Courtroom at Town Hall
7:30 P.M.
Members Present: Denise O'Dwyer, Andy Powell, Nelson Disco, Lynne Wenz, Janet Cormier, Connie Kreider, Debra Huffman, David Rutzke, Newton Coryell, Harold Watson, Tim Tenhave, John Buckley, Jim Taylor
Also Present: Pete Johnson, Michael Thompson, David Cote, Bill Lott, Rick Cote
Call to Order: Tim Tenhave called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
Announcements and Updates: Tim Tenhave announced that Dick Hinch sent an e-mail in appreciation of the committee's work on clean-up day. Debra Huffman announced that the Audubon Society will hold a bird walk on HHNP on 5/12/04 at 6:30 a.m. Andy Powell announced that the Conservation Commission is hosting a forestry workshop on 5/10/04 at 7:00 at Town Hall and on 5/15/04 they will conduct a forestry site walk on Greens Pond Rd.
Acceptance of Minutes: After several amendments, the minutes of 4/15/04 were accepted 12-0-1, with Nelson Disco abstaining.
Bill Lott's Eagle Scout Project: Bill Lott, a Life Scout, presented a proposal for an Eagle Scout project on HHNP. The project would be to create a map of the existing trails on HHNP using a Global Positioning System (GPS). The map would be overlaid on a GIS grid. It was noted that this format has the advantages of being compatible with other town data and it could be easily updated as the trails are modified in the future. Bill also proposed building a kiosk to be placed at the HHNP entrance parking area, once one is established. The kiosk would contain a copy of the trail map. He expects to complete the project by the end of the summer.
Rick Cote, Bill's scout advisor, met with Walter Warren to discuss the project. Walter approved of the idea in theory and requested that Bill work with the HHNP committee. Walter gave Rick the existing AutoCad drawings and suggested that they would be a good starting point for an accurate database. The plan is for Bill to create a picture file from the AutoCad drawings (topography, boundaries, etc.), scale them appropriately, then overlay them onto the GIS grid.
Nelson Disco expressed concern about the scaling issue and whether the existing data is on a GIS grid. Rick stated that Bill will receive technical assistance on those issues from Comprehensive Environmental in Merrimack.
Janet Cormier informed Bill that Ernie Buck from the DPW has a kiosk prototype that Bill should use to produce a standard Town kiosk.
Andy Powell suggested that Bill contact the NRPC to see if their maps might be helpful.
Tim Tenhave asked if Bill could classify the trails in some way, noting perhaps their condition or difficulty level. Newton Coryell added that noting the condition of trails, particularly which trails are in need of repairs, would be useful. Bill responded that he can put anything on the map that we request. Tim clarified that the committee is not looking for a trail guide, but rather perhaps just a legend on the map.
It was determined that attaching pictures to the map is not advisable since the map will be made available on a web site and downloading pictures can be troublesome.
Janet Cormier wondered if the map could indicate where cell phone coverage is unavailable on the HHNP, as a safety measure. Michael Thompson stated that cell phone service providers sometimes offer demo phones to test their service areas. Bill said he would look into including this information.
John Buckley requested that Bill write instructions for updating the map. Bill agreed.
In response to a question from Tim Tenhave, Bill stated that he would require no financial or physical help from the committee or Town staff. He will work with designated committee members and will return to the committee to provide updates on his progress.
In response to a request from Lynne Wenz, Bill agreed to walk the trails with a committee member before beginning the mapping, since some of the trails are difficult to follow.
Andy Powell requested that Bill's map include the trail through Wasserman Park being developed as another Eagle Scout project. Bill agreed.
Tim Tenhave requested that once Bill's formal plan is complete, he provide a copy to this committee to be included in the committee's files. Bill agreed.
Andy Powell stated that he has spoken with the BOS chairman to clarify the approval process for Scout projects. Scouts should receive the committee's endorsement, get approval from their Scout Troop committee, get approval from the BOS, then take the plan to their district Eagle Board. A motion from this committee starts the process.
Jim Taylor made the following motion, with a second by John Buckley: The committee approves of Bill Lott's proposed Eagle scout project to create a map of existing trails using a GPS/GIS system and creation of a kiosk. The committee recommends that Bill take the proposal to the BOS for their approval. The motion passed unanimously.
David Cote's Eagle Scout Project: David Cote, a Life Scout, presented a proposal for an Eagle Scout project on HHNP. The project would be to create a trail through the Wasserman Heights easement to connect Wasserman Park with the existing trail system on HHNP. He expects to complete the project by the end of the summer.
Andy Powell expressed concern that new trails should not be developed before the Forestry report is complete. The Forestry report has not yet been approved and the earliest the report could be complete is the end of the summer.
Debra Huffman stated that the committee received permission from the BOS in February to move forward with this trail. It was agreed at that time that completing the trail before the abutters move in would wise.
Denise O'Dwyer noted that the Wasserman Heights easement will not be part of the Forestry report anyway, so that trail might as well move forward.
Jim Taylor cautioned the committee not to repeat last year's mistake, when a Scout did quite a bit of planning work only to be told that he could not create the trail because the Town was not ready.
Lynne Wenz noted that Bob Spoerl of the Bureau of Trails walked the proposed trail and approved of it, so it is unlikely that the trail is disturbing any major section of unique habitat and could go around small areas that might be found.
It was decided that, assuming the Conservation Commission approves the funds for the Forestry Plan, Andy Powell would request that Ann Poole begin the habitat assessment in he southeast section of the property. David will begin his work at the Naticook Road end of the trail and by the time he reaches the HHNP boundary Ann should have completed her assessment of the area to be impacted by the trail.
Andy and Tim discussed the DES requirements for trails through wetlands and recommended that David do research on the DES web site. David agreed.
Debra Huffman made a motion, with a second by Newton Coryell, that the committee approve David Cote's proposal for construction of a trail to connect the HHNP with Wasserman Park and that David proceed to the BOS to request their approval. The committee unanimously approved the motion.
Signage Update: Tim Tenhave reported that two of the wetland signs have been removed. The Conservation Commission has provided the committee with sturdier signs to be put up. Denise O'Dwyer, David Rutzke, and John Buckley volunteered to assist Tim with putting up the new wetland signs.
Tim reported that Walter Warren is in the process of ordering the signs approved by the BOS that show permitted uses. John Buckley and Connie Kreider stated that ordering the signs should be a priority because there are still many vehicles driving through the property. Tim and Andy Powell both stated that Walter is being very thorough to be sure the signs have legal validity and can have a long life. Walter has discussed the sign design with the MPD and is seeking approval from Town Counsel. He is awaiting a quote for creating the signs and then will order them.
Trails Subcommittee Update: Debra Huffman reported that members of the Trails subcommittee walked the Wasserman Heights easement trail with Bob Spoerl of the Bureau of Trails on 4/15/04. Bob thinks it is a reasonable approach for this terrain and has sent written approval of the proposed trail layout for our files.
Debra also reported that the subcommittee will be reviewing a template for a Trail Master Plan that was developed by the Central NH Regional Planning Commission.
Parking Subcommittee Update: Andy Powell reported that members of the Parking subcommittee examined the Amherst Rd entrance area with Ed Chase and Dave Lent of the DPW. They determined that it was a reasonable location for a parking area. Ed has sent a rough drawing of the proposed parking area to Walter Warren and to this committee. Actual cutting and filling will have to wait until after the Forestry report for this section is complete. Ed stated that volunteer labor would be appreciated since this project is not in the DPW budget.
Nelson Disco suggested that the outline of the proposed area be marked with tape to assist planners. He commented that abutter input was valuable on the site walk, with one abutter informing the committee of a water pipe under the area and another abutter reporting that woodcock dance on his lawn next to this area. Clearing the parking area will actually enhance woodcock habitat.
Cleanup Subcommittee Update: Tim Tenhave reported that more than 50 people attended the cleanup day, 15 members of this committee attended, and many businesses contributed. Roland Houle provided a dumpster. Pete Johnson led a group on a walk to examine the dams that were recently breached. Another group cleaned the top of Blodgett Hill, but the trash bags were left on site because the ATV could not reach them. Debra Huffman reported that she removed the bags last week but said that the barrel was too heavy for her to empty. Tim reported that he will meet with Ed Chase to develop a plan for removing the larger items, such as car bodies.
Denise O'Dwyer reported that a thank you letter is being prepared for businesses and their help will be acknowledged in local newspapers.
Funding Subcommittee Update: The Funding subcommittee did not meet in the past month.
Historic Subcommittee Update: David Rutzke reported that the Historic subcommittee met and learned that the Heritage Commission has plans for turning the Old Kings Highway into a walking trail. The subcommittee would like to meet with the Heritage Commission to learn more about their proposal.
Various proposals for blocking vehicle access from the HHNP were then discussed by the committee, including plans for gates provided by Bob Spoerl and the possibility of having large boulders placed to block access.
Athletic Field Subcommittee Update: Janet Cormier reported that the Athletic Field subcommittee met on 4/6/04 and determined that at this time the Northwest corner of the property seems to be the most logical location for athletic fields. They believe the area could support three fields with associated outbuildings. Benefits of the area include proximity to electrical service and Town water on Amherst Rd, and relatively flat terrain with minimal ledge. The proposal will include a road in from the Amherst Rd parking area, with additional parking located next to each field. It is anticipated that the fields would not be contiguous. Janet stated that the Forestry report must be completed before planning can proceed. If the area is approved for fields, fields might not be built in the near future but the area should be blocked off for future fields.
Andy Powell stated that the Conservation Commission approved financing the Forestry report but that they are now working with town staff to determine whether a bidding process is necessary. They should have commitment this week, but the delays will add a month or more to the Forester's schedule.
Emergency Plan: Connie Kreider expressed concern that if an emergency occurred on the HHNP the rescue personnel might not know how to find the person. She wondered if the Town was under a legal obligation to have an emergency plan for Town land.
After general discussion it was determined that when people enter any backwoods area they are responsible for their own safety and should inform someone of where they are going. Tim Tenhave will, however, check with the Police and Fire personnel to learn about any rescue plans the Town might have.
Meeting Schedule: The committee decided to skip the July meeting. The meeting schedule for the rest of the year is: June 7, August 2, September 13, October 4, November 1, and December 6.
Proposed Activities: Tim Tenhave distributed a list of proposed activities. At the next meeting the committee will vote on which items they would like to pursue and Tim will present the list to staff to see if staff would like the committee to pursue those activities.
Comments: It was noted that wild turkey hunting season begins today and continues for one month.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 9:42 p.m.