Conservation Commission
DRAFT MINUTES
Regular Meeting
April 28, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Hovious, Barkman, Ferguson, Cramer, Kaley, Wright (by phone) and Wilson
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director Land Use Agency; 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 6:15 p.m.
I. Public Participation: There was one member of the public present.
II. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ferguson motioned to approve the minutes of April 14, 2009. Commissioner Kaley seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
III. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
1. Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate.
Commissioner Kaley moved that the Commission send a letter to the Board of Selectmen recommending the purchase of property #09-03 at the price offered by the property owner. Commissioner Ferguson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
2. Natural Resources Inventory Discussion with Milone & MacBroom Representative
William (Bill) Root from Milone & MacBroom reviewed the details of the draft scope for the Natural Resource Inventory proposal and asked for input from the commission. The commissioners will review the proposal and note any questions or changes they may feel is necessary. Commissioners Barkman and Ferguson will work with Mr. Sibley to compile everyone's suggestions and detail the final contract.
3. Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
Open Space at Commerce Road Update – Mr. Sibley stated that a letter was sent out to the Army on March 30, 2009 from the First Selectman stating that the Town has no properties they recommend to the Army.
Open Space Inventory - Mr. Sibley updated the Commission on surveying and marking work being done by CCA:
Rails to Trails: The final markings for the Swamp Road (Rails to Trails) property has Newtown Open Space signs installed. Scott Coleman from the Eagle Scouts will be bringing forth his proposal for the trail to the commission soon.
Eichler's Cove: The A2 survey is complete which includes four open space parcels in that area. The docks will be added to the map when installed. The map will then be sent to First Light and then to FERC. It will be accepted as a grandfathered parcel under the shoreline management plan.
Point o' Rocks: Mr. Sibley mentioned a neighborhood group that is interested in marking trails on the parcels in this area, which include four open space parcels, two conservation easements, and a trail access easement. The Commissioners will meet at the back parking lot of Dickenson Park on May 12, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. to walk the trails. Ms. Hazen will notice the special meeting.
Mason: Mr. Sibley stated that CCA is marking the open space that intersects with the Mason property. He discussed a notch of land where the three properties intersect (Mason, Open Space, and State property) and where a trail crosses over. The surveyors will discern who owns that notch of land. Commissioner Barkman will walk with the surveyors. Mr. Sibley will contact Nathan Hale (DEP) for permission to extend the trail over State property.
Ferris Property: The survey was sent to the State for review and was returned with changes. It has been forwarded to the Town Attorney and will then be recorded at the Town Clerk's office. It will then be returned to the DEP for acceptance at which time the grant can be applied for. The commissioners will discuss possible public access during the next meeting. Mr. Sibley will supply maps and paperwork associated with the property.
Open Space Signage – Mr. Sibley and Commissioner Kaley met with Captain Joe Rios of the Newtown Police Department regarding enforcement of open space and the citation process. Capt. Rios will review the open space signage contents.
4. Strategic Planning Committee Report
POCD Meeting Preparation Report– Commissioners Hovious, Cramer and Wilson met to discuss the POCD. They will compile a gap analysis report listing critical items that may be missing and will develop strategies to address them. The report will be presented to the commission at the next meeting.
5. Acquisition Strategies Report
Tax Deferment: Commissioners Wilson and Ferguson met with Bob Tait, Finance Director, on April 22nd to present the updated proposed ordinance for tax deferment for acquisition of development rights. Mr. Tait provided a positive response. The commissioners will bring the proposal forward to the Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen next and will then forward it to the Town Attorney's office for review.
Possible Bee Article: Commissioner Ferguson said that he spoke with Julia Wasserman on an article regarding the changes in tax laws and the benefits of donating land. There may be other residents that can add support to this article.
6. Public Education Committee Report
Deer Proofing your Garden Presentation Report, Earth Day Report, Duck Race Plans – These items were tabled.
Commissioner Barkman motioned to adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
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