Kensington Conservation Commission

Minutes of December 14, 2004

Members in attendance: Harry Bodwell, Sydnee Goddard, John and Joan Skewes

1. Call to order 7:33pm

2. Minutes approved with minor spelling change.

3. Barbara Boudreau read her letter to KCC proposing KCC purchase development rights on her property at 9 Osgood Road, which the appraiser found to be valued at $262 thousand. Barbara would retain ownership of the land, minus the rights to develop it. The letter also asked for the KCC to pay for the appraisal. Harry suggested that because this is different from Barbara's original proposal to purchase the right for $160 thousand, that any offer to pay for the appraisal is no longer valid and that the negotiations should start anew. Sydnee also indicated that Barbara chose to pay for the appraisal herself in order to own the appraisal. Because $262 thousand is the majority of the estimated value off this land, John Skewes proposed instead that we look to buy the land outright, minus the house and lot and therefore be able to add more conservation land to the adjacent town owned Meeting House Hill Conservation Area. Barbara's land is sandwiched between the Meeting House hill and the Elementary School property. The purchase of Barbara's land would provide access to these conservation areas from the elementary school. Barbara will think more about this counter proposal and get back to KCC in the future.

4. Joan reported on the cost of survey of Smith, Rezendes, and Sawyer properties. Original estimate was $12,000. KCC has paid $5,000. Ladd, the surveyor, indicates that actual cost was $17,000. KCC was not contacted by Ladd when costs were going beyond estimate nor informed of reasons for increase. Joan suggests that KCC go forward and pay remaining $7,000 due on original estimate and have her discuss the excess with Ladd and negotiate a plan for final payment to be voted on in future. Motion made to pay $7,000 out of KCC conservation fund. It was seconded, and approved unanimously. Joan will negotiate with Ladd over remaining $5,000.

5. Discussed Parker easement. Members were notified by Brian Hart of Rockingham Land Trust that transaction cost to complete conservation easement for Parker property on Drinkwater Road will be $6,700. Joan makes motion that KCC pay these transaction costs out of KCC conservation fund. Motion seconded and approved unanimously.

6. Joan makes motion that funds remaining in KCC annual budget for 2004 be donated to Rocking Land Trust, who has negotiated 2 large easements in Kensington in 2004 and has worked with KCC on five other potential easements. Motion seconded and approved unanimously.

7. Charlie Moreno gave update on status of tree harvest in Hodges Conservation Area. Charlie indicated that he has marked low quality trees to achieve a conservative thinning and improve growth of remaining healthy trees. Approximately 10 white pine and 13 hardwoods were marked per acre. His map showed forest areas marked and location of staging area. Area to be cut first will not require a wetland crossing. Charlie presented bids from 3 logging companies, who he has confidence will do quality work. Discussed pros and cons of techniques and time frame of different loggers. No logger stood out as clear choice, all appear overall positive. John made motion that KCC give Charlie permission to negotiate an initial agreement with the logging company (one of the three) that can start at earliest possible date. Motion seconded and approved unanimously.

When Charlie secures contract with Logging Company John will bring it to Selectmen.

Charlie indicated that stone will need to be laid at entrance to Hodges Conservation Area (edge of field off Stumpfield Road) in order for logging trucks to access property. John makes motion that KCC give Charlie permission to arrange to get stone. KCC will pay for stone unless logging company will deal with the stone and take the cost out of their final payment for the timber. Motion seconded and unanimously approved.

8. Sydnee indicated that she and Theresa Walker have yet to meet about trails grant and that Theresa decided to gather most of the necessary information and then get back to Sydnee for a meeting date.

9. John proposed that KCC put a warrant article on March ballot requesting that amount of money going to Kensington Conservation Fund from Change of Use Tax be increased from the present 50% to 100%. Members agreed. Joan will need to determine deadlines for the warrant article.

10. Adjourn 9:34 pm

respectfully submitted by,

Sydnee M. Goddard