Harrisville Conservation Commission
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Meeting Minutes

Members present: Harry Wolhandler, Les LaMois, Don Scott, Kathy Scott, Earl Horn, Andrea Polizos. Members absent: Diana Shonk. Members of the public: Winston Sims.

Agenda
Members moved and voted unanimously in favor to approve the agenda.

Election of Officers
Les LaMois moved to nominate Harry Wolhandler to the position of Chairman. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor. For the role of Vice Chairman, Harry Wolhandler moved to nominate Don Scott. Les LaMois seconded. All voted in favor. Subsequently, Harry Wolhandler moved to nominate Les LaMois as Secretary. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

Rain Garden Signage and Educational Opportunities
Members reviewed the site plan map of the Rain Garden, discussing drainage elements, the forebays to catch silt and the permeable parking area. The Rain Garden is designed to better infiltrate water, manage runoff from Prospect Street and control erosion of the boat ramp and the adjacent area. Don Scott explained that the purpose of the design and newly laid materials is to intercept waterflow with the channel drain at the top of the ramp and control siltation and migration of water to the bottom of the rain garden where sand and organic matter will further control filtration prior to entrance of water into the pond. The pervious parking area will serve as an added control of siltation. Members will rely on volunteer donations of plantings for the approximately 400 square feet of surface area to be treated.

The HCC then discussed the design and content elements of signage and the potential need for review by the Historic District Commission. The Committee feels it is still on track for end of June construction and will set up a site visit meeting with the Road Agent as his schedule allows. Members moved and voted unanimously in favor to submit an application to the HDC. In addition, they will talk to the Select Board about any signage issues. The sign will include descriptions of the garden bed, the rain garden and suggested home remedies for stormwater management.

Weed Watcher Training
Mr. Wolhandler noted a training was scheduled for this coming Saturday, June 6, from 9:30-11 am and that registration is required.

Trails and Trailhead signage
Earl Horn updated HCC members that he, Barbara Watkins, Don Scott, Lida Stinchfield and Rich Taylor met to identify trails to include on the preliminary trail map, prioritizing trails that have parking. Talked about the areas that are private versus sections that are Class VI roads. At the next Trails Committee meeting, they will discuss how to generate signs, including possibly purchasing a set of router pencils. This will be discussed further, after which the HCC can look at trails for interpretive sign opportunities.

Reports on action of other committee
Kathy Scott gave a brief update on the gravel pit subcommittee’s work and also noted that the Energy Action Committee is under way. Don Scott noted that no new shoreland or wetland permit applications have been filed. He added that the town owned rail trail will be walked in the coming weeks for planning repairs.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.