Conservation Commission

City of Laconia Conservation Commission Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 6:00 PM City Hall in the Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Draft Minutes 6/4/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER D. Anson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. 2. ROLL CALL Lisa Morin, Bob Harrington, Deb Williams, Dean Anson, and Jennifer Kreitzer are present. 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG 4. RECORDING SECRETARY Grey Draper 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Grey Draper- Conservation Tech 6. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS 7. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPLICATIONS No applications. 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.I. NRI RFP Update D. Anson emphasizes the importance of getting the RFP approved to send out for bid. G. Draper mentioned will consult with Rob Mora and Tyler Carmichael regarding the minimum time the RFP needs to be published. Con Com discusses the timeline for publishing the RFP, aiming for a publication date of June 30, 2025. D. Anson proposes that the RFP be sent to FB Environmental, the company that originally submitted a proposal for the NRI. D. Anson confirms that R. Mora and T. Carmichael must review the RFP document before publishing it. Con Com discusses the scoring criteria for evaluating proposals, highlighting qualifications, relevant experience, and cost as key factors. Con Com agrees on the timeline for the consultant inquiry period, which will last until August 29. Interviews with potential consultants will tentatively be scheduled for mid-August, to select a consultant by the end of September. The contract term will remain one year, with possible extensions based on mutual agreement during the project. Con Com discusses the importance of providing a clear timeline to ensure the timely completion of the NRI. 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.I. Opechee Jet Ski Races D. Anson and D. Williams share what they observed during the jet ski races over the weekend, including safety measures used and environmental impacts. D. Williams raises concerns about the potential introduction of invasive species during the event, as racers came from various states and may have unknowingly brought invasive species to Lake Opechee. D. Anson reports that educational materials about invasive species were distributed to participants to raise awareness. Con Com agrees  9.I. Opechee Jet Ski Races D. Anson and D. Williams share what they observed during the jet ski races over the weekend, including safety measures used and environmental impacts. D. Williams raises concerns about the potential introduction of invasive species during the event, as racers came from various states and may have unknowingly brought invasive species to Lake Opechee. D. Anson reports that educational materials about invasive species were distributed to participants to raise awareness. Con Com agrees on the need for a follow-up on water quality testing following the event to monitor potential impacts. 9.I.i. Comments Delivered To City Council 9.I.ii. NHDES Water Sampling Of Lake Opechee 9.II. Water Sampling Of Paugus Bay And Lake Opechee G. Draper provides an update on water quality sampling that has yet to start in Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee, emphasizing the importance of consistent monitoring. Laconia sampling volunteers have been sampling the same locations for over 15 years, with results expected to be compiled by the end of the year. G. Draper reviews that the NH DES lab will chemically analyze all samples, focusing on phosphorus and chloride as key water quality indicators. 9.II.i. Tributaries 9.II.ii. Deep Water Samples 9.III. Paugus Bay Water Department Project 10. LIAISON, SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS 11. OTHER BUSINESS Pollinator Garden Management Con Com discusses plans to engage Glenn Smith's Boy Scout troop to install signs at the WOW Trail pollinator garden. L. Morin suggests that signage be installed to educate the public about the importance of pollinator habitats and the types of plants present in the garden. Con Com agrees to coordinate with local schools and community organizations to encourage volunteer participation in the management and maintenance of the pollinator garden. NH Association of Conservation Commissions Handbook Purchase A motion is made by L. Morin to approve a budget of up to $100 for purchasing handbooks from the NHACC for commission members. The motion is seconded by B. Harrington. The motion is approved unanimously. This will ensure that all members have access to resources on best practices in conservation. 12. STAFF REPORT G. Draper gives updates on ongoing projects, including DASH (Diver Assisted Suction Harvest) targeting milfoil and water violet in Lake Opechee and Paugus Bay. G. Draper shares that Aqualogic is expected to start work in Paugus Bay at the end of June, pending weather conditions. 13. ADJOURNMENT D. Williams makes a motion to adjourn. L. Morin seconds the motion. Unanimous.