Rochester Conservation Commission
Minutes of the April 22, 2015
Public Hearing and Regular Meeting
Approved 5/27/15
Members Present:
Deborah Shigo, Chair
Michael Kirwan
Mark Jennings
Jack Hackett
Michael Dionne, Vice Chair
Kevin Sullivan
Merry Lineweber
Members Absent (excused):
Roger Burkhart
Staff: Seth Creighton, Chief Planner
REGULAR MEETING
The Chair convened the regular meeting at 6:36 p.m.
Minutes: The regular meeting minutes of March 25, 2015 were reviewed. Mr. Jennings said there a
grammatical error that needed to be corrected. Mr. Jennings motioned to accept the regular minutes with
changes, and the nonpublic minutes as presented; Mr. Dionne seconded the motion, the motion passed
unanimously.
1. Conservation Overlay District: 21 Farmington Rd, Proposed Vehicle Sales Lot, including proposal to
locate stormwater treatment (a rain garden) within a wetland buffer.
Ken Berry of Berry Surveying and Engineering explained the proposal to construct a new used car
dealership and service bay; he continued by saying there will be a reduction of impervious pavement, they
will be adding rain gardens, CB’s, level spreaders, and roof drains.
Mr. Berry stated that he was before the Commission tonight because an area of wetland buffer was
proposed to be impacted, in order to install a raingarden. Mr. Berry explained that this wetland buffer
area has been cleared of vegetation for many years, and currently is home to a leach field. He stated the
leach field will be removed and the property connected to City sewer upon redevelopment.
Mr. Kirwan asked if there will be any trees being cut down. Mr. Berry said there will be one birch tree
taken down.
Ms. Shigo asked if there will be any vehicle repairs and site. Steve Patterson of 21 Farmington Road, LLC
said there will be inspections and minor repairs done on site.
Mr. Hackett asked about snow storage areas. Mr. Berry explained where snow will be stored and how
salts and sands from the snow will be treated.
The Commission voted to support this wetland buffer incursion proposal because the buffer is already
impacted and this proposal will improve the existing conditions, as well as provide for additional
stormwater treatment.
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2. Discussion: Members Mark Jennings and Mike Kirwan shared what they had recently learned while
attending a “Saving Special Places” workshop. Mr. Jennings said he learned that LCHIP properties must
provide a public access. The Commission went into a discussion regarding public access and easements
that are paid for with public funds. Some of the members suggested always requiring public access, while
others did not agree.
Both Mr. Jennings and Mr. Kirwan explained the other sessions they attended at the workshop and gave
the Commission a summary of what they learned.
Other upcoming workshops/events were also discussed.
3. Dredge and Fill Application/Wetland Permit Application:
a) NH DES Wetlands Permit Application: Boston Felt Hydroelectric Project, Salmon Falls River, East
Rochester (Repair and Reactivation of hydroelectric dam)
The Commission recalled this application, or one very similar, being submitted several years ago. They
stated they did not support it then, and do not support it now. They chose not to submit official
comments to NH DES, but believe that NH DES will not issue approval.
4. Violations: Staff provided an update relevant to a potential violation on Rt 202. No new violations
were discussed.
5. Correspondence: An update on the Laverdiere Farm NRCS grant application was given. Staff and
Ms Shigo informed the Commission members that South East Land Trust (SELT) sent an email stating
that the round of NRCS grants that the Laverdiere Farm applied for have been delayed, but SELT
believes that this project will still receive funding, hopefully by late summer or early fall.
** Mark Jennings excused himself from the meeting at 7:45 pm.
6. Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber / Intent to Excavate:
a) Notice of Intent to Cut - Tax Map # 216-4, Northgate Apartments, Route 11
b) Notice of Intent to Cut- Tax Map # 208-2, Vacant Land, Route 11
c) Notice of Intent to Excavate- Tax Map# 207-1, Frank Torr, Route 11
d) Notice of Intent to Cut- Tax Map # 250-15,Lynne Berube, 356 Washington St,
e) Notice of Intent to Cut- Tax Map #209-31, Ralph Torr, Chestnut Hill Rd
The Commission had no concern with these ‘Intent To Cut/Excavate’ notices. The members did request
that Staff ask that DPW notify/involve the Commission whenever City lands were planned to be
timbered.
7. Old Business: The Commission asked Staff to work with Kane Conservation and the IT Department
to place the Conservation Inventory Report online.
8. New Business: Staff supplied the “Standard Operating Procedures” relevant to pursuing and
purchasing Conservation Easements. The Commission will review this document and be ready to discuss
at the next meeting.
Adjournment:
At 8:29 p.m. A motion was made by Mr. Dionne and seconded by Ms. Lineweber to adjourn. The motion carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Seth Creighton, Chief Planner
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