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Selectboard briefed on Mill Pond remediation plan, potential easement with private landowner
Summary
Staff updated the Selectboard on a proposed grant-funded remediation for Mill Pond that would require a permanent easement on a corner of private property owned by the Griffins; public hearings and multiple board recommendations will be needed if funding arrives.
Town staff provided the Selectboard an update Jan. 14 on a proposed remediation project for Mill Pond, describing a plan to use a parcel at the corner of the parking lot across from the central fire station to intercept stormwater and sediment coming from Route 140 and School Street.
The effort is intended to filter sediment before it reaches Mill Pond, which staff said has experienced contamination concerns. Staff told the board that much of the proposed filtration infrastructure technically lies on adjacent private property owned by the Griffins and that the town would need a recorded, permanent easement to construct and maintain the work.
Nut graf: The Selectboard received the update ahead of possible grant funding; if funds become available, the town will pursue the statutory process for acquiring a permanent easement, which includes Conservation Commission and Planning Board recommendations and public hearings.
Staff said New Hampshire Lakes had awarded support for grants the town had been pursuing, and the town recently submitted a full application. The project design anticipates substantial in‑house labor and equipment from the highway department as part of the town’s soft match; staff estimated grant funding available at “a little over $100,000” along with in‑kind match, but noted exact costs would be provided with upcoming paperwork.
Staff described next steps if funding is received: obtain the Griffins’ written agreement on seven points that would be recorded in the easement, assemble formal easement language, circulate the plan to Conservation and Planning for their recommendations, hold two public hearings, and then bring a final warrant or vote before the Selectboard. Staff said the process will take several months and that they wanted the board informed in advance so it would not be a surprise when funding arrived.
Selectmen asked for cost detail and the staff committed to present full cost breakdowns and plans before the board must vote to accept funding or adopt easement language.
Ending: Staff said the Selectboard would see the full grant packet, plans and cost estimates before any final acceptance of funds or recorded easement; no action was required at the Jan. 14 meeting.
