TOWN OF EAST HAMPTON
CONSERVATION – LAKE COMMISSION
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
7: 00 P.M.
EATON E. SMITH MEETING ROOM – TOWN HALL
MINUTES - Draft
1. Call to Order
Present: Peter Zawisza, Allen Petell, Irene Curtis, Joe Carbonell, Paul Peszynski and Mark Niosi
Absent: Michael Brogan, Michael Rose, Nancy Selavka
Also present: Jennifer Carducci, Recording Secretary.
This regular meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.
2. Seating of Alternates
At this time, Mark Niosi was seated as an alternate.
3. Approval of Minutes – July 11, 2011
A motion was made by Ms. Curtis to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Mr. Carbonell, Vote: Yes: 6; No: 0, motion passed.
4. Communications and Liaison Reports –
Vice Chair Petell discsussed Inland Wetlands meeting with regard to Theater Square. A drainage pipe capped during the project (at the time of the project the pipe would have overflowed the size of the system) was connected to the State drainage at “four corners” now that the project is finished.
Vice Chair Petell also mentioned I/W discussion regarding “authorized agent” (Keith Hayden) approvals. It was decided that since Hayden is a Town employee, any Town project will go before the Board.
Chair Zawisza noted he would like to see the Commissions’ membership continue with the CT Audubon Society, if we are, or activate if note; and a communication from CT Farmland Trust.
5. Public Comments - None
6. Plan Review
1. Site Plan Review – Hope Church – Proposed Church and Community Center – East High Street
This site plan has already been approved by Planning and Zoning and Inland Wetlands. The Commission reviewed the plan and did not have any comments to be forwarded.
(7:12 p.m. – Paul Peszynski arrived and was seated as an alterate.)
7. Old Business
A. Sub-Committee Report on Education
Vice Chair Petell gave an overview of the pamphlet being worked on. Printer will print in lots of 1,000. 5,000 would be $500 and to distribute, another $500. Commission will get 75 copies within a week; a copy will be sent to Commission members. When finished it will be placed around Town and at Town Hall.
B. Update on Watershed Signage Plan
Chair Zawisza stated he has to see Chief Reimondo for approval.
C. Discussion on Purchasing a Lake Watershed Topographic Model for education purposes (future steps)
Vice Chair Petell received a communication from the vendor, showing great detail. The picture that will overlay it will be 30” by 36”, scale 1” = 500’. It is very clear. The model will arrive within seven-ten day; final cost is $4,200 plus shipping. Some kind of display case must be made to protect it.
7. New Business
- Announcement of training date & time with Dr. Ken Wagner for water quality sampling (scheduled updated date)
Discussion will continue when Ms. Selavka is present.
- Review of new wetlands maps for Town
Mr. Petell mentioned that the wetlands map is on the Town GIS on the website.
C. Researching potential grants for Water quality improvement & conservation purposes
This item will be an ongoing item.
D. New Direction of the Conservation-Lake Commission
Mr. Carbonell spoke with Ms. Selavka regarding testing. He also went out with Jack Solomon doing testing. Mr. Solomon has also done the watershed sampling as well.
After discussions with the Friends of the Lake would like to bring Keith Hayden in to help with catch basins – targeting the worse ones. Mr. Carbonell would like to relay the comments.
Mr. Carbonell attended a training session at DEEP regarding invasive species. He explained what he learned to the Commission. The State is willing to come and train. Mr. Carbonell will contact DEEP regarding training.
Mr. Peszynski stated he feels that the suggestions for the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments have not been incorporated; particularly catch basin cleaning priorities and significant signage at the boat launch area. The Friends would entertain the idea of paying for signage if there is no Town budget for it. Christopher Pond dredging was stopped and should be pursued further.
Mr. Petell stated signs for the watershed area have been done and are ready to be installed; topographic model for education has been constructed; and an educational brochure has been crafted. The Commission has gone through some changes in membership in the last several years and is now more stable.
Mr. Petell suggested going through the study Dr. Wagner did, and prioritize spots by most critical and by cost. Mr. Hayden stated the catch basins were approximately $3,000 each. Mr. Rand has agreed to work with the Town to mitigate problem on Old Clark Hill Rd. Other problems identified and discussed were the lack of curbing and drainage on Old Marlborough Road, dredging, retention ponds, and cleaning catch basins in the watershed area two times a year. Chair Zawisza stated that priority should be given to preparing the Watershed Management Plan with these items incorporated. This document would be presented to the Council for their approval and enforcement. Mr. Petell volunteered to initiate a catch basin mapping document. Commission members will make priority list. Mr.
Carbonell will call Ruth Plummer regarding putting up a State sign at the Park (2’ x 3’).
9. Public Remarks - None
10. Adjournment
A motion was made by Mr. Petell to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Niosi, vote unanimous in favor, motion passed, meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Carducci
Recording Secretary
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