TOWN OF BELMONT, NH CONSERVATION COMMISSION Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Belmont Corner Meeting House Belmont, New Hampshire Present: Absent: Staff:

Chairman Kenneth Knowlton; Vice Chair Laurel Day; Members Denise Naiva and Paul Schmidt. Scott Rolfe, Keith Bennett and Ronald Cormier Ex-Officio. Richard Ball and Candace Daigle.

The chairman established a quorum, called the meeting to order at 6:35p.m. and welcomed those in attendance. R. Ball noted that S. Rolfe called and was not sure he would be back in time for the meeting as he is in transit from Virginia. Jeff Marden Town Forest Belmont High School seniors Alexandra Lugar and Chayleigh Cadarette were present to announce their completion of a new bridge in the Town Forest. They explained that they started construction on Tuesday of last week and finished on Wednesday. They installed the decking on the first day and completed through the handrails on day two. They had no construction experience and it was a learning process. Their fathers, Ms. Tardugno their advisor and R. Ball assisted. They showed pictures of the finished bridge. This project will help them receive diplomas of distinction which is above and beyond a traditional diploma. For the diploma of distinction they have to meet the minimum requirements for credits, including credits of honor and community service. They built the bridge for the Cross Country and Track Teams and did so in memory of Ms. Roach who recently passed away. They will be placing a plaque on the bridge. Chairman Knowlton suggested the plaque also include their names as builders. Mr. Mitchell from the school will be filling in the dips at the two edges of the bridge with stone dust to make it fully accessible. The Board applauded the young women for their work on this valuable addition to the Forest. NH Department of Environmental Services Applications • Mr. Joseph Rolfe presented the details of his DES application and requested the Commission’s support. This application is part of their multi-year rehabilitation of the Rolfe Farm at 522 Laconia Road. The primary purpose of this application will be the installation of a farm pond for irrigation and the management and appropriate crossing of drainage areas. Chairman Knowlton acknowledged that the Rolfe’s have been doing a fantastic job on the property to date. Mr. Rolfe explained that they are trying to establish an apple orchard. They’ve recently continued the planting scheme with 5,000 trees which, admittedly, still look like “twigs”. It’s a huge investment in funds and time. They have had most of the wetlands delineated. He continued to explain the details of the project. They have been working for several years with 143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, NH 03220 [email protected] (603)267-8300x119 (603)267-8307-Fax www.belmontnh.org MINUTES ISSUED IN DRAFT-SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT/ADOPTION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING-MINUTES AVAILABLE 05/07/15

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NRCS and have met with NH DES for the pre-application on this proposal. DES felt it is a good project, but having the Commission’s approval will shave 45 days off the review time which will help the project be completed this year. They’ve worked with NRCS for four years and have done test wells and monitoring to gauge the best area for a successful pond designed by the NRCS engineer. The project is permitted as they are impacting poorly, but not very poorly drained soils. The main item is the installation of the farm pond, 90’ x 120’ which will be used for irrigation and has a 15,000sf wetlands impact. If he had the pond, he would be irrigating the new trees right now given the very dry conditions. There are also two grassed waterways (grassed ditches). The barn was built in the 1860s and it was literally built in wetlands. He has been trying to restore the structure but it needs foundation work. Thirty years ago the attached tractor barn was demolished and the debris pushed up into a location that blocked the natural drainage swale. This project will remove that debris, reconstruct the natural drainage way and vegetate it to naturally lower the groundwater level at the barn site. This repaired waterway will impact 18,000sf. They will remove stumps and rocks and reshape the waterway to its previous natural slope. Another factor of the application relates to the two knolls you see as you drive by the farm. Between those knolls is a wet meadow where another grassy waterway will be sculpted. Right now you can mow it in June, but they need to improve the drainage for better access. Once prepared this area will be planted with crab apple trees that prefer a wetter soil. This will greatly enhance the aesthetics of the site from the highway. It’s important that the property have “curb appeal” as part of their successful rehabilitation into a “working” farm. The crab apples are a variety being requested by a NH winery. The crab apple trees will produce curb appeal, will produce a quality crop of some 6,000 to 7,000 lbs annually and serve an interested customer base. Lastly, their plan includes one stone ford over a stream to avoid tracking through the stream and other culverts. He went over the application map with the members. One stone ford over the stream to avoid tracks and culverts are also included. He showed the members on the map he provided. MOTION:

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On a motion by P. Schmidt, seconded by L. Day, the Commission voted to support the NH DES application for this project. (4-0)

Members of the Sunray Shores Association were present to open a discussion with the Commission on the status of Lake Winnisquam milfoil eradication within the ponds, canal and inlet of the Sunray Shores development. Mr. David Reinauer presented information on this effort. He noted there has been some cooperation between the Commission and the Silver Lake group working on eradication on that lake. The Sunray Shores Association is looking for any support that the Commission and Town might be able to provide to their similar efforts. Their Association has been treating for milfoil every few years through a matching funds program at NH DES. They have missed the funding round for 2015 and are starting now to plan for a 2016 effort. He noted that boat registrations have a partial return of funds to this State-wide program. There are approximately 100 residents in the Sunray community. They have docks on both ponds as well as a small marina. They are a recreation area for local residents as well as boats that come in off Lake Winnisquam to fish. They have been plagued by milfoil for several years. This is the 3rd season since they last treated. He acknowledged that there is no successful “eradication” of this weed. It’s simply a maintenance program that responds best to frequent chemical treatments and best to diver “suctioning” which is a plant-by-plant removal with the roots. They work in concert with people from across the state. They wanted to get divers in as soon as the growth regenerated after their last treatment, but it was 143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, NH 03220 [email protected] (603)267-8300x119 (603)267-8307-Fax www.belmontnh.org MINUTES ISSUED IN DRAFT-SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT/ADOPTION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING-MINUTES AVAILABLE 05/07/15

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$8K-$10K and the Association just didn’t have the funds for that. In 2013 their treatment was estimated to be $8,350 and the State paid 40% of that amount. However, after treatment, the State mandates testing, the number of tests being determined by the chemical used. That added another $5,000 to that bill. You cannot be sure what the total bill will be until the testing is complete. They have community water and municipal sewer for the lots, so no one uses the lake as potable water. They see a lot of outside boats within the ponds and canal area throughout the summer; a lot of fishing. R. Ball noted that the slow turnover of the water in the ponds and canal might also affect the growth rate and testing parameters. Mr. Reinauer agreed and noted the testing also depends on the type of chemical used by the State. They test thoroughly which is good. Mr. Reinauer presented copies of slides from the Ossipee Lake Alliance which gives an overview of state-wide funding. It showed that the majority of funding comes from municipalities. The Association is looking for some financial help from the Belmont community. He noted that the State’s program to stop the spread of milfoil has been a great success; but boats coming out from areas such as Sunray are “carriers”. These boats are primarily put into the water in the spring and taken out only in the fall; and they go all over the lake. Milfoil also affects property values for the owners and tax base for the community. People are very concerned about water quality. It’s also a huge aesthetic impact. Primarily the Association asked for this meeting to introduce themselves and open the discussion about their milfoil program. They wanted the Commission to know about their efforts and their situation. If there is a process to request funding from the town they would like to get that started. Chairman Knowlton noted that the Silver Lake Association came to the Commission to ask for assistance in purchasing a specific piece of equipment; it was not for a specific treatment project. There is no on-going compact with them. The Commission will have to discuss how it can be fair with other efforts in the community. R. Ball explained that the Silver Lake Association provided their own divers and had them certified to do hand removal. Mr. Reinauer suggested they might contact the Silver Lake Association to see if they could borrow their equipment. He noted that they paid $8,350 for the last eradication and they expect it to be similar in 2016. The funding application round for 2016 begins this fall. They are working with Amy Smagula, Environmentalist in the Water Pollution Division, 271-2248, [email protected] on the process and grants. DES also provides the manpower to man the launches to keep launched boats from spreading milfoil. It’s been very successful. Mr. Reinauer noted that it seemed they can keep it under control if they could treat every two years. There hasn’t been any problem with the treatment chemical used by the State. The best scenario to avoid spreading is to keep the plants shorter. P. Schmidt noted that Moultonboro near Lees Mills has had a very successful program and virtually eliminated milfoil from that pond. It would be nice to contact someone there and see what program has been used. Mr. Levent Duymazlar noted he’s been to several state-wide meetings on the subject and heard many stories on the efforts of others. The Silver Lake Association has never used the dive method before and feels that would be the way to be more successful. He stated that Moultonboro spent 10 times that spent by the Silver Lake Association and used the same company that treated Silver Lake. However, Moultonboro does it every year and they’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Town of Moultonboro has spent a lot of money towards that end. Moultonboro treated chemically and then went in with divers. They are staying ahead of the life-cycle, but they are not eradicating it.

143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, NH 03220 [email protected] (603)267-8300x119 (603)267-8307-Fax www.belmontnh.org MINUTES ISSUED IN DRAFT-SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT/ADOPTION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING-MINUTES AVAILABLE 05/07/15

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Chairman Knowlton stated the Commission would probably try to get a little more information and from what he’s heard, the plan isn’t for eradication, but for control. When it comes to financial support the Commission would have to discuss it. They will do so and determine if there is a way that they can participate. Mr. Reinhauer thanked the Commission and noted that Ms. Smagula felt they would get closer to eradication using chemicals plus divers. He noted that as fall approaches they will be talking more to her to see if they can pin down what it would cost for them to do that. They will get back to the Commission with that information. Their goal is to try to keep it from flowing into the rest of the lake, or even downstream and causing problems for other lakes and towns. R. Ball noted that Silver Lake has almost given up because no matter what they do, they’re downstream from the other lakes and it keeps coming back down. The Commission thanked the members for attending. R. Ball reported on the following: • Linda Normandin has applied for a Permit by Notification at 61 Tucker Shore Road, Winnisquam Lake, and is proposing to replenish beach sand in a 31’ x 36’ area. The application is under technical review. • James McKay, Jr. has applied for a CSPA Permit at 137 Jefferson Road, Winnisquam Lake, and is proposing to remove an existing building and replace with a new structure. Total impact is 8,357sf. The permit is under technical review. Election of Officers: Chairman Knowlton announced that he no longer wishes to be an officer on the commission and would also like to be appointed as an alternate instead of a full member. L. Day suggested that the Commission try to get all members to attend a meeting for the purpose of electing officers. D. Naiva noted the Commission simply needs more members. It’s difficult for members to always attend meetings, but the Commission really can’t function with so few in attendance. More alternates would give the Commission more people to work on the projects. Members agreed to postpone elections and request that all members attend the next meeting for that purpose. R. Ball noted that both L. Day and K. Bennett have been reappointed but need to be sworn in before the next meeting. Board’s Action - Minutes MOTION:

On a motion by D. Naiva, seconded by P. Schmidt, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of March 4, 2015 as written. (4-0)

MOTION:

On a motion by P. Schmidt, seconded by L. Day, it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of April 1, 2015 as written. (3-0-1 w/D. Naiva abstaining)

Current Land Use Boards Applications R. Ball reported on the following past and upcoming land use board meetings. 1. Planning Board a. April 27, 2015 1. LED Construction LLC: Approved 1-year extension of 4-lot subdivision, Sand Circle. 2. Carolyn Bancroft: Approved Doggie Day Care, 68 Tioga Drive. b. May 18, 2015 1. Chris Cleveland: Request for contractors Yard w/woodworking shop, 752B Union 143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, NH 03220 [email protected] (603)267-8300x119 (603)267-8307-Fax www.belmontnh.org MINUTES ISSUED IN DRAFT-SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT/ADOPTION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING-MINUTES AVAILABLE 05/07/15

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Road. 2.

Zoning Board of Adjustment a. April 22, 2015 1. Carolyn Bancroft: Approved Doggie Day Care, 68 Tioga Drive. 2. Dianne (Callahan) Carpenter: Approved to replace an existing manufactured home with reduced setbacks to Perkins Road and Holly Tree Circle, 58 Perkins Road.

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Application Review Committee a. April 16, 2015 1. East Coast Militia Promotions LLC: Proposal for moto-cross track and related parking, 512 & 516 Depot Street. Brought a very basic sketch to the meeting, he’ll need to return to the ARC when he has a better idea of his proposal. KK’s concern would be the fueling. There will probably be a designated fueling space.

Projects • Andrew Sanborn Farm/ Pop’s Woods o Parking – R. Ball noted that he and K. Bennett had hoped that K. Bennett would be able to be at this meeting. He noted K. Bennett works in Lebanon and it’s hard for him to make the meeting times, though. He reminded the members that originally they had talked about parking for the joint Andrew Sanborn Farm and Pop’s Woods conservation areas to be installed near K. Bennett’s property on Rogers Road. After further discussion with his neighbor though, both K. Bennett and his neighbor are adamantly opposed to placing it at that location unless the Town maintains the access to it from Durrell Mtn Road. They are worried about their liability as they currently maintain that portion of the Class VI Rogers Road. R. Ball has been talking w/K. Bennett about possible alternative sites. He asked that the Commission members go out and look at possible sites before the next meeting. Areas under discussion are near the Pop’s Woods sign or a little further towards Province Road and also off Middle Route. It cannot be at the Durrell Mtn Road frontage of the ASF as that area is on the Class VI frontage of Durrell Mtn Road. Two or three parking spaces are planned, at the most, as the Commission does not wish to make a hang-out or dumping area. Having it plowed will also need to be worked out. •

Bean Dam/Tioga Ridge: R. Ball reported that he has not yet finished the Bean Dam/Tioga Ridge sign but will have it done shortly.

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Village Trees: R. Ball noted that S. Rolfe, in his official capacity, works with communities on maintaining their specimen trees and recently worked with Belmont’s public works crew for training on pruning and maintaining. While there, he also investigated the loss of a row of maple trees, replanted after an initial loss of the new trees placed during the Village Revitalization work. He found that the trees had been poorly planted. He found large voids around the roots and that the root ball cages were not removed. A lot of dead root damage occurred because of this. The trees were planted by Cameron Sod Farm. The chairman commended S. Rolfe on the thorough, professional job he has done in helping Belmont with this project; noting he is an extremely knowledgeable, experience professional.

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Jeff Marden Town Forest: R. Ball recommended a work day out in the Forest. There are a lot of downed trees and the trails are beginning to get grown-in. He explained that Ron Mitchell had asked 143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, NH 03220 [email protected] (603)267-8300x119 (603)267-8307-Fax www.belmontnh.org MINUTES ISSUED IN DRAFT-SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT/ADOPTION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING-MINUTES AVAILABLE 05/07/15

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about doing some brush cutting when he was bringing materials into the bridge project and R. Ball agreed that Mr. Mitchell could do that. R. Ball also noted that Tim Hayes’ son was originally going to do the bridge as an Eagle Scout project; and may now do an extension of the accessible trail instead. There is quite a bit of erosion and protruding tree roots in that area. Chairman Knowlton asked if the Commission could hire Tim Hayes to do the trail cleanup work as the Commission has quite a bit on their plates right now and cited the river bridge as one large upcoming project. R. Ball will check into the process to hire the Forest work. He noted he had spent quite a bit of time hauling brush from the bridge site and using it to close off the old section of trail that the bridge installation replaced. He said the Forest is getting a lot of use and that several people were there over the bridge project work days. R. Ball will call the newspapers for an article on the bridge placement. Complaints/Violations/Concerns/General Info R. Ball reported that a person complained that there were tire ruts in the Andrew Sanborn Farm field and a hunting blind had been erected and left there. His inspection found no ruts, but there is a blind. He left his card on the blind asking that it be removed. Hunting is allowed, but the blind should not be left on site. Budget/Expenditures R. Ball reported that the Commission spent $130.93 for 10 “no ATV” signs. They will be placed at each gate at Andrew Sanborn Farm and one other used access to the property, and also at the Bean Dam gate (when erected) and one other access there. Chairman Knowlton requested that wire be used in erecting the signs as was done on the Tioga River lot. R. Ball reported that $500 was received from the Sargent Fund for the Scholarship Fund. R. Ball reported the annual scholarship award day will be coming up soon. He will be there and can represent the Commission, but he will also let members know the date in case any can also attend. The members briefly discussed the Sunray Shores Association milfoil funding assistance request. They acknowledged that assistance similar to that given to Silver Lake might be appropriate. R. Ball will provide more background information and the Commission will look for the additional input coming from the Association. Adjournment MOTION:

On a motion by L. Day, seconded by P. Schmidt, it was voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:42p.m. (4-0)

Respectfully submitted:

Candace L. Daigle, Town Planner

143 Main Street, P.O. Box 310, Belmont, NH 03220 [email protected] (603)267-8300x119 (603)267-8307-Fax www.belmontnh.org MINUTES ISSUED IN DRAFT-SUBJECT TO AMENDMENT/ADOPTION AT SUBSEQUENT MEETING-MINUTES AVAILABLE 05/07/15