Conservation Commission

Laconia Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes- Jan. 17, 2024 Meeting called to order: 6:04pm Roll call: Dean Anson, Mike Foote, Lisa Morin, Bob Harrington, Deb Williams, Rick Ball (via speakerphone). Staff in attendance: none. Pledge to the Flag Old Business: Acceptance of Meeting Minutes from Jan. 3, 2024- Mike F. motioned that we accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Bob H. Voted on, all in agreement; Lisa M. abstained since she was not at Jan. 3 meeting. Dean A. heard from owners of 492 Endicott Ave. that are planning new development. They will donate 21 acres to put into conservation. Rick B. said that we can help them write it so that their association is in charge of the easement, then they will do the annual reports and any inspections. There was a report of people living in 4 RVs off Wink Rd. in Meredith, next to Pickeral Pond. There was concern about waste run-off into the pond. They are being removed from the property. New Business: The group did some work on the City of Laconia’s Builders Resource Guide, printed in 2012. Lisa M. had found and given us this guide at our last meeting. We reviewed it. Does the city still use and give out this guide? How could we update it? Rick B. suggests we look at the Belmont town Conservation web-site for ideas. Lisa M. has her computer and shows us several of the sites. We had a lengthy discussion on the Best Practices listed in the guide. Some are not being followed now. Some that we had questions about include; Pipes draining directly to a waterbody, snow cannot be stored within 100 feet of a waterbody, vegetation shall be “maintained” with-in 50 feet of water bodies, (what is maintained?). How are these regulated? Rick B. suggests that the “Green Book” be mentioned in this guide. The Green Book helps describe Best Practices and other rules of the state. Dean A. says we should meet with Rob Mora, after he starts, to find out if this guide is still relevant. Deb W. suggests this would be a good time to revise the use of silt socks and silt fences for projects in Laconia. Dean will ask Rob Mora if he can attend our Feb. 7th meeting. Dean A. said that Prescott Farm has agreed to host our Con. Comm. Meeting on June 5th. The meeting will be from 4:30-6:30pm. We will have a tour of their new facilities from 4:30- 5:00pm, and Dean will ask John Rokey to speak. Dean said that Rich Tilton got an estimate on milfoil treatment and the DASH crew for summer 2024. The city has set aside $35,000. and that will not be enough. Dean A. wants to ask the city if we can be involved in the milfoil budget since we have information that could help determine where and how to spend the money. He also wants to make sure we are directly involved in drafting our own committee budget. Dean A. said that there was one application that he reviewed and signed. It was from DPW regarding a slumped sewer pipe that needed to be replaced. Other Business: Mike F. said he would look into Forestry information he has concerning Best Practices. Lisa M. said she had printed out a map that shows all the city-owned property for us to use. On January 26th from 1:30-3:30pm at 70 North, in the Weirs, the Conservation District will host a Farmer-Buyer Meet and Greet. Rick B. said there is supposed to be a public meeting soon on the State School property, but he can’t find the date on any website. Bob H. said that Taylor Community is stock-piling snow, and it probably has a high salt content. Mike F. made a motion to adjourn at 7:30pm. Motion was seconded by Bob H. Unanimous vote by all. Minutes respectively submitted by Deb Williams