GREENS POND MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE

Minutes of Monday, September 16, 2002

Courtroom at Town Hall

7:00 P.M.

Members Present: Nancy Gagnon, Fran L’Heureux, Chris Christensen, Roger Blais, Tim Tenhave, John Buckley, Peter Kahn, David Rutzke, Denise O’Dwyer, Shannon Barnes, Gregory Kirby, Timothy Dutton, Bill Keating, Janet Cormier, Ruth Roulx, Connie Kreider, Cathy Provencher, Lynne Wenz, Amanda Boerner, Newton Coryell, Jim Taylor, Mike Ruggiero, Charles Buker, Andy Powell, Steven Keach, Debra Huffman, Karen Mattor.

Also Present: Jay Minkarah, Community Development Director.

Call to Order: Fran L’Heureux called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M. and led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was noted that a sign-in sheet is being circulated and that email addresses are requested. Ms. L’Heureux asked each Committee member to introduce his or herself.

Introductions:

Greg Kirby introduced himself and informed the group that he is a hydrologist with the NH Department of Environmental Services and that he is concerned with groundwater protection. Mr. Kirby added that he is working on his Masters Thesis on the Silver Lake fault and is familiar with the geology of the area.

Shannon Barnes noted that she is a marketing manager with Adelphia. She is interested in education and preservation and would not like to see any activities that would degrade the property.

Denise O’Dwyer stated that she is a stay at home mom and that she is interested in the site for the sake of the kids.

David Rutzke explained that he became interested in the property after the purchase. He had taken a tour of the land, found it to be beautiful and felt that it was worth preserving.

Peter Kahn noted that he had also walked the property and wants the best use of the land. He added that he has 19 years of experience with the EPA in air quality.

Chris Christensen stated that he is interested in the land for a variety of reasons. He noted that he has been involved in planning in Merrimack for a number of years including service on the Planning Board and the Town Master Plan Committee and appreciates the importance of planning. He added that as a Legislator, he is also involved with natural resources.

Roger Blais noted that he is a general contractor. He has lived in Town for 21 years and lives close to the Greens Pond site.

Tim Tenhave stated that he pretty much grew up in Merrimack and that he has raised his family here. He is interested in conserving the land and in making it accessible.

John Buckley stated that we now have a unique opportunity to preserve the land. He added that he has been a nearby resident of the Greens Pond site for over 20 years and that he has been on the property often.

Fran L’Heureux stated that the Greens Pond site is a wonderful property and that she would like to see it used in a family oriented way.

Nancy Gagnon introduced herself and expressed her interest in making a contribution to the process and to the community.

Tim Dutton noted that he grew up in Merrimack having lived here for about 40 years. He added that he served on the Wasserman Park Master Plan Committee and on the Conservation Commission.

Debra Huffman stated that she is thrilled that the Town purchased the Greens Pond property and is here to see that it is used in the best long-term interest of the community.

Andy Powell explained that he is currently chairman of the Conservation Commission. He is interested in development of a long-term plan to use the property intelligently. He noted what an opportunity it is to preserve so large a parcel and added that we need to take the time to sit down and think the process through. He added that the property needs to be considered alongside other Town-owned parcels.

Steve Keach noted that he too was on the Wasserman Park Master Plan Committee and was also a Planning Board member. He informed the Committee that he was a part of the previous development team for the site as a civil engineer and that he is very familiar with the site. He added that he has no preconceived notions and that we shouldn’t rush into any decisions. With the exchange of each other’s knowledge and passions, the process will work well.

Charles Buker stated that he is 41 years old and has lived in Town all of his life. He noted that he realizes that many of the people on the Committee are abutters and want use of the property restricted, but that he wants to protect the interests of all of the people of the Town. He stated that over 4000 people voted to acquire the land and that they should be able to use it.

Bill Keating stated that he is a new Town resident, that he is a civil engineer and that he saw this as a good opportunity to become involved.

Mike Ruggiero explained that he is vice president of the Merrimack Youth Association (MYA). He is here to look out for the interests of the kids, whether that means use of the site for trails or for fields.

Jim Taylor stated that he supports multiple uses of the property and added that he is also an abutter. He noted that there is an access area by his property but that it does not show on the maps.

Newton Coryell stated that he is a 30 year resident of the Town. He would like to see the property protected but wants other people to have the chance to use it.

Amanda Boerner noted that she grew up in the area and rode horses on the property.

Lynn Wenz introduced herself and added that she also lived near the Greens Pond property.

Catherine Provencher stated that she was thrilled when the Town purchased the property and expressed her interest in participating in the process. She noted that she is Director of Audit for the State of New Hampshire.

Connie Kreider stated that she also lives by the Greens Pond property and expressed her interest in seeing it preserved.

Ruth Roux explained that she is on two other Town committees: the Heritage Commission and the Parks and Recreation Committee. She would like to see the past history of the property preserved. She referenced Parks and Recreation and noted that we have yet to reach our cultural potential.

Janet Cormier noted that she is chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee and that she is interested in seeing the Greens Pond Property developed for recreation, conservation and education. She commented that she is particularly interested in accommodations for more mature residents, referenced activities such as cross-country skiing and walking, and noted that there must be space for wildlife also.

Property Overview:

Jay Minkarah, Community Development Director, introduced himself and explained that the Community Development Department would be staffing the Committee. It was noted that the Town closed on the Property on July 17, 2002. Mr. Minkarah gave an overview of the 563-acre site noting its location in the southwestern area of Town, generally situated south of Amherst Road, West of Naticook Road and north and east of Peaslee Road. Access areas on Amherst and Naticook Roads, Palmeri Drive, Old Kings Road, Queens Way, and from Class VI Roads connecting to Peaslee Road and Penny Lane were noted. Mr. Minkarah described the site are being largely wooded with second-generation growth and as having a fairly rugged terrain. It was noted that the property was the site of early settlement. Historic remains include a cellar hole dating from the mid 1700s and a portion of Old Kings Road. Mr. Minkarah stated that the site falls into two watersheds, with the southern portion, roughly south of the power lines flowing into the Naticook Basin, and the larger northern portion flowing toward the Souhegan River. The wellhead protection area at the southern end of the property was outlined along with prominent wetland areas including White Pine Swamp, the large wetlands on Naticook Road and in the central portion of the site. Other prominent features of the property, including Blodgett and Horse Hills were also highlighted.

Organization:

Fran L’Heureux suggested that the Committee select a chairman and vice chairman.

Shannon Barnes made a motion to nominate Debra Huffman as Chairman. The motion was seconded by Jim Taylor, and passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Debra Huffman made a motion to nominate Mike Ruggiero as Vice Chairman. The motion was seconded by Steve Keach and also passed unanimously on a voice vote.

Debra Huffman thanked the Committee members and noted that she was pleased at hearing all of the qualifications that members brought to the group.

Committee Tasks:

Ms. Huffman referenced a list of tasks that she had prepared. She emphasized that it is draft and that she is sure that there are things that she forgot. Ms. Huffman stated that the Board of Selectmen charged the group to think, research and plan. Physical improvements such as marking boundaries, would have to go back to the Selectmen.

Debra Huffman suggested that task teams or subcommittees be formed for each task. A lengthy discussion followed on the tasks with Committee members volunteering to serve on various task teams. Charles Buker asked if everyone had walked the site. He stated that he has spend at least 1000 hours walking the property, that he hunts it every year and he offered to guide members on a walk through. It was questioned whether site walks should be publicized. Liability was also questioned. It was suggested that the Committee obtain a list of hunting seasons. Greg Kirby questioned whether a publicized site walk with large numbers of people would damage the property. Ms. Huffman replied that there are sensitive portions of the site, but considering all that has taken place on the land, a site walk would not really be a threat. She also noted that Fall is a good time to walk the land. Janet Cormier noted that there are portions of the site that lack cell phone coverage. It was noted that no one should be encouraged to walk the site alone.

After discussion, certain tasks were amended and task teams were formed. A list of tasks and task teams is attached as attachment A.

Miscellaneous:

Meeting nights and times were discussed. It was the consensus of the group that the committee would meet the first Monday of each month. The third Monday would be left open for use if needed. Task teams would choose their own meeting times.

Andy Powell noted that the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests has prepared a presentation called New Hampshire Everlasting. Mr. Powell felt that the presentation would be worthwhile for the group and that they are available. Fran L’Heureux added that the area Conservation Officer would also be a good speaker. Andy Powell noted that the Conservation Commission’s forester, Dan Cyr, might also be available. Tim Dutton noted that the Hillsborough County Conservation District is a good resource for speakers.

Adjournment:

After some general discussion on miscellaneous topics, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM on a motion made by Tim Tenhave, seconded by John Buckley.

JM/jm

Attachment A

Greens Pond Master Plan Committee

Task List

Task Teams	Tasks
Charles Buker Debra Huffman Peter Kahn Greg Kirby Karen Mattor Jim Taylor	Evaluate the land: Gather all material provided by the previous owners, such as topographical maps, soil type data, etc. Determine what further studies should be conducted to fully understand the land (e.g., botanic and biological assessments) and obtain these studies. Prepare a written summary of all data.
Tim (Tenhave?) Debra Huffman Karen Mattor	· Research state and town restrictions for wetlands and other applicable soil types.
Newton Coryell	· Research the PSNH easement requirements and restrictions.
Roger Blais Amanda Boerner Steve Keach Bill Keating Connie Kreider Andy Powell	· Research the status and requirements of the two Class VI roads on and adjacent to the property and all potential access points.
John Buckley Tim Dutton Andy Powell	· Research the broader context in which the property exists - other town-owned properties, regional properties, aquifer protection land, etc.
Charles Buker Debra Huffman	· Conduct walks of the property for committee members (and the general public?)
Chris Christensen Tim Tenhave Denise O'Dwyer Cathy Provencher	· Study existing town plans.
Newton Coryell Nancy Gagnon Debra Huffman Greg Kirby Mike Ruggiero Lynn Wenz	· Determine current uses of the property and map existing trails.
Debra Huffman Steve Keach	· Contact the Wasserman Trust to discuss access. If they are willing to consider granting access, this task would further include mapping the access trail and following through with any legal and liability issues.
Fran L'Heureux Ruth Roulx David Rutzke	· Research historical uses of the property. (Historical context is being researched by the Merrimack Heritage Commission. Their findings will need to be folded into this committee's report.)
Nancy Gagnon Fran L'Heureux	· Work with town staff and counsel to gain an understanding of the town's foreseeable liability and legal issues involved with various uses.
Shannon Barnes	· Identify a point person for community input.
Charles Buker Greg Kirby	· Create and execute a plan to remove existing trash from the property. This task will require BOS approval.
All	· Determine various uses for which the property should be considered; solicit input from various town groups such as scouts, SnoBuds, etc.
All	· For each use identified in the previous task, assess the feasibility of each based on the data gathered in previous tasks and on an assessment of community benefit.
Input from all; preparation by Debra Huffman	· Prepare a written report of all committee findings.
TBD	· Identify property boundaries with appropriate markers. This task will require BOS approval and will be addressed at a future time. For now, Denise O'Dwyer will inquire about assistance from UNH.
TBD	· Create and execute a plan to name the property. Suggestions included using input from the Heritage Commission's research, school children's suggestions, and a town-wide 'name that parcel' contest. This task will require BOS approval.
TBD	· If the committee deems it desirable, organize an event to introduce the public to the property. This task will require BOS approval.
TBD	· Should it become apparent that certain areas of the land will remain as open space for the foreseeable future, create and execute a plan for management and use of the trails. This includes the following: Evaluate existing trails and create a plan for improvement where necessary. Research trail requirements for various types of users and develop a policy for multi-use and single-use trails. Research DES requirements for wetland trail crossings and obtain all required permissions. Create and execute a plan for creating additional trails. Develop a forest management plan (probably best left until after final land use has been determined and approved).