Conservation Commission

City of Laconia Conservation Commission Wednesday, August 21st, 2023 - 6:00 PM City Hall in the Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Draft Minutes 8/21/2024 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Dean Anson called the meeting to order at 6:01PM 2. ROLL CALL Roll Call was performed in attendance was Dean Anson, Deb Williams, Bob Harington, Michael Foote, rick Ball, Gail Ober, Tyler Carmichael, and Scott Pelchat. 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG The Salute to the flag was performed. 4. RECORDING SECRETARY Scott Pelchat 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Tyler Carmichael and Scott Pelchat. 6. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS The previous minutes were accepted. 6.I. Draft Minutes 7. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPLICATIONS NO comments were made regarding this item. 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.I. Gale Avenue Plan The Gail avenue project was discussed with both aspects of the project being discussed the proposal of the rain garden (on city owned Land) and also the creation of a break wall area within the waters of Lake Winnisquam the committee stated a DES permit was to be Submitted to DES to allow for this to be done and that financing for this is still being discussed. It was found that the permit needs to go to concord for submittal. Dean stated that they want the project done the Monday after Columba's day. Tyler stated this would be handled. Dean also asked if a public meeting invite to allow for a public meeting at Gail Ave to allow for a discussion to happen where information can be relayed to the neighborhood. And also Dean is searching for a backhoe to allow for the water based aspect of this plan to be done. Dean also stated that certain moneys were decided and how they are to be used for the conservation commission. As it pertains to the actions of the proposal on this site. Tyler stated he would follow up with legal on how these funds would be utilized.  discussion to happen where information can be relayed to the neighborhood. And also Dean is searching for a backhoe to allow for the water based aspect of this plan to be done. Dean also stated that certain moneys were decided and how they are to be used for the conservation commission. As it pertains to the actions of the proposal on this site. Tyler stated he would follow up with legal on how these funds would be utilized. Dean asked about the timeline for submittal and also the public meeting that will need to transpire from the meeting. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. PB2025-009; 1160 & 1182 Union Ave (324-22-8 &1) Sam Foisies Meridian land services gave a site plan presentation provided in accordance to the wetland Conditional Use Permit process. 1160 - 1182 Union Ave. Sam stated that the site consists of two lots one which houses the T-bones and cactus jacks restaurant and the second that houses the former Friendly's Building that was purchased for parking and the housing of the future building. Sam discussed the conceptual that had been presented prior to the planning board. and identified some of the pieces that were shared there. Sam discussed the increase of units since the initial pitch Sam stated the increase is lateral and not vertical. Sam touched upon the work force or employee housing aspects of the project. Sam stated that T-bones and Cactus jacks have decided to move forward with the deck that would over look the marina as well as black brook. Sam spoke about the existing storm water system stating it carries the water but does not treat the water currently where is the new system will treat the stormwater prior to merging with Paugus bay. Sam said they had applied for an AOT permit but were awaiting confirmation. Sam also spoke about applying to the shoreland permit through the state. The Cup is to allow for the impact to the outlet pipe that feeds Black Brook from 15 inches to 18 inches as well as a footing for the deck that will impact the buffer of the brook. Sam stated that the storm water from the friendly's site will now be exiting from the T-bones stormwater system. Dean asked Sam what sheet he was reviewing and it was verified. Tyler confirmed the Black Brook Buffer as 75 Feet. This concluded the CUP portion but Sam also advised the proposal of a deck that will overhang the lower lot of parking but would have a footing that would encroach into the buffer. The Committee asked if the existing and proposed decks would connect and was found they would not. Sam also spoke of the phasing of the development to occur. The committee mentioned some work was happening at the friendly's site and it was found to be asbestos abatement to allow for the Demolition of this building. Tyler mentioned that Code would handle the process for demolition. Dean asked about the remediation process and was looking for an answer that Code could provide. Sam stated that comments would be needed before they go to the next TRC meeting. Deb Williams inquired regarding the parking spaces that may be lost by the expansion of the deck Sam stated no spots would be lost. Sam also stated delivery trucks would not have full access around the building. Lisa Morin apologized for being late and then asked Sam about snow storage and also the impact to the wetland buffer. Sam stated there is snow storage and that the impact would be minimal. Sam did state that minimal change would occur on the tbones side Lisa also asked regarding vegetation removal near the swail on the friendly's side of the property. Lisa asked about abutter notification about storm water runoff. Lisa made several recommendations about the wetland buffer but Sam did state their is no true buffer as its pavement Lisa said either way its a buffer. Tyler interjected and stated that the CUP will be sought on this application to stay in compliance. Dean made a comment that the people on the new deck can see the lake but we cant see our lake so as far as I'm concerned you can take the building down and not put anything there. Mike Foote stated views are not of right. Lisa Morin stated she felt wet land buffers are often dismissed and Rick Ball commented as well as the impact to this buffer would be minimal. Dean asked about some asphalt remediation to allow more greenspace. Mike Foote spoke regarding the Yacht club next to black brook. Rick asked about comments from AOT and Sam stated comments were not yet in. Sam informed the commission that the storm water that exits to black brook is not treated currently and that the new storm water drain will allow for treatment before exiting into the brook via a chambered system. Rick inquired about the 75 foot setback for the buffer and inquired on where the deck truly falls. Dean inquired regarding the timelines to planning board meeting as well as TRC meetings. Dean asked if a site visit is possible and it would be as members could go out individually and or two at a time to avoid a situation where a meeting would be created. Dean spoke regarding comments for TRC from con com the night before the trc meeting. Deb Williams  Sam stated comments were not yet in. Sam informed the commission that the storm water that exits to black brook is not treated currently and that the new storm water drain will allow for treatment before exiting into the brook via a chambered system. Rick inquired about the 75 foot setback for the buffer and inquired on where the deck truly falls. Dean inquired regarding the timelines to planning board meeting as well as TRC meetings. Dean asked if a site visit is possible and it would be as members could go out individually and or two at a time to avoid a situation where a meeting would be created. Dean spoke regarding comments for TRC from con com the night before the trc meeting. Deb Williams inquired regarding the under garage for the new structure. Dean asked about the discharge pipe to black brook and what would like to have there during this. Dean asked for Silt socks , Silt fence, and possibly a turbidity curtain at the mouth of Black Brook. Con Com asked for controls in place prior to activity, Tyler mentioned a pre construction meeting would take place prior to any activity happens. Dean referenced the drinking water intake down stream from this site and how to protect that. Sam talked regarding swwip and also site inspects during the development. Lisa spoke on the landscape plan for the site and also asked if native species and salt resistant plantings be used. Lisa asked about landscape requirements if trees were to die and Tyler stated he believed it would be two years. Dean asked if any invasive species of plants found during development would be removed and Sam advised yes they would be. Dean inquired about the condos and the models in which they would be sold. Dean also inquired about how incomes would be looked at to allow for a basis to rent and or buy into this housing. Lisa Morin asked if the Specialty Salt treatment(green snow pro) for parking lots be used on this site due to its proximity to the water. Sam stated he would look into this. Lisa said this company has a policy that protects the owners who use this. Tyler stated that planning board would decide on if this is going to be a condition. Gail asked if improvements are too be made to the system and the answer was found to be yes. There was further conversation regarding the road trees as well as the development of this Gail stated that not a lot of support from the Citizens on this topic. Also impacts to traffic was referenced by Deb Williams. Tyler stated this was discussed previously. Dean decided to postpone comments until such time a site visit occur ( NON-MEETING ) to allow for committee members to view the site. Sam read back to the board there comments to be observed by the developers. 9.II. Laconia Water Department Tyler stated he had spoken to Ben Crawford on scheduling a new time for him to come to the conservation meeting. 9.II.i. Oil Spill Please see above. 9.II.ii. Milfoil DASH There was discussion of the contract for the remediation of the milfoil and the three lakes that are treated. Dean and Tyler discussed the 7500 price point for the budget for these water bodies. Dean advised that the Lake host is included in this as well. Scott asked about the Lake host and how it operates. Dean also spoke regarding spiny water fleas. 9.II.iii. Cyanobacteria Impact On Drinking Water 9.III. Milfoil For 2025 9.IV. Langley Cove Erosion Issue And Review Of Approved Plans The Langley Cove Project and the runoff from the massive rain event from July 31st were discussed. Dean stated this is the biggest erosion event he has seen. Dean stated he had called DES and spoke to three parties Ridgley Mock, Michael Slautier, and also Jenn Drosiak. Dean stated he sent pics and was advised enforcement action would take place if a formal complaint was submitted. Jenn advised Dean too not fill out a complaint due to the process and results of a filed complaint and that no real result would come of it. Dean spoke more regarding the 75 foot Langley brook buffer. Dean asked if they were in violation Tyler advised there was little planning could do to existing approvals at this time.  The Langley Cove Project and the runoff from the massive rain event from July 31st were discussed. Dean stated this is the biggest erosion event he has seen. Dean stated he had called DES and spoke to three parties Ridgley Mock, Michael Slautier, and also Jenn Drosiak. Dean stated he sent pics and was advised enforcement action would take place if a formal complaint was submitted. Jenn advised Dean too not fill out a complaint due to the process and results of a filed complaint and that no real result would come of it. Dean spoke more regarding the 75 foot Langley brook buffer. Dean asked if they were in violation Tyler advised there was little planning could do to existing approvals at this time. Dean and Rick stated they feel the wetlands buffer has been violated by the developer and it was talked about what would the process look like going forward on this. Tyler discussed what the process would look like and what fines would look like if they were leveed. Also compliancy was brought up and how fines are brought forward. Lisa asked if there was a list of developers with bad reputations and if its possible to restrict work by bad actors(developers). Dean asked if a proposal to Brady Sullivan be made to put a turbidity curtain upstream to allow for any runoff from making it to Langley Cove. Tyler stated this ask can be made to the developer but making them do it is not entirely possible. Dean stated his personal opinion on developers and his thoughts of how to handle the bad actors. Tyler emphasized that con com be has the allowance to make these comments. Dean asked how do we control things when multiple projects are happening at once? Tyler stated that a list is being generated to compile these sites to be inspected. Dean stated when staffing levels were much higher staff would go to these sites to inspect. Scott asked Dean if he understood that this year the staffing levels are not where they should be. But are slowly returning to normal levels. Tyler stated that inspections are necessary and agreed with Dean regarding this. Tyler then explained the findings of His and Scotts sidewalk at the development and that stormwater remediation measures have been implemented on site. Dean and Rick stated that inspections be done as well. Lisa Morin asked if there was a way to put on the City Site any complaints regarding these large developments. 9.V. Date Of September Meeting The date of the September meeting will occur September 4th. 10. LIAISON, SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS Gail stated that a plan from 130 Prescott Ave came before the planning board and Tyler also mentioned that it was approved for a multi family site plan Tyler also stated that we are waiting inspection of stormwater and erosion controls and that DES has concerns on this before we go out to the site. 11. OTHER BUSINESS The committee discussed the Beaver activity at the Water street boat launch and that the Beaver may be living under the dock there. The Lake Host at Messer St was talked about and the aspect that this host will be finishing service after Labor day weekend. 12. STAFF REPORT Tyler spoke regarding the grant proposals that are submitted and what they would be used for if gotten. Tyler spoke on the proposed uses. Tyler also explained the SPOD set back and also explained this is not a buffer but a setback and that last year a zoning variance was received for the set back variance. Dean explained he felt the state is not living up to there end on compliancy. Tyler commented that he is unsure if DES is going to improve there permit. and that he is working with John Rohke on this aspect.  buffer but a setback and that last year a zoning variance was received for the set back variance. Dean explained he felt the state is not living up to there end on compliancy. Tyler commented that he is unsure if DES is going to improve there permit. and that he is working with John Rohke on this aspect. Tyler also stated that he is looking to rewrite the language to make a cease and desist easier to happen. Lisa Morin asked about the Province St site and how controls are at this site. Gail spoke briefly on the 911 Center at Lane Rd and Meredith Center RD. Dean asked about the detention pond that is proposed for this site. Deb asked about a stockpile of dirt at Grant St and Garfield St that was later found to be fill for a construction project on that property. Dean also asked if Taylor Community could be asked to fix there storm water remediation at the site of 2 Taylor Home Dr. 13. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:08PM