NOTES OF JULY 16, 2015 RYE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

Final Revision C -- Provided by Rye Civic League

 

            Present (clockwise around table):  Jim Raynes, Charles Raynes (former alternate), Dyana Ledger (transcriptionist), Sally King, Jaci Grote, Mike Garvan, Suzanne McFarland, Jeff Gardner.

            Also present:  Peter Crawford, Tracy Degnan.

 

            Editor’s note:  For ease in finding particular sections using the archived video and audio on the Town website, the elapsed time is indicated.  Use the slider and the elapsed time indicated at the bottom of the video window to fast forward to the desired section.  Videos on the Town website may currently be accessed at www.town.rye.nh.us by clicking on “Town Hall Streaming” at the bottom left of the screen.  Follow the link for “Town Hall Live Streaming,” then find the meeting by date under “Previous.”

            The video starts at 7:01:18 p.m. (0:00 elapsed)

 

Summary

 

1.      Site walk scheduled for wetlands application at 31 Parsons’ Rd. on July 30.

2.      Tracy Degnan of Rockingham Planning Commission provided updates regarding Goss Farm, financing of former Rand Lumber acquisition, procedures for wetlands applications.

3.      NH DES approvals for 1126, 1232 and 2575 Ocean Blvd. were discussed.

4.      A $3 million “place holder” bond for 2017 will be made as a CIP Plan request.

5.      Site revisits at 103 Locke Rd., 23 Appledore Ave. and 7 West Atlantic Ave. will be conducted.

 

Minutes

 

            Minutes accepted as submitted. Audio for transcription was not available to transcribe.

Wetlands Application, 31 Parsons’ Rd., Tax Map 20.2, Lot 47 (2:00 elapsed)

            Hearing for septic system and expansion of house, new garage near wetlands. Two lots: one vacant, one with the house. Lots to be merged and improvements made: small addition (16x16’) and garage to house are going to be proposed. Within 75 foot wetland buffer, steep slope to wetland.  Will require various other variances. Septic will have primary and secondary treatments, three compartments. Will require maintenance agreement with installing company “On Site.Smaller, better-located leach field than conventional or existing.  Impact on wetland buffer is increased overall as 100% of lot is in buffer although on a lot coverage basis the new improvements will be 23% lot coverage, below 30% limit. Plan is to expand house first, then garage, then new septic over a 5-10 year period. Garage will have a basement and bathroom on second floor and be a den, usable space but not a bedroom as garage is an accessory structure.  New septic will be further from buffer,a significant improvement, roof water will be collected and not, as nowshot into wetlands,” and will be detained and dispersed slowly.  New driveway will be a safety improvement.

(25:50 elapsed)

            Member Grote states this is an expansion of use in the buffer zone and enhancing house yet safety improvements of driveway (backing into a narrow road currently) were called out as justifications.

(28:14 elapsed)

             Unknown Member:  Lawn behind, i.e. towards, wetlands?  Soil scientist: there is fill in back. And it is mowed to wetland boundary. Member Grote:  can we mitigate impacts?  Engineer Ross we can make patio pervious pavers proposed, not pervious as of now on plans.  Unknown Member:  previous owners did a lot of pumping, there is a lot of water back there.

            Thursday July 30 6:00 p.m.  Site Walk tentatively scheduled.

Tracy Degnan (Rockingham County Conservation District) update (34:15 elapsed)

            Boundary signs placed around Town Forest easement.

            Goss Farm coop house, verifying new culverts under farm road. Need to verify completion so cost sharing monies can come in.

            Brief discussion of Wallis Road property (assume Rand Lumber area) Rand RCS, Aquatic mitigation funds update.

            Tracy Degnan has had discussion with Kim Reed about Section 301 of Ordinance to strengthen wetland buffer regulations, more consistent, standard form to be used by all boards.  Potential joint meetings (assume with Planning Board). Building Inspector anxious to have regulations that are easier to enforce. Development pressures mentioned as well as some towns having stricter regulations.

            Goss Farm:  approximately 16 private gardens this year.  Discussion of getting the word out more effectively about availability of garden plots.  Newsletter and website have been used.

Shoreland Permits:  Review of work completed, pictures, and paperwork (42:40 elapsed)

1126 Ocean Blvd- Map 19.4/ Lot 084 5800 square feet impact.

5 HarborView Drive- update that work has been completed. Provided photos.

1232 Ocean-  Deck and sea grass to be planted.

2575 Ocean-  Did not follow Conservation Commission recommendations. Frank Richardson DES, researched law and couldn’t say no to permit. Appox. 2000 square feet, drainage, drainage outfall towards seawall and ocean. Previously developed uplands and existing culverts.  Richardson concluded that there was least impact and applicant demonstrated need. Alternative of on site detention pond as suggested by CC was found to not be feasible. Sally King 10,000 square foot home and 3,000 square foot guest house… so no place left for the water?  Discussion of appealing DES decision.  Conclusion that CC wouldn’t prevail. Sally King said decision was precedent setting.

Discussion of CIP Capital Improvement Program (50:40 elapsed)

            Last year put in $3,000,000 for 2017 as a “placeholder” for new funding. Member Grote:  important to have a consistent funding, showing that town is interested in funding conservation.  Chairman Sally King looking at marshes as buffer for rising waters.  Seeking consensus for CIP amount, board concurs.

Review of past approvals and planning to revisit sites (53:40 elapsed)

Discussion of house across from Wentworth, “football coach”.

25 Appledore condition not to mow off their property in marsh needs to be verified.

103 Locke Road now want to cut the trees first to put solar panels on roof. Generator placed without permission, approval after the fact.

7 West Atlantic- draining from driveway into vernal pool. Boulders to road.

Bills (57:49 elapsed)

            The payment of a number of small bills was approved.

Adjournment (            60:28 elapsed)

            The meeting was adjourned.