Harrisville Conservation Commission
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Members present: Harry Wolhandler, Chair; Don Scott, Vice Chair; Ralph Zingaro; John Sandri; Kathy Scott Select Board Representative
Attendees: Barbara Watkins, Earl Horn, Winston Sims
Agenda and minutes – All voted in favor to approve the agenda and the minutes of the January meeting.
Town Rail Trail Upgrade Proposal – The HCC continued discussion of funding of the repairs to sections of the town-owned rail trail between lower Main Street and Brown Road. The HCC discussed the input from the Select Board that a warrant article is not needed as the Conservation Commission is authorized to spend out of the Conservation Fund. The HCC prefers to at least hold a public hearing on the proposal. The current balance in the Conservation Fund is approximately $60,000. The estimated cost of the project, which will go out for bid, is $18,000.
Barbara Watkins noted the Trails Group hasn’t approached the town for money since the 1970s, when the town purchased the rail trail. They’ve typically depended on the Harrisville Community Fund for support for trail maintenance; otherwise volunteers have pruned trees and maintained trails to the extent possible, but this repair job requires more material and equipment than available. The goal is to return the trail, which is the backbone of the town’s trail system and is surrounded by ponds and wetlands, to walkable and safe conditions for users of all ages. Over time, there has been a buildup of organics on the trail surface, causing muddy sections and poor drainage. Improvements would entail removing organics, crowning areas with material that’s underneath, cleaning out ditches for water to drain better and possibly inserting a couple of culverts.
Kathy Scott will check if highway has available pieces of pipe to help lower or manage costs. Prospective vendors may also be able to donate available materials. Barbara Watkins asked that the HCC consider only vendors who will be very sensitive to environmental aspects of the trail. She thanked the HCC for its support.
On timing of an RFP, the HCC will consider a draft at its next meeting on March 6.. Following this, the HCC will schedule a public hearing to discuss the proposed project, tentatively at a special meeting on March 19 at 7:00 pm, when the RFP could be finalized for issuance. The HCC will also schedule a walk through on the trail on Tues March 26 at 10:00 am, and tentatively scheduled a special meeting for Mon, April 22, at 7 pm to open the bids and make a decision.
Recycling Center Warrant Article – The HCC touched on the proposed warrant article to expand recycling operations at the transfer station for environmental reasons, and for the opportunity to bring in revenue and save on hauling costs. If the article passes, the transition would begin late May.
The Chair noted that the Ordinance Review Committee has postponed proposed amendments to the Wetland Ordinance, Article 12,for consideration for 2025.
2024 Budget – The HCC voted unanimously in favor to retain $5,000 in the operating budget for invasive species management.
Knotweed Management and Tree Invasives – Ralph Zingaro suggested the HCC also assess tree damage from Wooly Adelgid, which is affecting Hemlocks. He stated this is best done when insects are active, in warm weather. Members noted this perhaps could be done by a subcommittee and/or available outside volunteers, such as area school students.
Conservation Commission submission for the Town Report is ready for submission following final edits.
Reports on actions of other committees
-Select Board – 2nd Budget Hearing is Thurs. Feb 8
-Town Meeting – Tues March 12 at Wells Memorial School. Voting is from 11-7. Town Meeting starts at 7.
The HCC adjourned at 9:05 pm.