Kevin Sullivan Deborah Shigo

Rochester Conservation Commission Minutes of the July 27, 2016 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting Approved 8-24-16

Members Present: Mark Jennings Michael Dionne, Chair Kevin Sullivan Deborah Shigo Merry Lineweber Roger Burkhart Michael Kirwan

Members Absent: Jack Hackett

Staff: Seth Creighton, Chief Planner

Mr. Sullivan convened the regular meeting at 6:36 p.m.

1. Discussion: None

2. Conservation Overlay District: 24 Jeremiah Lane (by Berry Surveying & Engineering) 53-Lot conservation subdivision for single and duplex housing, with wetland/wetland buffer impacts. Chris Berry from Berry Surveying and Engineering, and applicants Walter Cheney and Alexx Schlieder from The Cheney Company presented the project.

Mr. Berry handed out a new plan showing a proposed trail, some areas which are in wetland buffer areas; he also handed out a document that shows the square footage of each wetland buffer impact area. Ms. Shigo asked if there was also a sheet that noted the total square footage of pavement, Mr. Berry said he had not prepared one and could not recall how much pavement is proposed, but that he could provide that information in the future. The Commission had the following concerns: - trails in wetland buffer areas; - utilizing Franklin St as the primary entrance, if this was a secondary entrance there would be less wetland buffer/wetland impacts; - storm water treatment- the large number of proposed vehicles will result in a large load of unclean runoff; - non-contiguous open spaces, suggested locating open space at the rear of the lot so that is abuts a large undeveloped parcel; - lack of a wetlands functions and values report, and lack of pictures of proposed impact areas; - lot configurations – several lots are ½ encumbered by wetland buffers and likely will result in illegal buffer impacts by the homeowners; - non adherence to the Master Plan; - lack of deed restrictions/Home Owners Association documents which speak to maintenance of storm water areas and protection of wetlands and buffers.

Mr. Berry and the applicant said they would work towards addressing these concerns.

The Commission requested a site walk of the property to view the proposed wetland impact areas. It was agreed by all parties that this site walk would be scheduled for 8-14-16 at 8:00am. 3. Dredge and Fill Application/Wetland Permit Application: None.

4. Correspondence (emailed/sent prior to meeting): None.

5. Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber/Intent to Excavate: None.

6. Reports: An update on the status of TRG / PB applications was given by Mr. Jennings and Mr. Creighton. It was explained that many of the applications submitted were deemed incomplete by TRG and as such are not ready to be discussed by the Planning Board or Conservation Commission.

7. Old Business: The Commission continued their discussion about the dissemination of collected Current Use penalties.

8. New Business: a) Mr. Creighton explained that the City holds a conservation easement known as the “Copper Lane Conservation Easement”. South East Land Trust (SELT) is a partner with the City on this easement. Because SELT recently became an “accredited” land trust, they are making sure their previously conducted base line reports meet the “accredited” standards. Mr. Creighton explained that a slightly revised baseline conditions report was included in the Commission packet. Mr. Dionne suggested that the City/SELT send a letter to the properties that have encroached on the easement area. Mr. Jennings motioned to have the City Manager sign the revised document, Mr. Sullivan seconded, all voted in favor. b) Mr. Jennings informed the board that the land containing the Towne Easement had sold and now has new owners.

9. Other Business: a) Mr. Burkhart said he attended a Salmon Falls River trip/meeting and it was very informative. b) The Commission talked about the State of NH’s vote to not require GMO labeling on foods. c) The status of the Ten Rod Farm easement was discussed. Mr. Creighton said that SELT anticipates a September or October closing. d) Mr. Jennings introduced Barbara Soley, who is interested in joining the Conservation Commission.

10. At 9:07 the Commission entered Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A: 3 II (d).

11. Adjournment: At 9:46 pm a motion was made by Ms. Shigo to adjourn, and Mr. Kirwan seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Seth Creighton, Chief Planner