Town of East Hampton
Lake Pocotopaug Commission
Regular Meeting
October 16, 2008 – 7:00 p.m.
East Hampton Middle School Library
MINUTES – Unapproved
Present: Chair John Ciriello, Vice Chair John Jordan, Irene Curtis (arrived 7:11 p.m.), Paul Peszynski, Jack Solomon, Thomas Wells
Also Present: Temporary Recording Clerk Jennifer Carducci and several members of the public.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Chair Carrillo called this regular meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. Roll was taken. Commissioner Curtis will arrive shortly. There were no changes or additions to the agenda.
2. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
A. Regular Meeting of September 18, 2008
A change noted was in Item 2, second sentence, “There were no minutes of the August 21. 2008 meeting as”.
A motion was made by Vice Chair Jordon to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2008 meeting, as amended, seconded by Mr. Peszynski, Vote: Yes-6; No-0; Abstain-0.
3. Public Remarks – None
4. Presentation – Fish Biologist – CT DEP – Postponed
5. Remarks from the Chair
A “thank you” is extended to Ms. Curtis and Mr. Peszynski for attending the Connecticut Symposium of Invasive Weeds. (Handouts were given)
Vice Chair Jordon discussed the use of native plants, bushes, etc. to feed native species.
Chair Ciriello spoke of a watershed conference given by New Hampshire Lakes Association. Presentations will be posted on website (www.newhampshirelakes.org) for all interested.
6. Administrative Business and Communications
- Town Manager Report – Town Manager not present.
- Hale Brook and Christopher Pond Dredging
Hale Brook dredging is planned. The cost for Christopher Pond dredging was considered too high and will be further investigated.
The lowering of the Lake has begun.
There was a short discussion regarding proper use of certain products while repairing walls in the lake. Consensus was to ask Town Engineer Cummings for an opinion.
Mr. Wells spoke regarding an article “The Poop on Dogs” and the need for dog owners to scoop up after their pets. The Town enacted a pooper scooper ordinance some years ago and put up signs.
Chair Ciriello reminded all to refrain from feeding water fowl.
A suggestion was made to create and circulate a mailed to all residents in the watershed area, or perhaps insert a paragraph in the Parks and Rec newsletter.
Vice Chair Jordon shared a letter he received from Representative Gail Hamm in response to a previous communication concerning drains on the east side of Rte. 66 (Mr. Jordon read the letter for all present and the record). Discussion ensued regarding the sewer work being done on Rte. 66 in East Hampton and the Marlborough hookup work being done in Marlborough. Members expressed concern for the watershed area. Mr. Jordon will respond to Representative Hamm and a call will go to Vin Susco for information.
7. Plan of Conservation and Development – Proposed addition to Page 3-2 – Discuss and take possible action.
A handout was read and discussed (made part of these minutes), as prepared by Mr. Wells. This statement would ensure that mention is made regarding the significance of Lake Pocotopaug in the POCD. The protection of the watershed and the Lake was not mentioned in 1990 when the last revision was done.
A motion was made by Mr. Solomon to send this paragraph to the Town Council and Planning and Zoning to be considered for inclusion in the Plan of Conservation and Development, along with a cover letter from the Commission. Motion was seconded by Ms. Curtis, Vote: Yes-5, No-0; Abstain-1 (Peszynski). Motion passed.
8. Committee Reports
Ms. Curtis thanked all that helped in coordinating the last testing effort. The third sampling, at Hale Brook, will be done.
Mr. Wells stated that the in-lake sampling was done and circulated graphs for the discussion that followed.
Vice Chair Jordon stated he will be initiating programs in the Middle and High School. Mr. Ciriello will be sharing a video with ZBA at their next meeting.
- Lake Management Plan Committee
Mr. Wells and Chair Ciriello are scheduled to meet again and will report to the Town Council.
9. Commission Liaison Reports
Mr. Solomon reported there was nothing from the Sewer Commission.
Mr., Wells reported that P & Z was cancelled, but that the application of Skyline Estates, second part of subdivision will begin in November.
Vice Chair Jordan reported no applications were before the Conservation Commission. They have had a lack of quorum for quite some time, but are now reorganized.
Chair Ciriello mentioned that there were questions at the Parks and Rec Board meeting regarding the motion made by this Commission in regard to the walleye since this is really part of their budget.
Chair Ciriello attended the Town Council meeting and explained that the Town Manager has requested funds to do a functional assessment of the 35 boards and commissions. An outside consultant will be hired to evaluate. Chair Ciriello, Vice Chair Jordon, and Mr. Wells met with Town Manager O’Keefe and Town Council members Cordiero, Goff and Minnick to discuss the Lake and the Lake Pocotopaug Commission.
Mr. Peszynski reported that ZBA did not meet Monday. He did state that Old Marlborough LLC has applied to extend the commercial side of the property known as 11 Old Marlborough Road (contains old L & L and 4-5 family housing unit).
10. Unfinished Business
Chair Ciriello and Mr. Peszynski attended a symposium on invasive weeds and shared information, resulting in discussion.
11. New Business
Vice Chair Jordon presented a handout on hydrogen sulfide. His research was discussed in regard to its effect on Lakes. All are asked to read and study for next meeting, for further discussion.
12. Public Remarks
High School student, Rachel, thanked the Commission for allowing her attendance and stated that she is leaving with all the information she needs for her homework paper.
13. Adjournment
Vice Chair Jordon motioned to adjourn this meeting at 9:24 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Temporary Recording Clerk
10-19-08
All handouts available at Town Hall
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