Conservation Commission
APPROVED MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 9, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Barkman, Ferguson, Hovious, Wright, Cramer and Wilson
Staff Present: Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive Session opened at 5:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:14 p.m.
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Commissioner Wilson motioned to add an item to the agenda regarding the 490 lands in Newtown.
Commissioner Ferguson seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Ferguson motioned to add an item to the agenda regarding date for Alicia Messier’s presentation. Commissioner Barkman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Ferguson motioned to add an item to the agenda regarding the next meeting’s agenda.
Commissioner Barkman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
I. Public Participation.
No members of the public were present.
II. Finalization of the Natural Resource Inventory Vendor Selection RFP.
Commissioner Ferguson stated that Rob Sibley has prepared a final draft of the proposed RFP and intended to present it at this meeting. Commissioner Ferguson motioned that the Commission will rely on Mr. Sibley’s judgement to complete the RFP, taking into the account the input from the Conservation Commissioners) and send out to prospective vendors. Motion seconded by Commissioner Barkman. Motion carried unanimously.
III. Presentation on Open Space Economics.
Commissioner Ferguson discussed Mr. Sibley’s presentation to the Board of Selectmen and noted that it was well received. The three Selectmen were very interested, asked questions and stated that it was an excellent presentation. Mr. Sibley will revisit with the Board of Finance and then present it to the Legislative Council. Commissioner Hovious asked if Mr. Sibley could provide a copy of the presentation electronically to the Commissioners.
IV. Minutes - Approval of 8/26/08 Meeting Minutes.
Commissioner Barkman motioned to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Wright. Motion approved unanimously.
V. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates.
1. Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate.
No discussion.
2. Open Space at Commerce Road Update.
Commissioner Ferguson discussed a motion at the Selectmen’s meeting that the EDC be allowed to request from the State that the State grant money, originally allocated for the Technology Park, be transferred for use and development at Fairfield Hills.
3. Status of Iroquois Property Easements and Transfer.
No specific discussion.
4. Citizens Requests.
Randle (4 Erin Lane) - No Update
McChord (Poverty Hollow) - No Update
5. Taunton Lake Committee Report
Commissioner Hovious suggested that the Commissioners focus attention on how to use the open space parcel on Taunton Lake. Commissioner Hovious strongly urged the subcommittee to develop several alternative plans for use of the property. The subcommittee includes Commissioners Wilson, Barkman and Ferguson.
6. Update on Possible Presentation on Stonewall Preservation.
Item tabled.
7. Presentation of Alicia Messier’s Thesis to Joint Land Use Commissions.
Commissioner Hovious discussed Ms. Messier’s thesis presentation. Commissioner Ferguson offered to have a gathering at his home on October 3rd.
VI. New Business
1. 490 Lands
Commissioner Wilson distributed a list of the 490 lands in Newtown for the commissioners to review and to discuss options to preserve farm land and open space areas.
Commissioner Barkman motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
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