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Conservation Commission
APPROVED MINUTES
Regular Meeting
April 22, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Hovious, Barkman, Wright (via phone), Wilson and Cramer.
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive session to discuss potential purchases of properties convened at 5:06 p.m. and adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
I. Public Participation
Representatives of Iroquois Gas Transmission and members of the public were present.
II. Minutes
Minutes of April 8, 2008. Approval of minutes were tabled.
Minutes of March 27th Special Meeting. Approval of minutes were tabled.
III. Old Business
1. Iroquois Pipeline Discussion.
A Special Meeting was called for Thursday, May 1st, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at 31 Pecks Lane with Iroquois Representatives to discuss language of the easement from the Town Attorney.
Ruth Parkins, Manager of Public Affairs, reviewed the plans for the landscaping and screening of the two valve sites off Canterbury Lane and Stone Bridge Trail. Commissioner Barkman recommended a mixture of native trees and bushes. The driveway to the Canterbury Lane site will be paved and the entrance on Stone Bridge Trail will be gravel.
Ms. Parkins discussed the easement that the Commission requested on Iroquois property off Kale Davis Road. The easement would allow access and connection to Town open space.
Ms. Parkins provided an A-2 survey for the Grady Property. Commissioner Hovious asked if someone from Iroquois could walk the site with the Commissioners.
The commissioners and representatives of Iroquois will meet on May 1st at 10:00 a.m.
2. Action on Recommendation to Planning & Zoning to Clarify Open Space Definition.
Mr. Sibley stated that Planning & Zoning will get this on their agenda for discussion.
3. Open Space at Commerce Road/Deep Brook Meadows – April 9, 2008 meeting.
Commissioner Hovious stated that the EDC is having a meeting tonight. The Engineer, Bill Carboni, met with George Benson on alternatives. There were no plans submitted by the EDC to show development with the Conservation Commission’s open space preferences.
4. Implementation of 2007-2008 Budget.
Surveying: Michael Bonasara donated stakes to the Commission. Mr. Sibley and Mr. Benson will meet with representatives of the Fish and Game Club to have a friendly discussion about working together on the issue of the public accessing Taunton Lake. Mr. Sibley will also speak with the Police on May 2nd regarding fines and fees when there is an abuse of open space or town property.
5. Care and Custody of Open Space.
Commissioner Hovious stated that Bob Eckenrode will attend a Conservation Commission meeting to discuss the Forest Association’s development plans on their properties. Commissioner Hovious will contact Mr. Eckenrode to confirm. The Forest Association will meet on May 8th at 7:00 pm at the library. Commissioner Hovious would not be able to attend this meeting but asked if others could go.
The Commissioners discussed ways to get the input of the community on the use and care of Town Open space. Some ideas included hosting a town meeting where the Commission would invite all members of the public. Another idea was meeting with surrounding neighbors of individual parcels to get their thoughts.
Commissioner Hovious stated that since there are a wide variety of open space parcels and that the Commission should concentrate on the “jewels”.
Commissioner Barkman asked if the downed trees should be left. Mr. Sibley stated they should be left as is. Commissioner Barkman discussed allowing the Eagle Scouts to work on trails. Commissioner Wright suggested making picnic areas on the open space.
Mr. Sibley and Commissioner Hovious discussed their attendance at a LULA meeting and discussed collecting a good base of information on the Town’s natural resources.
It was also suggested to ask the First Selectman to create an ad hoc committee with a specific mission of figuring out how to approach the subject of care and custody of open space.
Ferris Farm Fence and Trail. Mr. Sibley discussed his conversations with Alicyn Clark. They will meet again with the Ferris’.
6. Housatonic NRD Hearing Publications.
IV. New Business
1. Earth Day Events and Volunteers – Commissioner Barkman motioned that the Conservation Commission sponsor a booth and a hike with Police protection this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hovious. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Hovious motioned to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Kaley. Motion carried unanimously.
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