GREENS POND MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE

Minutes of Monday, October 7, 2002

Courtroom at Town Hall

7:00 P.M.

Members Present: Timothy Dutton, Harold Watson, Shannon Barnes, Ruth Roulx, David Rutzke, Janet Cormier, Peter Kahn, Roger Blais, Bill Keating, Susan Sienna, Denise O’Dwyer, Connie Kreider, Ed Carballo II, Jim Taylor, Lynne Wenz, Cathy Provencher, Gregory Kirby, Andy Powell, Charles Buker, Mike Ruggiero, Debra Huffman, Tim Tenhave, Karen Mattor and Nancy Gagnon.

Also Present: Jay Minkarah, Community Development Director, and Peter Moore, Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF).

Call to Order: Debra Huffman called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

New Hampshire Everlasting: Peter Moore of SPNHF presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled New Hampshire Everlasting. The presentation has been created as part of a SPNHF effort to conserve an additional 1,000,000 acres of land in the State over the next 25 years. This acreage is viewed as necessary to protect the "New Hampshire way of life" including air and water quality, wildlife and the New Hampshire economy. It was stated that currently just over 1.3 million acres or about 20% of the state’s land is in conservation, much of which is a part of the White Mountains. An estimated 13,000 acres per year is currently being lost to development. The importance of conservation land was emphasized with a focus on select "special places" such as a 185-acre farm and forest parcel in Derry.

Mr. Moore was asked whether motorized vehicles were allowed on SPNHF conservation land. He replied that they were not allowed on reservations but are allowed in easement areas.

Roger Blais asked Mr. Moore whether he was familiar with development threats and efforts to conserve Woodmont Orchards in Hollis. He replied that he was not.

Bill Keating asked whether the farm referenced in Derry was still being farmed. Mr. Moore replied that it is currently being used as an orchard.

Harold Watson asked Mr. Moore about any assistance that could be provided. He replied that the County Extension could assist by walking the land, identifying valuable timber, identifying wildlife habitat and hydrology. SPNHF provides stewardship classes in forest management and can also help to identify other assistance options.

Shannon Barnes asked whether there is a desired ratio of people to (conservation) land.

Mr. Moore replied that they target properties based on factors such as wildlife habitat and watershed protection rather than based on a population ratio.

Mike Ruggiero asked how passive versus active recreation is defined (by SPNHF).

Mr. Moore replied that he views passive to mean non-motorized or non-wheeled activity. Passive would include trails for activities such as hiking. He would also exclude camping.

Jim Taylor asked Mr. Moore how conservation easements work. He replied that SPNHF purchases the owner’s development rights. The owner still owns the land, but building is restricted. The owner usually cannot mine the land or subdivide it either.

Andy Powell asked whether towns ever grant conservation easements to SPNHF as an added measure of protection. Mr. Moore did not identify any examples, but noted the benefits that private donors can obtain by granting conservation easements.

Greg Kirby asked Mr. Moore if he finds that developers grant conservation easements so that they can get approvals. Mr. Moore replied that developers do grant easements as part of development plans and that cluster development with open space is part of the current trend.

Debra Huffman stated that viewing the New Hampshire Everlasting presentation made her very proud of our Town.

Discussion of Meeting Procedures: Ms. Huffman explained that unless there were any objections from the Committee, she planned to run the meetings informally. Formal procedures would be followed only when needed, such as for important votes. There was general agreement with this approach.

Discussion of Items to be Posted on the Committee Web Page: The web page is currently up on the Town’s web site and information such as the meeting agendas, minutes and the Committee charter. Shannon Barnes asked the Committee whether the list of Committee members should be posted. There was a general consensus that listing the names was okay but not postal addresses, email addresses or phone numbers.

Cathy Provencher suggested that a map could be added. It was questioned whether the public really knows where the site is or where access points are. Adding directions to the web page was also suggested.

Sue Sienna asked whether the site would be interactive. Debra Huffman replied that the web page is not writable or postable; but that she is certain that the property would be a topic on the Discussion Page.

Ms. Sienna asked if there were any restrictions on use of the property that could be posted such as time restrictions. Andy Powell replied that there were no restrictions at this time.

Connie Kreider suggested that a statement be put on the web page regarding use of the land and recommending that people take care when on the site.

Tim Tenhave cautioned that any policy statement would have to be approved by the Board of Selectmen.

Bill Keating noted that the trails are unmarked, that there is no defined parking and that people need to be careful.

Cathy Provencher suggested putting the Committee’s mission statement on the web page.

Reports from Sub Committees: Harold Watson was added to Team #1. The group has not met yet but has communicated by email. Greg Kirby noted that Hydrogeology should be included under task 1b.

Debra Huffman reported that Team #2 has not met yet. This team should include Tim Dutton as a member, not Tim Tenhave.

It was noted that Newton Coryell, the only member on Team #3 (relative to researching the PSNH easement), is in Hawaii. Andy Powell stated that it might be good to look at the PSNH easement on abutting properties as well, because people such as mountain bikers use it as a corridor.

There was no report from Task Team #4 relative to Class VI Roads.

For task Team #5, Andy Powell presented a map depicting property and easements managed by the Conservation Commission. Debra Huffman noted that each team would eventually be preparing a written report.

Charles Buker (Task Team 6) reported that site walks have been conducted on the past couple of Saturdays. Mr. Buker added that if someone can’t get out there, they should call. Debra Huffman noted that the site walks have gone well. After some discussion, it was decided that for the coming week, walks would be held on both Saturday and Sunday. Harold Watson stressed that it is very important that everyone walk the property and that now (the Fall) is the best time. A brief discussion of the site walks followed. It was noted that some committee members walk the property at different times.

David Rutzke asked if it would be all right to bring children on a site walk. Debra Huffman replied that it would be. Janet Cormier stated that the site walks have strengthened her resolve that there should be some pathways that are accessible for more mature adults and parents with small children. Debra Huffman noted that the next walk would be easier. Committee members will be notified of where to meet and park by email.

It was noted that Sue Sienna would be added to Task Team #7. Tim Tenhave reported that Team #7 had planned a meeting schedule. There were three primary goals of the Team: developing a format for the Greens Pond Master Plan; alerting other subcommittees of available information, and altering the group of other plans that mention the Greens Pond property.

Mr. Tenhave explained that the Team is reviewing a variety of plans on all topics. The Team is also keeping minutes. Debra Huffman noted the Task Team Minutes should be passed through Jay Minkarah.

Task Team #8 has not met yet, though existing trails have been mapped. Greg Kirby stated that the trail map needs to be produced to scale and overlain on a topography map. Andy Powell commented that it would be nice to have the map distributed so that members could have it when they walk the property on their own.

Task Team #9 has not met yet.

Ruth Roulx spoke for Task Team #10. A written recommendation from the Heritage Commission relative to the name of the Greens Pond Property was distributed. Ms. Roulx explained that the Heritage Commission recommends that the name of the property be changed to reflect the name of the Spaulding family. The Spauldings were prominent early residents of Merrimack who had lived on the property in the 1700s. Ms. Roulx stated that the name should be changed now before it becomes ingrained. She noted that the property has no relation to Greens Pond.

Cathy Provencher noted that Ms. Roulx made a good point. If the Greens Pond name continues to be used on the web site and in outreach, it would become more ingrained. Shannon Barnes questioned whether the name of the Committee should be changed. Debra Huffman suggested that a publicity campaign would be needed.

Sue Sienna voiced her objection to naming the property after a historic family. She would prefer to use the Spaulding name within the site. Ms. Sienna noted that many voters identify with the Greens Pond name. Debra Huffman stated that if the name were to be changed, it would have to well publicized.

Tim Tenhave stated that as a long-time Town resident, he knows that Greens Pond is

located down the (dirt) road. Mr. Tenhave asked whether the Committee should ask the

Selectmen how to proceed. Nancy Gagnon suggested that the Committee make a recommendation on the name and then go to the Board of Selectmen. She noted that she agreed with Ms. Sienna: the property is known as "Greens Pond". Ms. Gagnon added that she liked the idea of naming trails and other features after historical figures.

Cathy Provencher raised the possibility of a contest to select a name for the property. Debra Huffman stated that as a history buff, she favors using the Spaulding name. Ms. Huffman also emphasized the importance of getting the facts about the property’s history and background out to the public.

Connie Kreider noted that this issue is becoming a priority. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee that a new task team should be created to address the issue. Volunteers included Sue Sienna, Lynne Wenz, Connie Kreider, Ed Carballo, Greg Kirby, Denise O’Dwyer, Shannon Barnes, Janet Cormier, and Harold Watson.

Discussion of names for the Greens Pond property continued.

Charles Buker stated that he wants to involve the Scouts and suggested having them participate in naming trails. Andy Powell agreed that it was a good idea and cited the Town’s "Adopt a Road" program as a model for a potential program for trail maintenance.

Shannon Barnes noted that different parcels within the property could also be named citing "the Spaulding Parcel" as an example. Janet Cormier stated that the property could have an overall name such as "Merrimack Heritage Park." She added many groups, such as the schools, are not involved in the process. Jim Taylor noted that three years ago, no one called this land "Greens Pond." People learned that name quickly and would learn a new name quickly as well.

Harold Watson stated that he hates the name "Greens Pond" (for the property), but thinks that it would be presumptuous to call it "Spaulding" at this point even though he supports that name. Mr. Watson suggested that there should be a town-wide contest for the naming of the property that would involve all groups including the schools, churches and others. Debra Huffman agreed. Sue Sienna added that developing this process should be the focus of the new task team.

It was noted that Task Team 11 related to legal and liability issues has not met yet. Andy Powell is to be added to this team.

Debra Huffman asked Shannon Barnes if she had anything to report for Task Team 12. Ms. Barnes noted that with the web page up, her task is now just beginning.

Charles Buker reported for Task Team #13 relative to trash removal. He noted that they would be putting together a list of materials, contacting local haulers and the landfill. The biggest issue is with the car bodies. Mr. Buker expressed a desire to get into the site in the early spring before the foliage comes out. Ed Carballo suggested contacting the County Jail for free labor or using school kids in detention. Shannon Barnes suggested using Eagle Scouts. Andy Powell replied that Eagle Scout projects usually require a more in-depth task. Janet Cormier referenced the School’s Community Service Day and noted that requests would have to be put in. Other options for obtaining volunteer clean-up assistance were discussed.

Discussion of Beginning the Task of Determining Future Uses of the Property: Debra Huffman explained that determining future uses is the meat of what the Committee needs to accomplish. She asked the Committee when it felt it would be appropriate to begin brainstorming on possible uses. Ms. Huffman noted that it was her feeling that the process should start sooner rather than later.

Lynne Wenz emphasized that people really need to have walked the land. Debra Huffman noted that that was a good point. Greg Kirby stated that walking the site should be mandatory.

Bill Keating asked if a walk could be arranged to see the Spaulding foundation. Debra Huffman replied that it was covered on a previous walk but that another walk could be arranged.

Harold Watson stressed the importance of understanding the geology of the site. Ruth Roulx stated the need to review various plans. Debra Huffman noted that the Committee would be looking into soils and other such issues as a part of the review process.

Tim Tenhave suggested that uses not be considered until after January, when the task teams give their reports. Ed Carballo disagreed noting that Town input is the longest part of the process and that other tasks can happen concurrently. Connie Kreider stated that two tasks are involved: getting input and finding information. Debra Huffman suggested having a visioning session.

A discussion of how and when to obtain input continued. Debra Huffman asked whether another task team should be created. Lynne Wenz suggested that a survey could be developed. Ed Carballo echoed that suggestion noting that people’s top ten suggestions could be solicited. Shannon Barnes suggested that she could coordinate a public outreach effort and noted that web could be used. Greg Kirby referenced the desire of the voters to conserve the land and expressed concern that the public not be sent mixed signals relative to potentially inappropriate uses. Debra Huffman replied that the warrant article was sufficiently ambiguous to allow for differing interpretations of allowable uses.

Andy Powell agreed that it is important to recognize what the voters want, but added that there was a month long period for interested people to step forward to participate in the process. Mr. Powell stressed that the Committee has been charged to develop a Master Plan and that it needs to take responsibility for the task. Greg Kirby noted that he agreed. Debra Huffman expressed a concern for Community input. Karen Mattor expressed a need for more information before addressing uses. Discussion continued.

Andy Powell referenced the brainstorming sessions held by the Town Master Plan Advisory Committee with the help of a professional facilitator. A discussion of different ways to solicit and synthesize input from the Committee ensued including the compilation of individual vision statements and use suggestions from each Committee member.

Jay Minkarah stated that visioning sessions work best when the participants are together in the same room at the same time. It should be a process of collective brainstorming and consensus building. Andy Powell suggested that Jay Minkarah facilitate a brainstorming or visioning session. After some discussion, it was agreed to hold a visioning session at the Committee’s November meeting.

Review of Minutes: It was noted that Tim Tenhave should be changed to Tim Dutton under Task Team # 2. Cathy Provencher stated that she was pleased with the minutes and found them to be very comprehensive. It was noted that Denise O’Dwyer’s name was miss-spelt in the text. Greg Kirby sought clarification of a statement attributed to him in the minutes relative to the impact of site walks. The minutes of September 16 were adopted as amended.

Questions and comments from the public: There being no comments from the public, Debra Huffman asked if there were any questions or comments from the Committee. The possibility of changing the start time of meetings from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM was briefly discussed. It was the consensus of the Committee to maintain the existing schedule.

Adjournment: There being no further comments from the Committee or Public, the meeting was adjourned at about 9:30 P.M.