Conservation Commission

City of Laconia Conservation Commission Wednesday, September 17, 2025 - 5:00 PM City Hall in the Armand A. Bolduc City Council Chamber Draft Minutes 9/17/2025 - Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER D. Anson calls the meeting to order at 5:12. 2. ROLL CALL Dean Anson, Deb Williams, Bob Harrington, Lisa Morin, and Jen Kreitzer are present. 3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG 4. RECORDING SECRETARY Grey Draper 5. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE Grey Draper - Conservation Technician 6. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS L. Morin motions to accept the minutes with proposed changes. D. Williams seconds the motion. Unanimous. 6.I. 9/3 Minutes 7. NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES APPLICATIONS 8. OLD BUSINESS 8.I. Gale Avenue Rain Garden Members discuss plans for the Gale Avenue Rain Garden project. Members note that rocks in the planting area might affect plant growth, and several potential solutions were suggested, such as using planting sleeves, installing edging, or adding supplemental soil. Planting is scheduled for the week of September 22, although the exact date will depend on weather conditions. D. Anson has arranged for the plants and materials needed. Community volunteers, including Bre Ryan, will assist with planting. 8.II. Con Com Project List The Commission reviews several ongoing projects. For the Lake Host Program, members agree to clarify language in project documents to state that the Commission oversees the program annually. Confirmation is needed as to whether City Council approval is required to accept small grants related to the program. Regarding Conservation Easements, the Commission confirms that the Lafayette property easement has been completed. D. Anson notes that three City Councilors recently expressed appreciation for the Commission’s efforts to educate them on conservation topics, such as the value of vernal pools. The Commission agrees to continue providing educational outreach, especially as regulations evolve. 8.III. Intermittent Streams  the program. Regarding Conservation Easements, the Commission confirms that the Lafayette property easement has been completed. D. Anson notes that three City Councilors recently expressed appreciation for the Commission’s efforts to educate them on conservation topics, such as the value of vernal pools. The Commission agrees to continue providing educational outreach, especially as regulations evolve. 8.III. Intermittent Streams The Commission discusses increasing the buffer zone for intermittent and perennial streams from 30 feet to 75 feet from the top of the bank. This change would align with state standards and provide enhanced protection against flooding and water quality impacts. D. Williams motions to adopt a 75-foot buffer for intermittent and perennial streams. B. Harrington seconds the motion. Unanimous. 8.IV. Langley Brook Study And Remediation The Commission discusses next steps for addressing erosion along Langley Brook. A total of eight erosion sites have been identified. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has indicated that erosion remediation must be completed before dredging in Langley Cove will be permitted. The Commission plans to obtain cost estimates for remediation work and will consider engaging FB Environmental or the Lake Winnipesaukee Association to assist with field assessments and estimate preparation. Conservation funds may be used in support of this work. 8.V. Paugus Bay Drinking Water Project Status D. Anson delivers an update that the water quality buoy is fully operational and providing valuable data. He suggests that FB Environmental include the Conservation Commission on the distribution list for project updates and reports. 8.VI. Water Sampling Of Lake Opechee And Paugus Bay Tributaries Water sampling is scheduled to occur on Wednesday. Depending on the amount of time required, sampling will include either Paugus Bay alone or both Paugus Bay and Lake Opechee. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the sampling work. 8.VII. Lithium Battery Disposal D. Williams notes that Lowe’s offers free disposal services for lithium batteries, which could help residents safely dispose of them. 8.VIII. Composting Program For City The Commission discusses the possibility of launching a citywide composting program as a winter project. Members agree to contact officials in Moultonborough and Matt Rose from the Lakes Region Planning Commission to gather information and explore how such a program might be implemented in Laconia. 8.IX. Status Of Moulton Cove Tree Trimming G. Draper has observed that tree and brush trimming is underway at the Moulton Cove condos. There has been no follow up from their association representative, so the inquiry is considered closed. 9. NEW BUSINESS Pickrel Pond Delineation The Commission discussed hiring a wetland scientist to conduct a delineation study near Pickrel Pond to determine whether the area qualifies for prime wetland designation. Portions of the area are privately owned, so permission from landowners will be required. L. Morin moves to work with FB Environmental to define the scope, timeline, and cost of the proposed study. D. Williams seconds the motion. Unanimous. D. Anson also plans to contact the Town of Meredith to learn more about how its prime wetland designation was established.  The Commission discussed hiring a wetland scientist to conduct a delineation study near Pickrel Pond to determine whether the area qualifies for prime wetland designation. Portions of the area are privately owned, so permission from landowners will be required. L. Morin moves to work with FB Environmental to define the scope, timeline, and cost of the proposed study. D. Williams seconds the motion. Unanimous. D. Anson also plans to contact the Town of Meredith to learn more about how its prime wetland designation was established. 10. LIAISON, SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS, AND UPCOMING EVENTS NH Lakes Presentation on Cyanobacteria: October 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM (Zoom) NH Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Meeting: November 1, 2025, Brook Academy Easement Monitoring Field Skills Workshop: September 26, 2025 NHACC Lunch & Learn Recycling Series: September 23, 2025 11. OTHER BUSINESS ePropel The Commission received notice that ePropel plans to double the size of its facility and workforce in the industrial park. D. Anson agreed to seek additional information about the project. Taylor Community The Taylor Community has recently removed several trees and stumps. 12. STAFF REPORT A property owner at 91 Birch Haven plans to submit an expedited NHDES permit application to repair a retaining wall. D. Anson's signature on the application would reduce the NHDES review time from 25 days to 10 days. D. Anson agrees to review and sign the application to help expedite the process. 13. ADJOURNMENT L. Morin moves to adjourn the meeting. D. Williams seconds the motion. Unanimous. The meeting adjourns at 7:00 PM.