Conservation Commission
DRAFT MINUTES
Regular Meeting
July 14, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Hovious (via phone), Ferguson, Wilson and Cramer
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director Land Use Agency, Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive Session on this date.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.
I. Public Participation – No public participation.
II. Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Cramer motioned to approve the minutes of May 26, 2009. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. Commissioner Cramer motioned to approve the minutes of June 9, 2009. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. The minutes of June 23, 2009 was tabled.
III. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
1. Natural Resources Inventory Update
Bill Root and volunteers will be joining the Conservation Commission at the Pond Brook Preserve at the corner of Obtuse & Pond Brook, tomorrow (July 15, 2009) at 9:00 am for the bio blitz. There will be another meeting at a later date to coordinate efforts with the GIS Department.
2. Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
Open Space at Commerce Road Update – No Updates.
Open Space Signage – Commissioner Hovious discussed the list of parcels he e-mailed to the Commissioners and asked for suggestions for prioritization. Wilson will follow up with Voss. The commission discussed different types of signs, taking into consideration possible vandalism. Commissioner Wright stated that she spoke with several sign makers in the Town, who needed specific information on the signs. She downloaded information from Voss. She stated that the large metal signs were about $28, but that there are different grades of plastic and metal. The subcommittee will meet to discuss specifics and come back to the Commission on recommendations.
Ferris Public Access – Item tabled.
Inspection Report- – Commissioner Hovious will fill out the inspection report for the end of Kale Davis. Mr. Sibley has filled in the well and there are markings on the Conservation Easement.
3. Acquisition Strategies Report
Tax Deferral for Conservation Easements: Commissioner Wilson noted that the Board of Finance meeting was cancelled and is tentatively scheduled for July 23rd. She will meet with Mr. Sibley regarding the pamphlet.
4. Public Education Committee Report - Tabled
5. Sherman Road Subdivision Update – Commissioner Kaley discussed her attendance at the Inland Wetlands meeting on June 24th where she presented the Conservation Commission’s comments. Commissioner Hovious asked Mr. Sibley to alert the Conservation Commission on any revisions to their plans.
6. Al's Trail Status Update - Tabled.
7. Cold Spring Road Application Comments for Inland Wetlands Commission – Commissioner Hovius sent a draft to the Commission. Commissioner Cramer motioned to accept. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. Mr. Sibley discussed that the application now includes a fish ladder and that the dam is reduced in size. A DEP letter of disapproval was distributed to the commissioners.
8. Inland Wetlands Commission to Participate in Low Impact Development Regulatory Changes – This project is on hold per Anne Peters.
9. Mile-a-Minute Progress and Control – Mr. Sibley stated that the weevils were placed on the Sticks and Stones property on July 9th. Ann Astarita and several dignitaries from the state were in attendance. There is already a noted impact to the area.
10. Kale Davis Property Marking and Status - Mr. Sibley spoke with Ruth Parkins from Iroquois and discussed the conservation easement markings and public access. The markings will be put up soon.
IV. New Business – None
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
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