SELECTMEN’ MEETING MINUTES FOR  FEBRUARY 13, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  Selectmen Charles Wheeler and Sharon Davis were not present due to conflicts in schedule.  The Board signed 1 Notice of Intent to Cut.

A member of the public who was present at the meeting but not on the agenda was Michael Baumann.

At 6:30 p.m. Acting Chair Charles Cheney called the meeting to order and stated that the Thornton Board of Selectmen and the Campton Board of Selectmen will vote this evening on the Petition to Alter Boundary Line in Waterville Estates Village District, regarding the Matson property. Present at this meeting representing the Thornton Board of Selectmen were Selectmen:  Tim Tyler, Alfred Burbank, Roy Sabourn and David Joyce.  Also present were Laura Spector-Morgan, Town Counsel, Town Administrators Ann Marie Foote and Tammy Beaulieu, and Minutes secretary, Eleanor Dewey.

Acting Chair Cheney then opened the meeting to the two Boards for discussion.  Acting Chair Cheney called on Selectman Alfred Burbank who stated:

I move that we approve the petition to modify the boundaries of the Waterville Estates Village District as submitted by the Commissioners because the services provided by the district, including roads, water and recreation, are available to the Matsons’ new lot, regardless of whether the Matson’s plan to utilize those services at this time.

This approval is conditioned upon the Grafton County Superior Court affirming the right to access this lot via the 20-foot wide driveway and upon the Thornton Planning Board decision being affirmed by the Thornton Zoning Board of Adjustment and/or the Grafton County Superior Court

The Motion was seconded by Selectman Keeney.  Acting Chair Cheney then proceeded to go around the table for each Board member to comment.

Selectman Burbank stated that while he is not in favor of people being forced into doing things, his decision this evening is based on what he heard at the meeting on January 26, 2012.  He stated the defining moment was obvious to him that all parties had a clear understanding of what was proposed, even to the point that the Matsons signed a written agreement as to their intentions.

Acting Chair Cheney stated that his decision this evening is based upon the State Statutes that the reasons for forming a District are to provide services, i.e. roads, water and other amenities.  Even though the Matsons state no water service is available to that lot, it was clarified that water, is in fact, available to the lot, along with the other amenities.

Selectman Keeney stated he is basing his decision upon the fact that again, water is available, being approximately 90 feet from the property.  The property is buildable, and an agreement was signed by the Matsons as to what would happen and where it would take place.

Selectman Sabourn concurred with the previous three Selectmen who just spoke above.

 

Selectman Tim Tyler concurred with the majority.

Selectman Morgan expressed that he had a different point of view. He stated that when buying a piece of land and the local government decides that, “they want more money”, it is a misappropriation of government authority.

Selectman Joyce stated that while he is in agreement with Selectman Morgan, he has to concur with the majority after hearing some of the evidence at the meeting on January 26, 2012.

A vote was then taken to approve the Petition to Alter Boundary Line in Waterville Estates Village District and the result was as follows:  From the Campton Board of Selectmen, Selectman Cheney – yes, Selectman Keeney – yes, Selectman Morgan – no.  From the Thornton Board of Selectmen the vote to approve was unanimous.   The approval of the Petition to Alter Boundary Line of Waterville Estates District was then approved.

Acting Chair then called on Corey Smith who requested clarification of the conditions of the approval.  Laura Spector-Morgan clarified the conditions.

At 6:50 p.m. Acting Chair Cheney called on Paul Hatch and Fire Chief David Tobine regarding Emergency Management.  Mr. Hatch explained that in 2007 the Town of Campton completed a Hazardous Mitigation Plan.  Mr. Hatch further explained that the plan has to be updated every five years.  He expressed that the good news is that grant money has been allocated to the Town of Campton for the cost of such update.  This evening he would like to get an affirmative vote from the Board to accept the $5,000 grant money to complete the updating of the Plan.  Mr. Hatch also explained that a contractor will need to be hired by the Town in order to assist in completing this task.    Once all the paper work is completed a Committee will be formed. Mr. Hatch expressed that it is hoped that a representative from all Departments of the Town will attend the Committee meetings together with a representative from the Selectmen’s Office and Planning Board. Mr. Hatch felt the whole project should take about five to six weeks.

Acting Chair Cheney then made a Motion to accept the grant from NH Department of Safety, Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the amount of $5,000 to update the Hazardous Mitigation Plan. The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and the acceptance of the grant was unanimously approved.

There was then discussion pertaining to the duties of the Emergency Management Director.  At present, the sole Director is Fire Chief David Tobine.  Mr. Hatch suggested appointing a backup person for Chief Tobine.  He also explained that the duties of the Director ranged from (but not limited to) attending meetings, training courses, follow-up with FEMA after a disaster occurs, and extensive paper work. Mr. Hatch also expressed that Chief Tobine is the most experienced Director he has. After discussion, it was agreed by the Board that $2,500 be allocated in the Budget for the Emergency Management Director position.

Chief Tobine also invited the Board to view all the work that has been done at the Fire Station, and he expressed how pleased he was with the citizens and contractors who have been working very hard, some on a volunteer basis.  Chief Tobine also stated that a mold issue has been discovered during the renovation that has to be resolved which will increase the cost of the project slightly.

At 7:20 p.m. Acting Chair Cheney called on Lloyd Wiley regarding Waterville Estates’ roads and FEMA money.  Mr. Wiley distributed a copy of “A Cooperative Road Paving Program for Mutual Benefit” which he prepared to present to the Board this evening.  The program presented would involve a joint venture with the Town of Campton contributing $250,000.00 and Waterville Estates Village District contributing $250,000.00 for paving roads in the Waterville Estates Village District. (Some roads owned by the District and some roads owned by the Town). Mr. Wiley expressed that with an extensive paving project (such as this) to be put out for bids would be, “a way of getting greater efficiency with the money.”  There was discussion about FEMA funds available; however, it was explained to Mr. Wiley that the FEMA funds were not encumbered and these funds went into the General Fund to help replenish the Town’s fund balance that is used to help lower the tax rate.

Selectman Morgan brought to Mr. Willey attention that while he appreciated the list of roads that Mr. Willey presented for priority paving,  there are other roads in Town, not just in the Waterville Estates Village District that also need attention. The list presented here this evening just involves already paved roads.  Selectman Morgan expressed that there are unpaved roads that also justify priority in other parts of Town, with full time residents living on these roads, as opposed to the large percentage of seasonal residents living in Waterville Estates Village District. Selectman Morgan further commented that some of these unpaved roads have a high volume of usage due to population expansion.  At this point Selectman Morgan invited Ellie Dewey’s comments since she is a resident living off these unpaved roads.  Ellie expressed the problems that occur, especially in the spring when the roads are soft even with the Road Agent’s diligence at applying stone and gravel she expressed that neighbors have gotten stuck and encountered hiring a tow truck to pull them out.  Selectman Keeney also expressed that the paving projects have to be spread around the Town to try to “keep everyone happy.”  Mr. Willey did acknowledge the situation and thanked the Board for their time.

At 7:45 p.m. Acting Chair made a Motion to go into Non Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3, 11© regarding a tax matter.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Morgan and with a roll call vote:  Selectman Morgan – aye, Selectman Cheney – aye and Selectman Keeney – aye, the Board went into Non Public Session.  At 7:55 p.m. the Board came out of Non Public Session.

Acting Chair Cheney called for a Motion to approve the Minutes of the previous meeting.  Selectman Morgan made the Motion to accept the Minutes as written.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Keeney and the Minutes were unanimously approved as written.

Acting Chair Cheney called on Ann Marie to review correspondence.  Ann Marie indicated that the auditors have completed their work in the Town Office and recommended that the Town devise a policy for capital assets.  Ann Marie distributed a spreadsheet of the Police Department vehicles and Highway Department equipment for the Board to review.  The Board suggested that the computer system itself and perhaps buildings and bridges should be included in the fixed assets.  Ann Marie will check with other surroundings Towns to get a better idea of what assets to include.

Ann Marie indicated that the “Mall Committee was going to file a Petitioned Warrant Article regarding the reopening of the Mall; however, they decided not to do it, but the Committee wanted the Board to see all the signatures they received from residents who are in favor of the Mall reopening.

Ann Marie informed the Board that Dennis Prescott was in the office recently and mentioned that it was found that the property adjacent to his also has hazardous waste material on it.  It is Mr. Prescott’s belief that if he had to clean up his property then the adjacent property owner should also have to clean up his property.  Ann Marie indicated that Planning Board will be discussing this issue tomorrow.  Upon discussing this issue, a question arose as to whether or not a Building Permit can be denied if there are delinquent taxes on property.  Ann Marie will contact Laura Spector-Morgan on this matter.

Ann Marie indicated that Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector provided the Board with the Old Home Day account information requested at the previous meeting.  Ann Marie indicated that Kevin Hamilton contacted her and stated that the Committee appreciates the fact that the Board would like to see the Old Home Day event eventually become self-sustaining.  In light of that, Kevin expressed that he is happy with $2,500.00 being placed in the budget this year.

A memo was received from Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector regarding the fact that her office will not sign off on any revenue from the Selectman’s Office unless it is physically brought over and verified while the designee from the Selectmen’s Office is present.  Ann Marie informed the Board that there would never be any revenue placed in the mailbox designated for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office in the Meeting Room and the current revenue policy will be followed.  Acting Chair Cheney suggested that Ann Marie confirm this information in writing to Hannah Joyce (on the Memo provided by Hannah Joyce) in addition to the e-mail that Ann Marie already sent to the Town/Clerk Tax Collector.

Acting Chair then called on Ann Marie to review the Budget for Wednesday night’s hearing.   Some of the items discussed were that the Bonds have been included in the budget; $1,418.00 was included on Page 5 for the Channel 3 broadcasting figure; and the fact that the Emergency Management figure of $2,500.00 will need to be added in.  Ann Marie indicated that John Timson felt the bandstand was not in need of replacing; (contrary to the Board’s opinion) however, he would like to take out of the cemetery funds money to clean the stones.  A question arose as to whether or not the Town would be allowed to clean cemetery stones.  Ann Marie will contact Laura Spector-Morgan to inquire.  There was also discussion pertaining to office supplies being split allocating $2,500.00 for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector and the remaining figure as part of the Selectmen’s Office supplies.

Ann Marie informed the Board that the 53^rd pay week this year represents a total figure of $13,376.23.

There being no further business nor Selectmen’s Input, Acting Chair Cheney declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES For FEBRUARY 6, 2012

The Board of Selectmen met for their weekly meeting at 6:30 p. m. at the Campton Town Office.  Present were, Selectmen, Charles Cheney, Charles Wheeler, Sharon Davis, Craig Keeney, and Marsh Morgan.  The Board signed the manifest and reviewed the bills.  They signed 1 Building Permit.

Members of the public who were present at the meeting, but not on the agenda were Sandy Morgan and Kelly Bolger.

At 6:45 p.m. Chair Davis called the meeting to order and called on Hannah Joyce, Town Clerk/Tax Collector to review the 2012 Proposed Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Budget.  The proposed budget was distributed to the Board for review.  After discussion, the Board agreed and informed Hannah that her request for her part-time person to become full-time could not be done this year. Hannah also requested a $.50 an hour raise for her part-time employee at the end of her 6-month work period.  Hannah requested that the supply line be separated between the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office and the Selectman’s Office.  While Selectman Davis was not in favor, Selectman Keeney was in favor.  No decision was made on that issue this evening.  The Board agreed with Hannah that Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector was doing an excellent job; however, the Board explained to Hannah that they set a maximum percentage for any merit increase (3.75%) and they agreed that the Deputy should receive a 3.75% increase.  Hannah was also informed by the Board that they instituted a performance evaluation process to be followed this year.  Since Hannah refused to participate in the evaluation process, the Board agreed that a percentage increase would not be considered for the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s position this year.

Hannah then presented the Warrant Article for restoration of records in the amount of $4,093.00.  Selectman Cheney expressed concern that it seems the restoration will “never

get caught up” and there should be something more economical than the process now being used and he inquired about CD’s.  Hannah expressed that they always have to have a paper backup.

Hannah then presented to the Board a list of items she would like to work on in 2012:  (1) Updating the Town Clerk/Tax Collector web page to be more user friendly.  The Board agreed.  (2) Help the Selectmen’s Office to complete a purge of data in BMSI. Ann Marie asked if she could speak, and she wanted the Board to know that Hannah did not discuss any of this with her previous to this meeting.  Ann Marie indicated that there was previous discussion with the Board concerning switching to the Avitar system, eliminating the duplication of work in BMSI and Vision.  With that being said, Ann Marie expressed that she is was not in favor of her staff expending any more time working on trying to improve BMSI data. Hannah’s list continued as follows:  (3) Look again into the acceptance of credit cards; (4) Assist the Selectmen’s Office in completing trial mergers; and (5) Look into having the Assessment cards on-line. There was discussion about costs involved with this procedure and trying to keep the budget at a minimum.  Ann Marie also indicated that the majority of the time there are questions brought up by appraisers and realtors and those questions are addressed while the individuals are in the office, which eliminates possible additional telephone communication.

Hannah Joyce formally requested a copy of the Non Public Minutes dated January 17, 2012 that have been sealed.

The Board also informed Hannah Joyce that the Moderator’s rate of compensation will remain the same at $50.00. The Board also expressed to Hannah that they were looking at the “Old Home Day” event becoming (eventually) self-sustaining. The Board requested that Hannah provide expenditures to the Board for their review and consideration for the 2012 budget.

Chair Davis acknowledged that the individual who had an appointment regarding a tax matter this evening did not show so she proceeded with approving the Minutes of the previous meeting.  After revisions discussed, Selectman Morgan made a Motion to approve the Minutes as revised.  The Motion was seconded by Selectman Keeney and the revised Minutes were unanimously approved.

Chair Davis then called on Ann Marie to review correspondence. Ann Marie indicated that a petitioned Warrant Article has been received regarding broadcasting various Town Boards’ Meetings.  Ann Marie read the Warrant Article which states that:  All towns such as the Town of Campton, in the Pemi-Baker Community receiving Time Warner Cable are asked to join Pemi-Baker Community TV as “member communities.”  The cost is $1.00 per cable subscriber, yearly fee.  For the subscriber yearly fee Campton would become a “Member Community” which would allow: The submission of one municipal meeting a week to be broadcasted on Channel 3; Town residents may submit videos free of charge to Channel 20; Town manager/administrator may submit emergency/priority messages to appear as “banner: on Channel 3; and Continued use of electronic bulletin board free of charge by residents/organizations with priority handling of messages. Ann Marie indicated the difficulties she has encountered in trying to arrive at a figure for the budget if this Warrant Article were to pass.  The Board suggested working with a figure on the high end so it would reflect the “worst case scenario.

Ann Marie indicated a letter was received expressing concern about a proposed power line being installed from the wind farm on Tenney Mountain in Groton, NH going through Campton, Plymouth and Holderness.  The concerned parties expressed that there were no meetings for the public to attend before this was planned, and the question was presented in the letter: “Why not use the right of way that is the least intrusive and meets the same point.”  The letter was signed by “Shutters in the Dark”.

A copy of a newspaper article was forwarded from Jim Aguiar pertaining to utility companies trying to get a lower assessment on their utility poles and lines.  Ann Marie mentioned that the utility companies expressed that they would like the towns in the state to follow more closely the state’s recommended assessments.  Ann Marie confirmed that the Town of Campton does already follow state recommended assessments.

At 7:30 p.m. Chair Davis then called on Tom Mullen and Kelly Wieser as their next appointment for the evening.  Kelly advised the Board that they were here this evening to get some input from the Board on a project they are participating in.  The project involves purchasing property off of Route 49 from Donald and Cheryl Johnson in order to build an indoor water park, hotel facility, conference center, restaurant and gift shop. Kelly Wieser explained that the facility would establish an estimate of at least 400 jobs for the area and a conservative estimate of $75,000,000.00 in property value.  It was also acknowledged that this entire venture would eventually be owned by a New York firm. Mr. Mullen expressed that he was not at liberty to confirm the name at this time.

There was discussion from the Board concerning if the facility would be open to local day visitors as well as their reservation traffic. Mr. Mullen confirmed that there would be consideration made during less busy times.  There was also discussion concerning traffic matters; water supply (expansion of the Campton Village District); sewage matters; possible ledge issues; and Northern Pass issues.  The Board expressed that the venture was a fantastic idea. It was acknowledged by Mr. Mullen that he would like the project to move ahead this year and that he and Kelly were meeting with the Campton Planning Board tomorrow evening. Kelly and Mr. Mullen thanked the Board for their time.

Chair Davis continued the meeting with Other Business – Selectmen’s Input.  Chair Davis indicated that the Blair Bridge signs have been vandalized again.  Butch Bain, Road Agent has fixed them; however there was discussion about placing cameras at both ends of the bridge.  The Board agreed it was something to consider.

Chair Davis informed the Board that there is logging activity on Perch Pond Road and the road is breaking up and there were 8 inch deep holes that Butch Bain has managed to fix; however, she is concerned about more extensive damage to the road and additional cost to the Town.  She asked the Board for permission to have Butch Bain set the road ban weight limits up early.  Ann Marie will speak to Butch Bain and the Board agreed that the loggers should to be notified of the early date if that is the direction taken.

Chair Davis also stated that on February 13, 2012 she and Selectman Wheeler would not be present at the Selectmen’s Meeting; however, the Board will still have a majority present to vote on the petition to alter the boundary of the Waterville Estates District.

It was agreed that the Board would meet on February 22, 2012 (due to the February 20^th holiday) to review Warrant Articles.

The Building Committee will be having their next meeting on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 in the Art Room at the school and the Fire Department and Police Department have been invited.

Ann Marie presented a price quote from Kurt Smith for the replacement of 2 new computers, (one in the Selectmen’s Office and one in the Town Clerk’s Office) and a color laser jet printer.  The total price is $5,267.98.  The Board agreed.

Chair Davis declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Eleanor M. Dewey

Office Assistant to Ann Marie Foote, Town Administrator

 

 

 

 

Campton Conservation Commission Minutes of:

Public Hearing relative to Warrant Article (RSA 36-A: 4-a, I (b))

January 30, 2012; 7pm

Campton Historical Society

 

Hearing attendees: 

Select Board members:  Sharon Davis, Charlie Wheeler, Marsh Morgan, Craig Keeney, and Bill Cheney. Town Administrator Ann Marie Foote and Eleanor Dewey were also present.

 

CC Members: Jane Kellogg, Jules Doner and Tammy Wooster

 

Others: Jim Aguiar, Patrick Miller, NH Assoc. of Conservation Commissions (NHACC) Executive Director Carol Andrews.

 

There was also a crew member from the local public access cable station recording the hearing.

 

The Public hearing was on the agenda of the weekly Select Board meeting. Sharon Davis turned the meeting over to the Conservation Commission at 7pm. Jane Kellogg introduced herself and Carol Andrews, Executive director of the NHACC who was present to assist in answering questions relative to the warrant article. Other CC members introduced themselves and Jane explained that the CC had prepared a PowerPoint presentation but the projector wasn’t functioning so she would use the slides to guide the conversation.

 

 

Jane began by providing background for why we are here tonight. She explained that in 2009 the state passed legislation requiring NH towns to pass a onetime warrant article before allowing CC’s to make a specific type of expenditure from their conservation funds.    Ann Marie distributed copies of the warrant article wording to all present. Jane explained that the legislature mandated the wording of the warrant article which reads as follows:

“Shall the Town vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 36-A: 4-a, I (b) to authorize the conservation commission to expend funds for contributions to ‘qualified organizations’ for the purpose of property interests, or facilitating transaction related thereto, where the property interest is to be held by the qualified organization and the Town will retain no interest in the property?”

 

Jane summarized that passage of the warrant article would allow CC’s to make CF expenditures to assist landowners with stewardship fees , with the easement holder being a qualified organization. Jane further explained that there had been some confusion among NH town attorneys around the legitimacy of making these expenditures when the public benefit was unclear; that is without an exchange of goods and services in the traditional sense since the town would not hold the property interest.

 

Jane continued with a clarification of some of the wording of the warrant article and began with the term qualified organizations which she gave as examples a land trust, conservation district, and lake association. Carol added that the term qualified organizations is defined through the tax code and is an IRS designation but in NH will almost always be a land trust. Jane explained that land trusts are specifically set-up to monitor easements and have the resources and expertise to do so. Carol noted that holding a property interest as an easement holder can have negative value in that along with these rights come a perpetual liability to monitor the property and enforce the terms of the easement.  Additionally, she said that currently there are not a lot of LUCT dollars going into conservation funds and so this allows conservation commissions more flexibility in land conservation deals by partnering with others.

 

Jane addressed the warrant article wording “retains no interest in the property” by saying that it needs to be looked at from a broader perspective. The town’s interest is not a property interest, but rather the conserving of land to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, preserve historic land uses, and secure public access are all of interest to the entire community. She listed the big picture benefits as being that the easement monitoring is left up to experts and the fact that the land stays on the tax rolls. It allows us to use CF money to leverage the dollars of other partners which is a more efficient use of the fund. Jane said that this would allow us to assist someone who may be land rich but money poor and unable to keep their land in conservation due to the expenses associated with the easement process.

 

Next Jane gave an example of a success story resulting from the passage of this warrant article. In 2010 the   Rumney CC paid the stewardship fees to assist Dr. Sydney Paly in securing a conservation easement on his property with the Pemi-Baker land trust as the easement holder. The Paly easement conserved 26 acres of critical land and 1300’ of Baker river shoreline. This land has served as a popular swimming area and will forever be accessible to the public. Jane added that to date 69 NH towns have passed this warrant article, including our neighboring towns Rumney, Sandwich, and Holderness.

 

Jim Aguiar asked if qualified organizations have to go through any specific procedure to become qualified. Carol answered that The IRS designation of 501C3 status mandates that they operate in accordance with non-profit rules. Additionally, land trusts are accredited and have passed alliances for how they do business.

 

Jules reiterated the point of using the conservation fund wisely by using the Pattee property purchase as an example. He said its better not to take ownership because it is expensive to manage and monitor land. Carol responded that she wouldn’t say it is inappropriate for a town to take ownership of land in fact towns buy land outright all of the time. It is simply more of an expense to take ownership and a more efficient use of conservation funds to enter into partnerships. Additionally, landowners who feel an attachment to their land and do not want it developed want professional organizations overseeing it.

She added that this is simply a tool that your legislative body chooses to give to the conservation commission or not. Carol said that she lives in Washington NH and she too,  went before her town to say that if you want us to be able to move quickly to help landowners conserve their land then you must pass this warrant article because we cannot do our work without it.

 

Selectman Bill Cheney asked for clarification of the words “subject to the approval of the local governing body”. Jules explained that he was referring to language in subparagraph “a” of Section 36-A which was not relevant to this warrant article but it is true that we would not need Select Board approval for this type of expenditure after passing the warrant article.

Bill responded that the legislative body should be able to approve it and that it disappoints him that this is left to the Conservation Commission after passing the warrant article.

Carol said that she was personally involved in ensuring that the Select Board approval provision was not included in the language. She pointed out that conservation funds are not just comprised of taxpayer dollars but also contain private donations. People donate money to conservation funds all of the time and receive a tax deduction as a result. The way the law was structured was to not allow Select Boards to have control over money that might include private contributions.

 

Carol explained that this is not new and that prior to this warrant article conservation commissions have been using these funds to pay stewardship fees to land trusts for years. She went on to say that this is new for Campton because we haven’t yet had the opportunity to use conservation funds to help a landowner in this way.

 

Patrick Miller asked whether any towns have set up a memorandum of understanding between Select Boards and town bodies to formalize the process.

Carol responded that this public hearing is part of the process and that public hearings will still be required if the warrant article passes. She continued to say that land conservation happens when town boards come together and that it needs to be recognized that these dollars are meant to go toward land conservation since the town voted in favor of a Conservation fund.

 

Jane added that all of us remember at past town meetings when we gave examples of the kinds of things the conservation fund would be used for, one of which was to help landowners with stewardship fees. We need to pass this in order to do what we’ve been saying what we will do and to follow through with our intentions.

 

Selectman Marsh Morgan said that he sees it as a win- win since land is conserved and the town is not liable.

 

Jim Aguiar asked what the typical dollar amount was for this type of expenditure. Carol said that it ranges greatly and depends on how complicated or problematic the land is to monitor. Jane said that in Rumney’s experience the average stewardship fee requested has been  $5,000.

 

Jules asked if it is correct that the stewardship fee is a onetime expenditure for each property to which Carol agreed.

 

Patrick Miller said that there are multiple facets to consider at this time. With the state of the economy, people moving on in age and land likely to soon be going on the market this is a great opportunity to be having this conversation.

 

Selectman Craig Keeney asked if there are guidelines for what type of properties are eligible for this type of purchase or to prevent someone who doesn’t need financial assistance from using these funds; That is, is there a way to ensure that only those who need help get it.

 

Carol responded that she would not advise a conservation commission to decide who needs assistance based on wealth, and that, rather the decision to assist a landowner is based on the land’s conservation value and there are processes in place to guide this decision making.

Patrick Miller pointed out that this would be a good time to revisit the town’s master plan using science and the NRI to drive these decisions.

 

Selectman Keeney said that the National Forest has a map that shows their property boundaries but they don’t own all of the properties shown within the map. Carol responded that she wouldn’t think the Conservation Commission would try and keyhole a property in the National Forest without talking to someone at a higher level.

 

Patrick Miller mentioned that a similar situation arose in Tamworth where both the town and National Forest were working to acquire the same property but the town let the Forest Service acquire it which made sense and the end result was the same.

 

When there appeared to be no other comments or questions, Jane concluded by thanking everyone for coming and Sharon Davis officially adjourned the hearing at 7:45.

 

 

 

 

Campton Conservation Commission  Meeting Minutes For January 11, 2012

 

CCC Members Present:  Jules Doner, Jane Kellogg, Lea Stewart, Tammy Wooster

 

The Town Office meeting room was occupied at 7pm and so we met briefly in the space between the meeting room and the Town Clerk’s office. The January CCC meeting date was mistakenly written as the 18^th, not the 11^th on the meeting room calendar. Jules made a motion to approve the December meeting minutes and Tammy seconded the motion. All were in favor.

 

2012 Budget:  Lea reported that she and Jane presented the proposed 2012 CCC budget to the Select Board on January 9^th with a modest dues increase of $10.00 from last year.   Ann Marie had asked how much  from the 2011 budget will be returned to the General Fund and Lea reported the amount as $32.00.

 

The meeting adjourned from the other room and Marsh Morgan asked the CCC if they had a key to lock up. Melissa, who has the key, was not present so we had to leave so that Marsh could lock up.

 

The last few minutes focused on two items requiring action by the end of the month. Jane offered to begin drafting the 2011 annual report and will e-mail Melissa for last year’s template. Tammy will review the 2011 minutes and send Jane a list of noteworthy topics. Jane will contact Mary Durgin for an exact Conservation Fund dollar amount to report.

 

Jane proposed that we schedule a final work session to prepare for the Jan. 30^th Public Hearing. We will meet on Thurs., Jan 19^th; 7pm at the Town Office. Tammy wrote the date on the meeting room calendar. Lea will talk with the Pemi-Baker Land Trust to ask for a real example of a land deal that used Conservation Fund money from a town not named as the easement holder. All agreed that there was a possible example in Rumney.  Tammy will send an e-mail reminding all of the work session and also ask Melissa if she can forward her PowerPoint presentation if she can’t make the meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned: 7:48pm.

Next Meeting:  Wed., February 8^th 7pm