WESTMORELAND CONSERVATION COMMISSION

January 8, 2009 - Meeting Minutes

The January 8th meeting was called to order at 7:08 pm with Marshall Patmos (Chair), Russ Martens, Dick Schmidt, George Duke, and Paula Page (alternate).

Minutes of the December 4, 2008 meeting were read. Marshall stated that the State Conservation Commission dues under the 2009 budget were incorrect. The correct amount should be indicated as $200.00. A motion to accept the minutes as read with the above correction was made. Motion carried.

Old Business

Water Resource/Property Line Maps from SWRPC –

Russ said that he downloaded the updated map files from SWRPC and everything looked correct. A copy of the files is also being sent to us on CD.

Community Conservation Partnership –

Russ reported he had corresponded with Peter Throop and the final draft for the plan has not been completed. Peter felt that the task force should meet prior to the finalization of the plan. Discussion followed. The Commission agreed that any proposal to be submitted for town adoption must be reviewed, approved and submitted by the Westmoreland Conservation Commission.

Steep Slope/Driveway Proposal –

Marshall reported that he had sent the final draft to the Planning Board and said that Lauren and the board were reviewing all ordinances.

Energy Committee –

Dick reported that he had not heard back from Meredith.

Hubbard Farms, River Road Inquiry –

In response to concerns by River Road residents on the dumping of chicken manure with chicken bones on land near the Connecticut River by Hubbard Farms, Russ had prepared a draft letter to Hubbard Farms with assorted questions on their genetic breeding and waste disposal at their River Road facility. Marshall reported that after reviewing the draft letter that Russ prepared he decided to call Hubbard Farms rather than sending the letter. Hubbard Farms’ Director of U.S. Research and Development, Dale E. Woodward, responded in writing and his response was passed out. Relevant portions are below:

(1)

Westmoreland Conservation Commission

January 8, 2009 - Meeting Minutes

“Hubbard LLC is a poultry primary breeder…Through genetic selections for desirable commercial traits we produce breeds of chickens that the industry requires to meet consumer demand for protein. We look to produce chickens that grow well, are feed efficient, and have good livability. The farms in New Hampshire are designated as ‘research farms’ in the sense that we are a poultry genetics company and we improve current lines of chickens and develop new lines through selection and breeding programs. The product we produce in NH is a fertile hatching egg…All our chickens are raised on the floor with sawdust or shavings for bedding. We use no antibiotics, no chemicals to promote growth. Mortality is disposed of through compositing on site. Our composting procedures have been evaluated by NH Dept of Environmental Services and in 1997 we were designated as a NH DES Agricultural ‘permit exempt facility’ under Env-WM 2308. We have arrangements with local farmers to take the manure and compost waste for land application as a fertilizer for their crops.”

Wetland Issues on Route 12 –

Marshall reported that the state had sent a letter to Lift All regarding the wetlands that they had disturbed. No correspondence was reported on the alteration and disturbance of wetlands on a lot at the corner of South Village Road and Route 12.

2009 Proposed Budget –

Marshall reported that the 2009 Budget for $500.00 was submitted to the town.

New Business

Senate Bill 381–

Marshall passed out copies of Senate Bill 381 with regard to changes to RSA-36-A. Discussion followed. Dick Schmidt made a motion for a warrant article to be written for the town to adopt the provisions of RSA 36-A:4-a,I(b) which pertains to supporting land protection projects. George Duke seconded the motion and the motion carried. Marshall will write the warrant article and will present it at the town meeting.

Monadnock Region Land Summit –

Marshall reported that there would be a Land Summit meeting on January 31 from 8 am – 4 pm at the Keene High School with a Registration deadline of Friday, January 16. The cost is $20 per person which includes handouts and a bag lunch. For registration - call Dee Robbins at the Monadnock Conservancy (603) 357-0600.

(2)

Westmoreland Conservation Commission

January 8, 2009 – Meeting Minutes

Wilkes Brothers Development –

Marshall advised the commission that the Planning Board was having a public hearing on Tuesday Jan. 13 at 7:30 pm for the purpose of reviewing an application for a two-lot subdivision on property owned by the Wilkes Brothers Development. He said that he sent a letter to the Planning Board pertaining to a wetland issue that has to be addressed. Discussion followed.

Cersosimo Industries –

A letter from the Department of Environmental Services was received advising that the Water Division, Land Resources Management Program has received an application from Cersosimo Industries of Brattleboro, Vermont for an Alteration of Terrain Permit to disturb approximately 278,000 additional square feet and to expand an existing gravel pit on Tax Map R1-19 and R1-20 in Westmoreland and Tax Map 1-B-2 in Chesterfield.

Marshall said that he would call Lauren Bressett, Planning Board Chair to see if they received additional documents and Russ said that he would make calls to Cindi Adler, Town Clerk to see what documents she received and to the Department of Environmental Services.

Meeting adjourned 9:10 pm

Russ Martens, Secretary Unapproved Minutes

(3)