Harrisville Conservation Commission
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Meeting Minutes
Members present: Harry Wolhandler, Don Scott, Ralph Zingaro, Kathy Scott
Members absent: John Sandri
Attendees: Winston Sims, Andrew Maneval (Select Board)
Agenda & Minutes – Members approved the agenda and minutes of the February meeting.
Correspondence and petition from Mr. Cucchi – The HCC acknowledged the petition received from the Cucchis, abutters to the Worden property on Skatutakee Road. The petitioners seek intervention from the HCC to require Worden to delineate wetlands on the parcel of land Worden owns, where a new septic leach field will be located. The parcel abuts the Skatutakee Spring.
The Cucchis, as a requirement of a subdivision application before the planning board, were required to hire a certified wetland soil scientist to delineate wetlands and confirm setback distances from wetlands and the spring, which is located on town property. They believe Worden should be required to do the same. They cite Articles 12.5.2 and 12.9.4.6. of the town’s zoning ordinances as the basis for their petition.
The HCC discussed the language in these ordinances and noted that Pamela Worden and Charles Faucher will be filing septic plans and a Shoreland Permit with DES for their project, which includes replacement of their leach field on a separate parcel. The HCC also noted that the same petition, and a motion for rehearing, were filed with the ZBA, following the ZBA’s granting of a special exception for the replacement and expansion of the Worden cottage. The ZBA denied the request for the rehearing based on its review of all aspects of the project within the ZBA’s jurisdiction.
HCC members Kathy and Don Scott recused themselves from a vote on the matter of HCC action, as Don Scott is a consultant on the Worden project. Andrew Maneval stepped in as a Select Board Representative to the HCC pro tem. Harry Wolhandler and Ralph Zingaro also served as voting members.
During discussion, the feeling was expressed that it was premature to take action until the property owners file applications with the state for their Shoreland Permit and septic plan approval at which time the design plans for the septic relative to wetland setbacks can be evaluated. Harry Wolhandler subsequently moved that the HCC not take action on the Cucchi’s request at this time because it was premature, but that, at such time as a septic design is approved by the state and a shoreland permit is filed, the HCC will reconsider and review. Ralph Zingaro seconded. The vote was 2-1 in favor with Mr. Maneval opposed, believing it was not premature for the HCC to take action on the petitioned request.
Town Rail Trail Upgrade – The HCC reviewed a draft RFP for rail trail repairs between Main Street and Brown Road and made suggestions for the map and description of the project. Don Scott will revise the draft for HCC review. Following discussion, Mr. Wolhandler moved that no more than 20K come from the Conservation Fund for this project. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.
The HCC further noted that a public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, at 7 pm at Town Hall to discuss the proposal for the Rail Trail and consideration of expenditures from the Conservation Fund for the project, and to finalize the RFP. Separately, a walk through for interested bidders is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, at 10:00 am.
Invasive species management – Ralph Zingaro reported on his meeting with Ryan Crandall, NH Forest Health Specialist to discuss ways to identify woolly adelgid, which infects Hemlock trees, and has been identified in town. A hot spot was found off Hancock Road near the Eastview Trail. Mr. Zingaro will reach out to the Harris Center to discuss monitoring the area.
On the Knotweed test & removal protocols, the HCC noted it will test with an herbicide on young plants in the May / June timeframe to ascertain effectiveness. Further testing is planned and more widespread removal may occur in the fall following flowering, if the HCC plans to go forward this year. The HCC plans to hold public hearings and educational outreach when ready to move forward.
Shoreland permit – The HCC noted the Shoreland Permit filed by property owners at the end of Skatutakee Road, noting they’re looking to replace their existing camp with a structure further back from the lake. The shoreline will not be impacted. The owners are also adding a shed and will construct a new septic system. The HCC expressed no issues or concerns over the plans. The property owners previously received a special exception from the ZBA.
Lake quality reports (VLAP) – The Chair shared that Lake quality reports came in for Silver Lake, Skatutakee and Harrisville Pond. Results were all in middle range. The HCC has no immediate concerns.
Warrant article on Single Source Recycling – Kathy Scott noted that Article 3 at Town Meeting includes a proposal to expand recycling at the Transfer Station. The proposal follows extensive research done by the Recycle Center Committee in conjunction with a consultant.
Rain Garden Parking Area – The HCC will follow up with the Road Agent on a request for additional material for the Harrisville Pond boat ramp/rain garden area.
Earth Day Roadside Cleanup Week – While there will be no set day for roadside cleanup, the HCC noted it will encourage the annual effort to take place the week of 4/20 to 4/28. Members agreed and voted in favor that no more than $75 should be spent on signage.
Reports on actions of other town committees and environmental groups:
-Selectboard – Town Meeting Tues 3/12
-Planning Board -Master Plan synopsis nearly complete
-Harris Center for Conservation Education: Zoom event, Thursday, March 7th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with award-winning environmental journalist and author Ben Goldfarb as he discusses his newest book, Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet. To get the login details, please register here.
Other business- Winston Sims raised idea of expressing gratitude to those who have conserved land in town. The HCC briefly discussed but no decision was made.
Separately, the chair requested reports on the percentage of lakeside properties relative to all property in town and the percentage of land in conservation.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.