Conservation Commission

City of Laconia Conservation Commission Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - 6:00 PM City Hall in the Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Draft Minutes 3/6/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER D. Anson: Called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL The following members were present: Dean Anson, Deb Williams, Robert Harrington, and Lisa Morin. 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG D. Anson led the Commission in the salute to the flag. 4. RECORDING SECRETARY Tyler Carmichael, Assistant Planner 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Robert Mora, Planning Director Tyler Carmichael, Assistant Planner 6. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS D. Williams asked a clarifying question regarding sewer and water at 711 Weirs Blvd discussion from prior meeting. R. Mora confirmed the subdivision would have city water and sewer while the glamping development would be on a private well. D. Williams followed up with a clarifying question regarding density and driveway locations. R. Mora confirmed that units would be single-family, and driveways would be along internal roads and not Weirs Blvd. D. Williams followed up with another clarifying question regarding the applicant’s desire to not perform a tree study or a traffic study. R. Mora confirmed the applicant’s desire to not perform those two studies and intent to seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the tree study, but traffic study falls under DPW’s purview. D. Williams motioned to accept minutes, seconded by L. Morin. Unanimously approved, 4-0. 7. NEW BUSINESS D. Williams discussed the treatment of Lake Opechee for water violet infestation. The State will perform treatment at no charge to the City. Treatment for milfoil in Opechee will cost City about $6,200. D. Williams discussed applying for the NH Lakes Grant for a Lakes Host position for $1,150. With a City match of $1,500, the position should be able to be fully staffed for the season. L. Morin discussed creating a pollinator garden on the WOW Trail. Looking to do a survey of locations and will talk to Wes on the possibility of using WOW Trail location. D. Williams said she could help distribute surveys to schools. R. Harrington provided update on Taylor Community street cleaners.  L. Morin discussed creating a pollinator garden on the WOW Trail. Looking to do a survey of locations and will talk to Wes on the possibility of using WOW Trail location. D. Williams said she could help distribute surveys to schools. R. Harrington provided update on Taylor Community street cleaners. D. Anson asked Planning Staff if City could add vernal pools to a public map if they were discovered on private property. R. Mora advised they must receive consent from the owner to have the pools mapped. He also advised that any future work on the site would require the property owner to delineate wetlands and vernal pools. R. Harrington advised that bears are awaking from hibernation for the season. D. Williams added that ticks are also becoming active for the season. D. Anson asked if Conservation Commission had a Facebook page. R. Mora advised that is a goal of the Planning Department in the future assist with community outreach. D. Anson asked about a computer program developed for flooding and drainage predictions based on surveys of the region and potential rainfall. R. Mora advised he would look into it. 8. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPLICATIONS 9. OTHER BUSINESS 9.I. Gale Ave Rain Garden D. Anson reviewed and discussed conceptual plans for the project. D. Anson advised that more native plants need to be planted along waterline. L. Morin and D. Williams agreed that a plan is needed for what types of plants and landscaping will be done. D. Anson asked if R. Mora was aware of a plan existing. R. Mora confirmed he was not aware and only just received a copy of the plans that day. D. Anson wants a plan for shrubs currently along the waterline but believes they should stay. D. Anson also suggested putting large rocks along the waterline to prevent further erosion. D. Williams expressed concern over what could potentially be in the water that could be crushed by the rocks. L. Morin expressed concern over residents currently using the area and if the large rocks would potentially be in their way. D. Anson expressed interest in talking with Amy Lovisek on construction plans. D. Williams reiterated wanting greater detail in landscaping plans. D. Anson and L. Morin would like to develop a sense of ownership among the residents over the rain garden. R. Mora confirmed that the Planning Department will investigate plans and can’t provide any insight without being better informed. 9.II. MILFOIL Paugus Bay D. Williams discussed the possibility of bringing costs down and that Pickerell, Langley, and Moultons Coves were the primary focus. There is no milfoil on the Laconia side of Lake Winnisquam. Looked at potentially reducing annual funds paid to Winnisquam Watershed Network from $7,500 to $5,000. D. Anson and D. Williams discussed approaching City Council at their February 26, 2024 meeting about goals for treating milfoil in City waters. Councilor Cheney asked them at that meeting if there were plans for surveying any other bodies of water within the City. D. Anson confirmed that surveys weren’t needed. D. Williams said some testing could be performed in various bodies of water if needed. Councilor Soucy provided an update to D. Anson and D. Williams regarding Lafayette Street and informed them that ownership is still being determined. D. Anson advised he would provide a brochure on vernal pools to City Manager. L. Morin offered to bring in several brochures from UNH Belknap Cooperative Extension. 10. LIAISON AND SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS R. Mora confirmed the hiring of a new Assistant Planner and informed the board that the Department is still actively searching for a Conservation Technician. L. Morin discussed various bills currently going through the legislative process in the General Court. 11. ADJOURNMENT  actively searching for a Conservation Technician. L. Morin discussed various bills currently going through the legislative process in the General Court. 11. ADJOURNMENT L. Morin motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 PM, seconded by R. Harrington. Unanimously approved, 4-0.