WESTMORELAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION

July 3, 2008  Meeting Minutes

The July 3rd meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm with Marshall Patmos (Chair), Richard Schmidt, George Duke, Russ Martens, and Selena Gallen (alternate)

Marshall announced that Cersosimo Industries, Inc. would be presenting the proposed expansion plan of their gravel pit on River Road. Mike Cersosimo introduced him self and started the presentation while waiting for his engineer, Tim Garceau to arrive. Excavation, the creation of two sedimentation basins, installation of a new 24" culvert under Johnny Cake Rd, and the proposed reclamation of the site were discussed.

Mike Cersosimo was asked what Cersosimo Industries has paid the Town of Westmoreland in excavation tax in 2008. Mike stated that approximately $6,000. has been paid. Discussion followed if the taxes received even covered the cost from the wear and tear by their truck traffic.

Marshall made a recommended that the wells on Lots R1-21 and R1-22 that are adjacent to the project be tested and that the findings be used as a benchmark to establish their quality and quantity prior to any excavation. He also recommended that Fish and Game be contacted for any input or recommendations for reclamation practices that might benefit wildlife in addition to or alternatives to what might be in the NRCS plans.

The Commission also requested that it be notified if any plan modifications were made, along with when the expansion and reclamation work begins, so that it can be monitored.

It was also recommended that NRCS should be contacted before reclamation begins to insure following updates or modifications to their gravel pit restoration specifications.

A request was made for a site walk through by Members of the Conservation Commission and it was set for Tuesday, July 8th at 2pm.

Marshall said that he would send a letter informing the Planning Board of the recommendations that were made and the meeting with Cersosimo Industries ended at 8:00 pm

Minutes of June 3, 2008 were read and approved.

Old Business

Community Conservation Partnership – Russ reported that the last meeting held on July 1 was poorly attended due the severe thunderstorms that hit the area. Tentative dates have been set pending availability of the Task Force and Conservation Commission members.

Energy Subcommittee – Dick read over the draft letter and discussion followed. Marshall said that he would be sending a letter to the Selectmen with the changes that were made.

Zoning Administrator Check List – No Report

Junk Amnesty Day – Russ reported that he had heard back from Marjorie and that a date would be decided after the Transfer Station was running smoothly.

Water Resource/Property Line Maps – Russ reported that he had spoken with Tim Garceau, from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission. Updated maps are available and that they are available in digital form. Marshall requested that information be ascertained on he cost of the updated material

Meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm

Russ Martens, Secretary Unapproved Minutes