Conservation Commission

Laconia Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes- Nov. 1, 2023 Meeting Called to order at 6:00pm Roll call: Dean Anson, Mike Foote, Bob Harrington, Rick Ball, Deb Williams Staff in attendance: Kathy Menici Salute to Flag Acceptance of minutes from October 18, 2023 meeting- minutes were reviewed; Mike F. made a motion to accept minutes as presented. Bob H. seconded. Voted and accepted unanimously. New Business: Dean A. described some of our goals for the Con. Comm. to Kathy M. Dean A. explained about our work at the boat ramps, rain gardens, and our easements. The city has to put in 20% of the cost of the project at the end of Gale Ave. Kathy M. explained that the past Con. Comms. she has worked with have collaborated with their city councils on goals for their cities. She expects to begin work on writing a new planning part to the city master plan, with 5-10 year goals. Mike F. talked about our work with past planners. He said it doesn’t seem like our input on projects is perceived as important as it used to be. Kathy M. said the planning department has been hindered by the lack of two support positions. Our tech position has been open for 5 months. Position has been advertised recently again in several publications and online. She wants to see if there could be improvements to the city land-use policies, erosion control, and stormwater management. She would like to revise rules to address new steep slopes issues. Kathy M. is not sure if we should hire an outside consultant to help with Master Plan update. Dean A. suggested we could use LRPC to help with the Master Plan. Kathy M. said they can consult but it will cost extra money. She said the Con. Comm. could look over the NRI to update, we explained we did that not long ago. Dean A. proposed that we see all applications that are submitted to the planning department. The Commission recognized guest Charlie St. Claire, chair of the Planning Bd. He asked why would we need to see all of the building projects. We explained that building anywhere affects our watershed and groundwater. Dean A. is concerned about the lack of communication within the city departments, citing Langley Brook Bridge. Charlie S. is concerned that an additional review from our committee might delay permits. Dean A. explained that when a permit comes in Kalena calls us and we try to see that permit within a day. We will not slow the process down. Kathy M. says we can be added to the TRC list so we can see all of the projects. Charlie S. asks why we need a Planning Bd. liaison; could our meetings be put on YouTube for their Bd. to watch. Dean A. suggests that we can let the Planning Bd. know when we have project presentations and that is when we could use a liaison. Dean explains that we are drafting a letter to City Council to help them understand our goals and concerns for the city’s natural resources. Dean A. thanks Charlie for coming to the meeting, who leaves at 6:45pm. Old Business: We had a discussion on the milfoil budget for our lakes. Dean A. asks if the Con. Comm. can be part of the planning on how that money is distributed. Who prepares the Con. Comm. budget? The City Manager? Kathy M. will follow up on those questions. Dean A. says we need to return the water testing equipment to DES. Bob H. reports that the Housing Authority’s new senior apartments on Blueberry Lane are almost ready. They are paving the parking lot this week. All the invasives on the site have been removed. There are 12 units and they will be open by December. The Authority also owns the house in front of the dry cleaners, by Sunrise Tower. They hope to turn it into four apartments. Dean A. asks if Laconia has a groundwater protection ordinance. We will check on that. Kathy M. leaves the meeting at 7:10pm Other Business: Deb W. shares that we now have spiney water fleas in our water bodies, a new invasive for us. We discuss the need to finish the draft to City Council. Perhaps we should give a 5 minute presentation to the City Council and ask them for a future meeting to discuss their vision of the city in regards to our natural resources and environment. We will meet on Nov. 15th, in the small conference room for a working meeting to finish the letter. Deb W. motioned to adjourn, Mike F. seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 7:46pm Minutes respectively submitted by Deb Williams