WESTMORELAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION

December 6, 2007 – Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm with Marshall Patmos (chair), Walter Derjue, Russ Martens, and Dick Schmidt in attendance. Russ volunteered to take the minutes for this meeting.

Guest, Selena Gallen, of River Road, Westmoreland was present.

The minutes of November 1, 2007 were read and were approved as read.

Old Business

Steep Slope Ordinance Development  Walter Derjue reported that the Planning Board met in November and that they voted to forego any new ordinances regarding steep slopes regulations. The feeling of the board was that there was no need for it at this time. Walt reported that they recommended that the Conservation Commission look at current Town ordinances and possibly have a current ordinance updated. Dick Schmidt suggested that the Conservation Commission should recommend that the town road agent use the state road/driveway regulations.

Open Wells on County Farm  Russ Martens passed out pictures and a map with GPS coordinates marking the locations of two open wells that are located near River Road. Both wells have been taped off with yellow caution tape to alert hunters/hikers of the danger. A letter is to be sent to David Putnam, Farm Manager, advising him of the open wells and suggesting that they be covered or have a fence put around them due to the possible liability to the county if anyone is hurt or drowns at these locations.

Conservation Fund  Marshall Patmos reported that the Fund is about the same as the last reporting. There is also over $4,000 that is pending from the Selectmen on land coming out of current use.

Owl Hill Road Dam  Nothing has changed with the height of the dam.

County Farm Conservation Easement  It was reported that Dick Ober, Monadnock Conservancy, is leaving at the end of the month. The County Commissioners don’t feel that there is a need for a Conservation Easement.

Surface Water Protection  Marshall said that he had spoken to Jennifer Palmiotto and that she said she was waiting to hear back from the Selectmen.

New Business

Soil dumping along town roads  Dick Schmidt reported that he had spoken to Ed Messer and the highway department has been removing dirt from the ditches that are along the town highways for better run off. The dirt is being placed in certain areas for future use.

Spring Roadside Cleanup  the cleanup will be held on April 19^th. The Westmoreland Lions and Westmoreland Garden Club will be asked to participate. Marshall mentioned that Jeff Smith has volunteered to help.

Budget  the 2008 budget has to be submitted shortly. Last year’s budget was $500.

Dues for the State Conservation Association were $175.00. It was suggested that we update our reference materials through purchases from the New Hampshire Municipal Association. Marshall was going to look into ordering the CD/publication on “The Hard Road to Travel” and “Knowing the Territory.”

The meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm

Minutes by Russ Martens

Approved minutes