Conservation Commission
APPROVED MINUTES
Regular Meeting
August 26, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Barkman, Ferguson, Wright, Kaley, Cramer and Wilson
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director Land Use and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive Session opened at 5:00 p.m. and adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
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I. Public Participation.
No members of the public were present.
II. Finalize Natural Resource Inventory Vendor Selection RFP.
Mr. Sibley discussed the draft RFP and encouraged commissioners to submit comments. He will meet with Commissioner Ferguson to complete a final draft for the next meeting.
III. Presentation on Open Space Economics
Item tabled.
IV. Minutes - Approval of Minutes of 8/12/08 Meeting.
Commissioner Kaley motioned to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Cramer. Motion approved unanimously.
V. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
1. Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate.
Commissioner Ferguson moved that the Conservation Commission recommend to the Board of Selectmen to proceed in accepting the transfer of property #08-11 (map/block/lot 32/6/30). Commissioner Cramer seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
2. Open Space at Commerce Road.
No updates.
3. Status of Iroquois Property Easements and Transfer.
Mr. Sibley stated that the property at the end of Kale Davis has been completely transferred. All easements have been recorded. The property transfer (the payment for the easement access over the Town’s open space) is still being finalized by FERC. It has not yet been recorded.
4. Citizens Requests.
Update on Randle (4 Erin Lane).
- Mr. Sibley stated he has not received additional information from the Randle family.
Update on McChord (Poverty Hollow).
- Mr. Sibley stated that Ms. McChord has not contacted him and will be back in the state in late August.
Action on Viola (5 Brookbridge Drive).
Commissioner Ferguson’s motion, as amended by Commissioner Wright, that a recommendation be made to the to the Selectmen that the gentleman be allowed to maintain his fence so long as he owns the property and the right to maintain will cease upon the transfer of ownership. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
5. Taunton Lake Committee Report
Commissioners Barkman stated that the Milfoil continues to grow and found that it would cost $50,000 for a contractor, Rob Newt, to vacuum the lake. There is concern that even after the lake is vacuumed, that Milfoil would proliferate. She asked Mr. Sibley about permits that exist for residents to use Taunton Lake. Mr. Sibley stated that the Town does not issue permits and that the Fish and Game Club used to issue them, through the Parks and Rec. Department. Mr. Sibley will discuss this with George Benson.
6. Update on Possible Presentation on Stonewall Preservation.
Commissioner Barkman stated that Katjia Pieragostini contacted Commissioner Hovious and asked if the Conservation Commission could take over the project. Commissioner Kaley will contact Ms. Pieragostini to gain more information.
VI. New Business
1. Update on Possible Presentation of Alicia Messier’s thesis to joint Land Use Commissions.
Item tabled.
Commissioner Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting.
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