Conservation Commission

Laconia Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes- Dec. 6, 2023 Meeting called to order: 6:00pm Roll Call: Gail Ober (Rep. Planning Bd.), Lisa Morin, Bob Harrington, Dean Anson, Rick Ball, Mike Foote, Deb Williams Staff in attendance: none Salute to Flag New Business: 46 Woodvale Dr.- Mr. Homsi’s representative presents a plan for a driveway apron to abut the roadway. The asphalt apron would run 16’ up the driveway, the rest would be gravel. Many changes have been made to the plans on this lot since Con. Comm. has last seen them. Why haven’t we seen these changes? The building size has been enlarged, propane tank has been buried, pipes and drainage have been put in under and next to building. Water connection has been made, despite the applicant saying there will be no water at site. Con. Comm. sent the application to planning board with positive recommendation for the asphalt apron plan only. Jeff Byrd and Austin DeSantis presented plans for condominium development on 492 Endicott St. There will be 38 units on half of the land. The wetland delineation has been updated. There is a bog in the southwest corner. Wetland buffer impacts 48,000 feet of property. They plan to extend the culvert by the front driveway. Con. Comm. suggests they make sure the culvert and pipe will accommodate any larger rain events in the future. Rick B. asks about alteration of terrain permit. There will be dripline and French drains on each house/condo. They are willing to put 10 acres of the property in Conservation easement, most of it wetland. Rick B. suggests it could be put in a Conservation restriction, which would keep ownership with the condo association instead of the city. Rick B. said they would be responsible to do an annual report on the property. It would be private property and stay protected. It would be a recreation opportunity for the homeowners as there are walking trails. Dean A. offered to have us help draw up the Conservation restriction paperwork. Bob H. talked about his easement, and that they should be sure to make restrictions on motorized vehicles. Rick B. makes a motion that we support the project moving forward. Bob H. seconds. All members were in favor. Mario Focareto represents Lady of the Lakes Subdivision on White Oaks Rd. There are 80 acres, some slopes, some wetlands. The wetlands were delineated this year. There is a dirt road into the property now. They are proposing 46 units on 16 acres, leaving 64 acres open space. There is no public water or sewer at site. They are considering extending Laconia water and sewer line but would also need a new pump station. They could do community wells and septic. Lisa M. is concerned that a community well might overtax wetlands or groundwater supply. Bob H. said existing homeowners might not be happy about having to tie into water and sewer lines if they are extended. Bob H. said the area is zoned R.R. 2 and frontage has to be a certain acreage. The developers would consider putting some of the land in easement or restrictions. There are some recreational trails there now. Gail O. asks about how they would police trails for motorized vehicles. The power line abuts property and is used by snowmobiles. The gun range on Lily Pond Rd. also abuts property. Gail O. suggests early disclosure of that information to potential homeowners. Mario F. said the gun range owner was at the planning board meeting where the development was discussed. They need a conditional use permit for one lot that is in the wetland buffer. Mario F. said he is looking into changing the entrance so headlights won’t hit neighbors across the road. Lisa M. asks about invasive species removal. Bob H. said the property owner to the south is concerned about run-off onto his land. Mario F. said not a lot of water should be shed to that property. Dean A. asks Mario if he can gather more information about the project and return back to the Con. Comm. Rick B. brings up RSA- 477:45, that covers Conservation restrictions, easements, and public trusts. Rick B. explains the different functions of these contracts. Mario F. talked about leaving a tree-line to help with buffer. The association will be an HOA. Mario F. asks about Laconia’s sidewalk policy for new builds. The Conservation Comm. recommends the following to the developer: 1. That they extend and tie into the Laconia water and sewer 2. Look into changing Lot 10 to minimize wetland impact 3. Leave the trails natural, logs across wet areas 4. Request Conservation easement on undeveloped part of property 5. Contact Fire Dept. about one egress Acceptance of Meeting Minutes from Nov. 15, 2023. Rick B. motions to accept minutes as presented. Bob H. seconds. Unanimously approved. Old Business: Discussion of letter to Planning Dept. and City Council. Mike F. made a motion that we send the letter to Planning. Unanimously approved. Discussion of city-owned property on Lafayette St. Gail O. disagrees with Con. Comm. about conserving the lot. If it has a vernal pool it is not developable. Lisa M. discusses the importance of wetlands. Discussion of Con. Comm. budget. Who drew up our budget? What about the Milfoil Budget? Lots of questions on state of our budget and who’s in charge? Deb W. made motion to adjourn meeting. Rick B. seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm