Conservation Commission

City of Laconia Conservation Commission Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - 6:00 PM City Hall in the Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Approved 9/7/2022 8/3/2022 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair D. Anson called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm 2. ROLL CALL Robert Harrington, Dean Anson, Deb Williams, Lisa Morin, Stacy Soucy, Mike Foote (6:30pm) 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG The commission saluted the flag 4. RECORDING SECRETARY Taylor Daigle, Conservation/Planner Technician 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE 6. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 6.I. Draft Minutes 7/20/22 L. Morin motioned to accept the minutes of the 7/20 meeting with one change. R. Harrington seconded. All voted in favor 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS 8.I. Winnisquam Watershed Plan D. Anson discussed some of the features and highlights of the Winnisquam Watershed Plan. L. Morin asked if the plan is going to be discussed/presented at the upcoming WWN social. D. Anson discussed the goals and actions and how they align well with the newly adopted master plan chapter. He highlighted a need for promoting low impact construction techniques and septic system education. R. Harrington asked if we can add any of these new items to the master plan chapter? No, because it was finalized when it was adopted, but we can still work on projects not specifically noted in the plan. The commission discussed some ideas for working on the goals. L. Morin suggested using some type of questionnaire or survey to better understand the needs for environmental education in the city. T. Daigle discussed adding something to the Laconia Links to survey people. D. Anson discussed increasing the commission's work with the schools and teachers of various age groups and writing educational articles for the Daily Sun. D. Williams asked about a calendar of environmental events that could be used/distributed to people. 8.II. Gale Ave - 319 Grant D. Anson discussed the Gale Ave 319 Grant project, identified and organized by the WWN and Laconia Parks and Rec. The project entails a rain garden, revegetated swale, and some grading to reduce  could be used/distributed to people. 8.II. Gale Ave - 319 Grant D. Anson discussed the Gale Ave 319 Grant project, identified and organized by the WWN and Laconia Parks and Rec. The project entails a rain garden, revegetated swale, and some grading to reduce erosion of the park. The city is committed to matching 40% of the funds for the improvements. T. Daigle will connect with Parks and Rec and get some more information on the timeline of any work to be done. 8.III. Joint ConCom Meetings D. Anson asked the commission about how they felt about having joint meetings with other local conservation commissions to stay up to date on issues around us. L. Morin mentions that we could recommend a lunch/table topic like this at the next annual NHACC meeting, and she will contact NHACC about doing so. Another option discussed was that the WWN should host a conservation commission meeting with the surrounding towns involved/impacted by the adopted plan. 9. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPLICATIONS 9.I. Wetland EXP - 94 Chapin Terrace 10. OTHER BUSINESS D. Williams discussed the Lake Host program and verified with T. Daigle that Laconia got the NH Lakes invoice for payments. There is discussion about the power loading issues and long-term fixes for the boat ramp. T. Daigle will work with DPW on a plan of action. 11. LIAISON AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS S. Soucy discussed the recent panning board meeting. There was an abutter to the Elm Street boundary- line adjustment application that was very concerned about development and endangered species on the property. At the time, we are not aware of development plans for the two lots. S. soucy also discusses the decisions regarding 224 Endicott St East. They were approved but there are conditions in place for a third- party review of the water issues. R. Harrington discussed the plan for the Taylor community to conduct an invasive species inventory on their property. There is a lot of bittersweet. D. Anson asked if they will be removing the invasives. R. Harrington does not know. Paula Chambers, a resident of the Taylor community, attended and discussed their environmental group’s actions on the campus, including plantings and recycling/plastics efforts. She also suggested that the commission look into having a segment with the NH Chronicle to reach more people in the area. 12. STAFF REPORT 13. ADJOURNMENT L. Morin motions to adjourn at 7:32 pm. M. Foote seconds. All vote in favor.