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2006 Meeting Minutes

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December 7, 2006

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June 26, 2006

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February 13, 2006

January 13, 2006

December 7, 2006

Board of Directors Meeting and Retreat

Bridges-Styles House, Mountain Road, Concord NH

In Attendance:

Charlie Bridges

Jack Bronnenberg

Phil Bryce

Thomas Burack

Pete Helm

Rusty McLear

Van McLeod

Tim Murphy

Bill Norton

Charles Royce

Rep. Spang
Bill Veillette

Craig Welch

Rachel Rouillard

Cheryl Carlson

Amy Dixon

Absent:

Linda Stoddard

Steve Taylor

Sen. Johnson

Sen. Larsen

Rep. Merrow

Public Members:

Alice Chamberlin

David Baudarina

Tim Murphy opened the business meeting at 8:40 am. Introductions followed. The board then reviewed the agenda for today’s meeting. No changes were made.

The minutes from the October 16, 2006 board meeting were presented. MOTION: Rep. Spang made a motion to adopt the October 16, 2006 as presented. Seconded by Bill Veillette. Approved by unanimous vote.

Rachel Rouillard updated board members on the following items:

Rachel introduced David Baudarina from Blue Moose Technology. During the summer, LCHIP put out an RFP for database services, which was ultimately awarded to Blue Moose Technology. David gave a brief overview of the data that LCHIP staff collects in the database and then proceeded to walk the board through the database and reports. Rachel informed the board that Phase II of the database project will be to link the database to the website. Other possible add-ins will be to expand the LCH Register portion by adding photos and also add a GIS link to the entire database of funded projects.

Amy reported that the Valley Cemetery and also the Manchester Historic Association projects, both in Manchester, have been completed. She also has delivered Project in the Works signs to the Folsom Tavern in Exeter and the Cotton Tenant house project at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth.

1772 Meetinghouse, New Durham

The Executive Director and Historic Resource specialist recommended additional funding to the 1772 Meetinghouse project to allow the applicant funding to complete a full Historic Structures report.

MOTION: Bill Veillette mad a motion to increase the Round 6 grant award to the Town of New Durham for the 1772 Meetinghouse from a maximum of $10,000 to a new maximum of $15,000 and to amend the project scope of work to include the development of a full Historic Structures Report. The purpose of this additional grant award is to ensure the proper preservation and long-term stewardship of the 1772 Meetinghouse. The additional grant funds will be subject to all LCHIP policies and requirements. Craig Welch seconded the motion. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Brown Company Barns, Berlin

The Executive Director and Historic Resource specialist recommended additional funding to the Brown Company Barns project.

MOTION: Rep. Spang made a motion to increase the Round 4 grant award to the Berlin Historical Society for the Brown Company Maynesboro Stud Barns from $50,000 to $57,000 for the purposes of providing an additional challenge grant to complete the window replacement on the large barn and to re-roof the small barn with a metal roof in order to prevent its collapse. The challenge grant must be met by the applicant and demonstrated in writing to LCHIP by June 30, 2007. The additional grant funds will be subject to all LCHIP policies and requirements. Seconded by Charlie Royce. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

There were no comments from the public

The board then adjourned the business meeting and started the annual retreat.

October 16, 2006

CDFA Board Room, Concord, NH

Thomas Burack, Chair

Present:

Charlie Bridges

Phil Bryce (left at 11:20)

Tom Burack

Sen. Larsen (arrived 10:45)

Amy Ignatius

Van McLeod

Rep. Merrow

Tim Murphy

Mike Walls

Rep. Spang

Tom Sloan

Bill Veillette

Craig Welch

Brad Wyman

Rachel Rouillard, LCHIP

Darrell DeTour, LCHIP

Amy Dixon, LCHIP

Cheryl Carlson, LCHIP

Absent:

Liz Hengen

Sen. Johnson

Linda Stoddard

Others Present: Senator Chuck Morse; Carol Murray, Commissioner, NH Department of Transportation

Tom Burack called the meeting to order at 9:02 am. Introductions followed. Members reviewed the agenda for changes. No changes were made, however, it was noted that Senator Morse would be addressing the Board at 9:30.

MOTION: Brad Wyman made a motion for the board enter non-public session later in the meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 to review matters enumerated under RSA 91-A:3,II, a, for the purposes of discussing the Executive Director’s annual review. Rep. Merrow seconded the motion. Unanimous vote, motion passes.

The minutes were reviewed from the June 26, 2006 meeting.

Changes:

MOTION: Tim Murphy made a motion to accept the minutes of the June 26, 2006 meeting with the changes noted above. Rep. Spang seconded the motion. Unanimous vote, motion passes.

Rachel’s report consisted of the following:

Amy’s report consisted of the following:

The Governor and Executive Council (G&C) nominated three people as LCHIP board members:

The confirmations by the G&C will be at the next meeting.

Tom Burack stated that he will be resigning effective October 31, 2006. He was appointed the new commissioner of NH Department of Environmental Services.

Tom Burack proposed the following slate for consideration:

It was suggested that this slate serve until the next time the Board addresses leadership which typically occurs in January of each year.

MOTION: Brad Wyman made a motion to approve the proposed slate. Rep. Spang seconded the motion. Unanimous vote, motion passes.

Sen. Morse arrived to discuss the LCHIP/DOT partnership. Introductions followed. The DOT/LCHIP partnership has been evolving for 2 years. Two successful projects have come out of it: Tuttle Farm and Pow Wow River (Nichols) in Kingston.

Sen. Morse stated than a representative from LCHIP needs to be at the monthly DOT meetings. He believes there should be a new full-time position, based at LCHIP. The position should involve stewardship, monitoring, and outreach. The Commissioner of the DOT has offered to find a way to fund the position and possibly propose legislation. Sen. Morse asked LCHIP Board members for feedback on the position.

Rep. Spang said that the Tuttle Farm was a good example of how the partnership is working. She asked if the full-time position had to be done with legislation? Sen. Morse said that legislation is the way to fund the position.

Amy Ignatius asked if there was enough mitigation to warrant a full time position. Sen. Morse replied that Carol Murray could better answer that question.

Phil Bryce said that he sees three parts to the partnership:

Sen. Morse said that this issue needs serious debate in the Legislature. The current lands held by DOT are not going to DRED or anyone else. The DOT spends $10-15 million per year for land purchases. Phil Bryce agreed that the partnership was a good concept to move forward with.

Charlie Bridges mentioned that NH Fish & Game meets with the DOT and sometimes acquires mitigation lands. Some of those lands are not properly stewarded. If LCHIP expands to this role, other agencies should be involved.. Sen. Morse replied that the communications should be happening at the DOT meetings and other agencies should be participating.

Rep. Spang asked if there is an easement when DOT acquires lands and are they protected in perpetuity? Sen. Morse replied that the DOT commissioner should answer that. Rep. Spang stated that in order to be the steward of land, the resources and use of the land needs to be identified. Sen. Morse said it is beyond what the DOT does, but where the DOT wants to get.

At 10:03, Carol Murray arrived and introductions followed. She agreed that stewardship is a great idea and that there is a missed opportunity for outreach and education. Van McLeod stated that the Cultural Resources Department works with the DOT as there are historic buildings on alot of the lands that DOT holds.

Everyone agreed that the plan for LCHIP and DOT to work together is a good concept. Members urged that the communication and coordination with other agencies continue.

Tom Burack asked if the DOT could flip properties to other agencies, organizations, and conservation commissions. Carol Murray said that the DOT is completing an inventory of DOT owned lands. The full time position that had been talked about would be the one reviewing the inventory and deciding who could steward the lands. Currently, towns want money to steward properties, but there is no money available to do it. The DOT pays the Cultural Resources Department to review historic documentation on their projects containing historic buildings. Carol will look into possibly using highway funds be made available to fund the LCHIP/DOT position.

The Board entered non-public session to discuss the Executive Director’s annual review. LCHIP staff left the room. When non-public session ended, staff returned to the room.

MOTION: Brad Wyman made a motion that pursuant to RSA-91-A:3,III, the minutes from the proceedings of the non-public session shall be sealed until such time as the Board votes to release them based on a finding that divulgence of the information would not likely adversely affect the reputation of any person other than a member of the body or agency itself or render the proposed action ineffective. Rep. Merrow seconded the motion. Unanimous vote, motion carries. The board then re-entered public session.

The opera house was funded for rehabilitation work for the second floor, however, the project has significantly changed. The Town will now be undertaking a rehabilitation of the entire town hall. The Town thinks that LCHIP will only be reviewing the plans and specs for the second floor project. LCHIP staff would like the Board of Directors to allow staff to look at the plans and specs for the entire project and provide guidance to the Town. Rep. Merrow asked that if the second floor project was completed first and then the Town rehabbed the town hall, would LCHIP have input? Rachel replied that through the Stewardship agreement, LCHIP would have input on the façade only. Van McLeod agreed that guidance and stewardship is crucial and that LCHIP should assist the Town wherever possible. Board members urged LCHIP staff to sit down with the Town to discuss the project.

The Board discussed possible retreat dates and it was agreed to poll Board members by email. The time for the retreat would be 8:30 –2. Rep. Spang said that Board members need to agree on items that will be discussed before the retreat. Rachel said she had some ideas for the retreat and that a subcommittee could define the topics. Some of the suggested topics are: Audit questions, remaining funds available for projects, advocacy, outreach, and policy/position caucus. Rep. Spang suggested that Brad Wyman facilitate the retreat. Bill and Tim will work with Rachel to get a subcommittee together to do planning for the retreat.

Tom Burack suggested Craig and Rachel meet with Sen. Morse to discuss legislation associated with the DOT partnership. It was noted that bills for the Senate need to be in by mid December and by November 15^th for the House.

On behalf of the board, Tom Burack thanked Brad Wyman and Liz Hengen for their years of service. He then thanked everyone for letting him serve the LCHIP Board.

Meeting adjourned at 11:31 am.

June 26, 2006

LCHIP Board of Directors Meeting, LCHIP Office, 10 Dixon Avenue, Concord NH

In Attendance:

Charlie Bridges

Tom Burack

Susan Francher

Pete Helm

Liz Hengen

Tim Murphy

Sara Pillsbury (arrived 9:25 am)

Rep. Spang

Linda Stoddard (9:50 am by conf. call)

Bill Veillette

Craig Welch

Rachel Rouillard

Cheryl Carlson

Absent:

Sen. Johnson

Sen. Larsen

Van McLeod

Rep. Merrow

Steve Taylor

Brad Wyman

Darrell DeTour

Guest: Senator Chuck Morse

Tom Burack opened the meeting at 9:04 am. Introductions followed. Board members reviewed the agenda and made the following changes:

The minutes were presented from the May 9, 2006 board meeting. The following revisions were made:

MOTION: Tim Murphy made a motion to accept the May 9, 2006 meeting minutes with the revisions made. Seconded by Bill Veillette. Unanimous vote, motion carries.

Bill Veillette asked if there would be an opportunity to discuss feedback received regarding the grant round that just ended. Rachel said there would be time later in the meeting to discuss it.

Rep. Spang made a motion that the LCHIP Board, later in the meeting, go into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 to review matters enumerated under RSA 91-A:3,II, a – for the purposes of discussing the Executive Director’s annual review.  Seconded by Liz Hengen. Unanimous vote.

The board discussed reaction received from people regarding Grant Round 6. Bill Veillette informed the board that he had received feedback relative to two museums receiving LCHIP funds when they were not really threatened. Charlie Bridges mentioned that he had heard some say that the Webster Farm received a large amount of money outside of a grant round. Most board members reported receiving positive feedback and appreciative calls.

Tom Burack reported that more roundtables are being held this week, sponsored by the NH Business & Industry Association. He urged members to attend. Tom also mentioned that he met with Governor Lynch and that LCHIP is an important issue to the Governor. He urged board members to be active going into and during the next legislative session. The board discussed the capital budget process briefly and then discussed the possibility of a board retreat in September.

After the last board meeting a small group was formed to discuss the Lands Use issue. The group consisted of Rachel, Tim Murphy, Pete Helm, Bill Veillette, Tom Sloan, and Mike Walls. The group worked on a policy, which was received with mixed reviews in that not everyone agreed with it. After discussion, there was consensus to not adopt a new policy or executive limitation, and take the issues on a case-by-case basis using the existing Executive Limitation, Criteria, and LCHIP law as guidelines.

At the May 8, 2006 board meeting, the board withdrew grant awards from the Littleton Opera House, Sargent Museum, and Poore Family Farm projects. All projects were out of compliance with the 18-month completion policy. The Sargent Museum did not respond and therefore the grant is withdrawn. The Town of Littleton responded that they had believed the grant was already withdrawn and conceded to the board’s decision to withdraw the award. The Poore Family Farm responded and updated staff that they had received a $140,000 grant from the Scenic Byways program and that the project is moving forward. Rachel visited the Farm along with Carol Barolean from the Scenic Byways program. Rachel reported that some scheduling and financial details need to be worked out on the project and that the Farm has their match but the project cannot be finished in 12 months. She recommended that the project be kept as ‘on hold’ status. The board agreed.

Rachel reported that all the ‘waitlisted’ projects from Round 6 would be funded with the supplemental appropriation LCHIP will be receiving from HB 1167.

The board entered non-public session to discuss the Executive Director’s annual review. LCHIP staff and Susan Francher left the room. Non-public session ended, staff and Susan Francher returned to the room. Rep. Spang made a motion that pursuant to RSA-91-A:3,III, the minutes from the proceedings of the non-public session shall be sealed until such time as the Board votes to release them based on a finding that divulgence of the information would likely adversely affect the reputation of any person other than a member of the body or agency itself or render the proposed action ineffective. Seconded by Liz Hengen. Unanimous vote, motion carries.

Tim Murphy, as Vice-Chairman, presented the FY2007 administrative budget for approval.

Total Staff Costs: 182,090.28

Total Office Expenses: 139,411.80

Total Program Costs for FY 07 321,502.08

Tim asked if the current staff of three could handle the workload for the upcoming year. He then suggested adding a footnote to the budget in the event that additional staff needs to be hired that the budget could be amended.

Bill Veillette made a motion to adopt the FY 2007 budget. Seconded by Craig Welch. Unanimous vote, motion carries.

Senator Morse was in attendance and introduced Bill Hauser and Chris Waszczuk from the NH Department of Transportation. Senator Morse discussed the background of the Mitigation Program. He explained that the goal of the partnership was to have LCHIP bring projects from the LCH Register that matched DOT’s goal and discuss them at the resource meetings. Senator Morse explained that the DOT/LCHIP partnership could be very beneficial to the State of New Hampshire and encouraged LCHIP to continue to pursue the partnership with DOT.

There were no comments from the public at this meeting.

May 8, 2006, LCHIP Board of Directors Meeting, CDFA Board Room, 14 Dixon Avenue, Concord NH

In Attendance:

Charlie Bridges

Phil Bryce

Tom Burack

Pete Helm

Rep. Merrow

Tim Murphy

Mike Walls

Linda Stoddard

Tom Sloan

Bill Veillette

Craig Welch

Brad Wyman

Darrell DeTour

Rachel Rouillard

Cheryl Carlson

Absent:

Liz Hengen

Sen. Johnson

Sen. Larsen

Rep. Spang

Van McLeod

Members of the Public: None

Tom Burack opened the meeting at 9:00 am. Introductions followed. Board members reviewed the agenda and made no changes. The minutes were presented from the following board meetings: January 13, 2006, February 13, 2006, and February 17, 2006. The minutes were set aside due to lack of a quorum.

Tom Burack reported that on May 3, 2006 the Senate had taken up HB1167 and had approved a $500,000 supplemental appropriation for LCHIP. The breakdown is as follows: $250,000 is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006 and an additional $250,000 is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. In addition, the Department of Transportation (DOT) and LCHIP partnership was changed to add "organizations engaged in the acquisition or stewardship of lands, and natural, cultural, and historical resources, or interests therein, of local, regional, and statewide significance, for the administration of the pilot program". LCHIP would still be involved in the DOT partnership. HB1167 will now go to the House of Representatives. Tom Burack suggested inviting Senator Morse to a future LCHIP board meeting.

The minutes were presented from the following board meetings: January 13, 2006, February 13, 2006, and February 17, 2006. Changes: Linda Stoddard was present at the February 13^th meeting, but is listed as absent.

MOTION: Tim Murphy made a motion to accept the January 13^th, February 13^th, and February 17^th minutes as printed and with the clarification listed above. SECONDED by Bill Veillette. Unanimous vote.

The board and staff discussed LCHIP projects that were out of compliance with the 18-month completion policy. The following projects were discussed:

Tom Burack recused himself from the room during discussion and vote, citing a conflict that his firm has represented the Sargent Museum.

MOTION: Brad Wyman made a motion to withdraw funding from the Sargent Museum, due to the insolvency of the organization and for the purposes of reallocating limited funds to current viable, priority projects. The withdrawal of the remaining $35,115 grant award will be in effect as of May 31, 2006 should the Sargent Museum fail to respond to the Board’s request for evidence that their required match funding is in place, that the project is viable and can be completed consistent with LCHIP requirements within 12 months. SECONDED by Craig Welch.

Roll Call Results:

Tom Burack Abstain

Rep. Merrow Yea

Tim Murphy Yea

Linda Stoddard Yea

Bill Veillette Yea

Craig Welch Yea

Brad Wyman Yea

6=Yea 1=Abstain

Motion Passes. Tom Burack returned to the room after the vote.

MOTION: Brad Wyman made a motion to withdraw funding from the Littleton Opera House, due to a lack of community support as evidenced by two town votes not to support the rehabilitation of the historic opera house, and noncompliance with the LCHIP Project Completion Policy, for the purposes of reallocating limited funds to current viable, priority projects. The withdrawal of the $75,000 grant award will be in effect as of May 31, 2006 should the Town of Littleton fail to respond to the Board’s request for evidence that their required match funding is in place, that the project is viable and can be completed consistent with LCHIP requirements within 12 months. SECONDED by Tim Murphy.

Roll Call Results:

Tom Burack Yea

Rep. Merrow Yea

Tim Murphy Yea

Linda Stoddard Yea

Bill Veillette Abstain

Craig Welch Yea

Brad Wyman Yea

6=Yea 1=Abstain

Motion Passes. Bill Veillette abstained from voting and cited that he did not know enough about the project to vote.

MOTION: Brad Wyman made a motion to withdraw funding from the Poore Family Farm in Stewartstown, due to noncompliance with the LCHIP Project Completion Policy, for the purposes of reallocating limited funds to current viable, priority projects. The withdrawal of the $74,422 grant award will be in effect as of May 31, 2006 should the Poore Family Farm fail to respond to the Board’s request for evidence that their required match funding is in place, that the project is viable and can be completed consistent with LCHIP requirements within 12 months. SECONDED by Tim Murphy.

Roll Call Results:

Tom Burack Yea

Rep. Merrow Yea

Tim Murphy Yea

Linda Stoddard Yea

Bill Veillette Yea

Craig Welch Yea

Brad Wyman Yea

7=Yea

Motion Passes.

The Town of Bedford was formally notified by LCHIP in a letter dated October 20, 2004 that the project was out of compliance with LCHIP’s 18-month project completion policy. The Town had until December 6, 2004 to respond and failed to do so.

MOTION: Tim Murphy made a motion to withdraw funding from the Joppa Hill Project in Bedford, due to noncompliance with the LCHIP Project Completion Policy, for the purposes of reallocating limited funds to current viable, priority projects. The withdrawal of the $20,000 grant award will be effective immediately. SECONDED by Craig Welch.

Roll Call Results:

Tom Burack Yea

Rep. Merrow Yea

Tim Murphy Yea

Linda Stoddard Yea

Bill Veillette Yea

Craig Welch Yea

Brad Wyman Yea

7=Yea

Motion Passes.

Rachel informed the board that 12 projects were invited to submit full proposals for funding, but only 9 were received. The following projects did not submit:

Stoddard – Phil Bryce (project is in the running for a Forest Legacy grant)

Temple – Tim Murphy is on Board of Trustees of Monadnock Conservancy (project applicant)

The projects were reviewed and ranked by the panels prior to being presented at today’s meeting. Staff presented the following projects via a PowerPoint presentation:

Lamprey River Headlands Deerfield                 Grant Request $100,000

1775 Folsom Tavern Exeter                             Grant Request $100,000

1795 Lempster Meetinghouse Lempster           Grant Request $187,500

1772 Meetinghouse New Durham                    Grant Request $7,700

Mulligan Forest Nottingham                              Grant Request $295,000

Cotton Tenant House Portsmouth                     Grant Request $115,000

Duston Farm Salem                                          Grant Request $1,000,000

Robb Reservoir Stoddard                                 Grant Request $250,000

Temple Mountain Temple                                  Grant Request $135,000

The following recommendations for funding were proposed:

Mulligan Forest Nottingham                         $295,000

Robb Reservoir Stoddard                            $250,000

1795 Lempster Meetinghouse Lempster       $75,000

1775 Folsom Tavern Exeter                         $100,000

1772 Meetinghouse New Durham                $10,000

Waitlisted Projects:

Temple Mountain Temple                             $135,000

Lamprey River Headlands Deerfield             $100,000

Cotton Tenant House Portsmouth                 $115,000

Following extensive discussion on all project by the board, Brad Wyman made the following

MOTION to:

Fund the following projects and amounts, conditional upon meeting all the terms requirements of the LCHIP Program and upon the state appropriation being made available as of July 1, 2006:

Project                                         Town                       Amount

Mulligan Forest                             Nottingham              $295,000

Robb Reservoir                             Stoddard                 $250,000

1795 Lempster Meetinghouse        Lempster                 $75,000

1775 Folsom Tavern                     Exeter                      $100,000

1772 Meetinghouse                       New Durham           $10,000

AND;

To allocate funds from the LCHIP Trust Fund to the LCHIP Endowment Fund for the following projects:

Project                                          Town                         Amount

Mulligan Forest                              Nottingham                 $40,000

Robb Reservoir                             Stoddard                     $40,000

1795 Lempster Meetinghouse        Lempster                     $10,000

1775 Folsom Tavern                     Exeter                          $10,000

1772 Meetinghouse                       New Durham               $10,000

Webster Farm                               Franklin                       $40,000

AND;

To waitlist the following projects in rank order to receive grants when funds become available. Partial funding will come from projects that were withdrawn due to non-compliance with the Project Completion Policy and the remainder would be funded should supplemental funding be made available this year:

Project                                         Town                     Grant Amount             Endowment Amount

Temple Mountain                         Temple                   $135,000                   $40,000

Lamprey River Headlands            Deerfield                 $100,000                   $40,000

Cotton Tenant House                   Portsmouth              $115,000                   $10,000

MOTION was SECONED by Rep. Merrow.

Roll Call Results:

Tom Burack Yea

Rep. Merrow Yea

Tim Murphy Yea*

Linda Stoddard Yea

Bill Veillette Yea

Craig Welch Yea

Brad Wyman Yea

7=Yea

*Due to a conflict Tim Murphy did not vote on the Temple Mountain project and was not present during discussion. Motion Passes.

The board discussed farmland projects and the disposing of certain items on said properties.

A board member suggested checking out the NH Department of Environmental Services Solid Waste law. Others had concerns about disposing of items on farmlands in general and the liability associated with it. The board instructed Rachel to work further on this issue and come back with a formal policy. Mike Walls, Bill Veillette, Tim Murphy, Pete Helm, and Tom Sloan will assist Rachel. She will draft something on the issue and send it around to the above named people. It is anticipated to be an agenda item at a future meeting.

There were no comments from the public at this meeting.

The next scheduled meeting is June 19^th. The meeting may need to be rescheduled to a later date, but board members will be emailed of any date changes.

Having no further business before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:54 am.

February 17, 2006

LCHIP Board of Directors Meeting - LCHIP Office, 10 Dixon Avenue, Concord NH

In Attendance:

Charlie Bridges

Phil Bryce (via conference call)

Tom Burack

Liz Hengen

Tim Murphy (via conference call)

Tom Sloan (via conference call)

Linda Stoddard (via conference call)

Craig Welch (via conference call)

Brad Wyman (via conference call)

Rachel Rouillard

Cheryl Carlson

Absent:

Sen. Johnson

Van McLeod

Bill Veillette

Mike Walls

Pete Helm

Sen. Larsen

Rep. Merrow

Rep. Spang

Darrell DeTour

Members of the Public: Sabine Mueller

Tom Burack opened the meeting at 9:04 am. Introductions followed. Board members reviewed responses from those applicants who presented their Round 6 projects to the board at its regular meeting on February 13, 2006. The purpose of this meeting is to determine which applicants will be invited to submit full applications to LCHIP for funding.

The board discussed each project presenter’s comments that they had shared with their assigned board member as well as responses to board member questions generated during the February 13^th board meeting. They also discussed project content, financial need and grant amount requests, project significance, and geographical distribution. After discussion Board members agreed that the following list of projects would be invited to submit full applications in Grant Round 6.

Full applications will be due on March 31, 2006.

There were no comments from the public at this meeting.

The next two scheduled board meetings are April 28, 2006 and May 19, 2006. Some board members suggested canceling the April 28^th meeting and possibly having a meeting in May instead, possibly May 1^st. Rachel and Cheryl will look at potential dates and email board members.

Having no further business before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.

February 13, 2006

LCHIP Board of Directors Meeting - Tuck Library, Concord NH

In Attendance:

Charlie Bridges

Phil Bryce

Tom Burack

Liz Hengen

Sen. Johnson (arrived 9:05)

Van McLeod (left 12:10 pm)

Tim Murphy

Tom Sloan

Linda Stoddard

Bill Veillette

Mike Walls

Craig Welch (arrived 10:04)

Brad Wyman

Rachel Rouillard

Cheryl Carlson

Absent:

Pete Helm

Sen. Larsen

Rep. Merrow

Rep. Spang

Darrell DeTour

Members of the Public: Sabine Mueller

Tom Burack opened the meeting at 8:50 am. Introductions followed. This meeting focused on project presentations for grant round 6.

Rachel Rouillard introduced each of the presenters and indicated that had 8 minutes to present their project. While they were presenting all board members rated/scored specific elements of the presentation on sheets provided. At the 7-minute mark a chime was sounded letting presenters know that they had 1 minute remaining and to wrap up. Following the presentation, an assigned board member walked each presenter out of the room. The assigned board member then had a few minutes with the presenter to ask any questions and clarify any major points. During this transition time, Rachel set up the next presenter and introduced them.

Projects that were presented at this meeting:

• Temple Mountain, Temple
• Porter Farm, Sandown
• Duston Farm, Salem
• Moriarty Farm, Lee
• Gould Hill Farm, Hopkinton
• Mulligan Forest, Nottingham
• Piscassic Greenway/Farm, Newfields/Newmarket
• Robb Reservoir, Antrim/Stoddard
• Folsom Tavern, Exeter
• Cotton Tenant House, Portsmouth
• 1772 Meetinghouse, New Durham
• Coastal Headwaters, Greenland
• Lamprey River Headlands, Deerfield
• Lempster Meetinghouse, Lempster
• Although invited, no one came to present the Town Farm project in Peterborough.

After the final presentation, board members discussed the projects and were given the opportunity to ask specific questions of any board member about his/her assigned project. Board members were asked to rank their top 7-8 projects and disclose any conflicts of interest by noting it on their ranking list. Board members will contact representatives of their assigned projects to get answers to any outstanding questions. Board members will give their ranking sheets along with answers to outstanding questions to Rachel.

No votes were taken at this meeting.

There were no comments from the public at this meeting.

It was determined that an additional meeting this week was needed. A meeting was scheduled for February 17, 2006 and will be posted appropriately.

Having no further business before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 pm.

January 13, 2006

LCHIP Board of Directors Annual Retreat - Bridges House, Mountain Road, Concord NH

In Attendance:

Charlie Bridges

Phil Bryce (arrived 9:32)

Tom Burack

Pete Helm

Liz Hengen

Sen. Johnson (arrived 11:30)

Van McLeod

Tim Murphy

Sara Pillsbury

Tom Sloan

Rep. Spang

Bill Veillette

Craig Welch (arrived 10:20)

Brad Wyman

Rachel Rouillard

Cheryl Carlson

Absent:

Sen. Larsen

Rep. Merrow

Linda Stoddard

Darrell DeTour

Members of the Public: John Kanter, NH Fish & Game

Brad Wyman opened the meeting at 9:14 am. Introductions followed.

Charlie Bridges introduced John Kanter. John works in the Nongame Wildlife program at the NH Fish & Game Department. John presented the Wildlife Action Plan to the Board.

The minutes were presented from the 12.20.05 board meeting.

MOTION: Tim Murphy made a motion to approve the 12.20.05 minutes as presented. Seconded by Tom Burack. Unanimous vote.

Background information: The board originally committed $500,000 for this project. The funds were to come from future appropriations, as the funding was not available in Round 4. LCHIP understood that the Penacook Mill project was under agreement for redevelopment without the use of LCHIP funding and rescinded the commitment of $500,000 to the project on September 9, 2005. In October 2005, LCHIP received a letter from Matt Walsh from the City of Concord Community Development Department, which was dated October 21, 2005. The letter requested that the LCHIP Board reinstate the $500,000 commitment should the funds be needed to make the Penacook Mill project viable.

After discussion, the following MOTION was made by Tim Murphy, seconded by Bill Veillette: The LCHIP Board of Directors reaffirms their earlier action to rescind the $500,000 commitment, but understand the City’s situation and should the city have an aspect of the Penacook mill project needing funding in the future, the Board asks the City to reapply for funding.

Roll call results:

Tom Burack Yea

Liz Hengen Yea

Tim Murphy Yea

Rep. Spang Yea

Bill Veillette Yea

Craig Welch Yea

Brad Wyman Yea

7 – Yea. Unanimous vote.

The Board discussed three bills in the current session:

HB 1167, sponsored by Rep. Hess, seeks supplemental funding for LCHIP - $2.5 million for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2006 and $5 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007.

HB 1457, sponsored by Rep. Kurk, is a property tax on high voltage electrical transmission lines.

HB 1737, sponsored by Rep. Cooney, is a beverage fee on certain sodas and bottled water to be paid by certain beverage manufacturers and wholesale distributors. The funds would help several programs, including LCHIP.

Board members asked for the hearing dates on the upcoming bills. Staff will email the hearing dates to board members as well as dates for upcoming LCHIP board meetings.

The nomination committee for Board leadership consisted of Phil Bryce and Charlie Bridges. Phil and Charlie discussed potential candidates with Brad and Rachel. The following is their nomination for LCHIP Board leadership:

Board Chair Tom Burack

Vice Chair, Strategic Planning Bill Veillette

Vice Chair, Administration/Organization Tim Murphy

MOTION: Liz Hengen made a motion to approve the nominations presented by the committee. Rep. Spang seconded the motion. Approved by unanimous vote.

Tim and Bill will be working on job descriptions for the board chair and all LCHIP board members.

Brad then informed the board that Rachel has been reconfirmed for another 5-year term as LCHIP Executive Director.

Board members and staff thanked Brad for all his years of hard work and dedication. Tom Burack read a commendation that Governor Lynch had given to Brad. He was also presented with a gift certificate from staff. Several Board members expressed their thanks to Brad for his service and leadership as Board Chair over these past years. Brad thanked everyone and indicated that LCHIP remains an important cause in our State and that his involvement with the program continues to be fulfilling.

The business meeting continued and Cheryl Carlson passed out Conflict of Interest forms to all board members. Rachel suggested scheduling a conflict of interest discussion for a later meeting.

Rachel reported the LCH register results. She reminded the board that this would be a living register. Projects can still be added; it will never be a closed inventory. The register will be prioritized and ranked and will be shared with non-profits and state agencies.

She advised the board that staff will be moving forward with a website overhaul this spring. It is hoped to have more of an interactive database on the site.

Rachel will be assessing the need for hiring an additional staff member to work on the DOT mitigation and community outreach work. Bill Veillette added that the NH Preservation Alliance will be hiring two part-time workers to do similar activities and suggested Rachel talk with Jennifer Goodman. Rachel agreed. Rep. Spang said she would like to see LCHIP take a role in leading symposiums on farm easements and public access.

The board split into 2 groups. One group discussed LCHIP and future program goals; the second group discussed resource priorities for LCHIP projects.

The group discussing resource priorities agreed to review and rank the top 63 projects and give their results to staff. The top 15-20 will be asked to come in and give a short presentation at the February board meeting, after which the top 5-7 will be asked for additional full application information to compete for funding. Rachel informed the Board that a press release will go out next week with the LCH register results and legislative news.

The group discussing LCHIP and future program goals suggested comparing LCHIP’s program/mission with other States.

There were no comments from the public at this meeting.

Having no further business before the board, Tim Murphy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Craig Welch. Unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 2:30 pm.