Lee reported that the ArcReader program will run on one of the library’s existing computers but that the Library needs a respectable printer for producing output. Lee moved to allocate $500 from the balance of the NRI fund towards the purchase of a laser printer and additional print cartridges for use by the Library. Adair seconded and the motion passed.
Snowshoe Hike: A snowshoe hike is planned for Sunday, February 10th at 1:30 PM. Hikers will meet at Stella’s Restaurant (formerly Nichols Hardware).
Dick moved to adjourn at 9:27. The motion was seconded and passed.
Respectfully submitted, James Graham, Secretary Pro Tem
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