CONSERVATION COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
Regular Meeting
July 28, 2009 6:00 p.m..
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, CT
Commissioners Prsent: Hovious, Ferguson, Wilson and Wright
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director Land use Agency, Margaret Wilkin, Clerk
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Executive Session to discuss the possible purchase of property started at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioner Wilson moved to come out of Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Ferguson. The vote was unanimous
The public meeting was called to order at 6:12 p.m
Commissioner Hovious moved to add the Annual Report to the Agenda and
Commissioner Ferguson moved to add the transfer station at Hawleyville. Seconded by Commissioner Barkman. The vote was unanimous
1. Public Participation
There were no members of the public present
11. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ferguson moved to table the minutes of June 23, 2009. Seconded by
Commissioner Wright. Commissioner Wilson opposed and Commissioner Barkman abstained. With a majority vote approval to table the minutes was approved. Commissioner Ferguson moved to approve the minutes of July 14, 2009 as amended. Seconded by Commissioner Wright. The vote was unanimous.
111. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
1. Natural Resources Inventory Update, Bioblitz Report
Mr Sibley reported that be had received a lot of information. They will be performing future studies but so far the property was considered quiet with no apparent unusual wildlife. It was noted that adjacent property contained items of historical significance. Mr. Sibley advised that all ridgelines were being documented for the GIS system.
2. Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
a. Open at Commerce Road Update
Mr. Hovious had read the 6/16/09 Minutes of the EDC, noting that there was no new information. They were discussing alternative energy.
b. Open Space Signage
Mr. Sibley will have a mock-up at the next meeting. Ms. Barkman would like to see sticks and stones signage for entrances, which would blend in with natural resources. Mr. Sibley advised that the budget for entry signage is $4,500 and $7,000 for useage signs. The wording has yet to be decided.
Mr. Ferguson left the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
c. Ferris Public Access
Mr. Sibley and Pam Nimphius have been coordinating the half million dollar grant from the State. Due to the expenditure to date on legal fees, he requested the approval of the Commission to proceed further to obtain the grant. Commissioner Wright moved to empower Mr. Sibley to work with the State to acquire the grant. Seconded by Mr. Wilson. The vote was unanimous.
d. Inspection Report
After completing the form Commissioner Hoviohe thought it worked pretty well. He suggested a few modifications. Mr. Sibley advised that the system will be available in the Land Use Office in a couple of months.
3. Acquisition Strategies Report
Tax deferral for Conservation Easements: Commissioner Wilson advised that Mr. Ferguson attended the Board of Finance Meeting in her place. A memo summarizing what was discussed has been distributed.
4. Public Education Committee Report
Conservation Commission Website: Due to the fact that Scott was out of the office, Commissioner Barkman had nothing new to report. She asked if the aquifer education program of two years ago should be offered again. Mr. Sibley noted that he had received positive feedback from the schools.
5. Sherman Road Subdivision Update
There was no response to the Conservation Commission and public questions in the file. However, there was response from the Inland Wetland engineer. The application was continued through August. Mr. Sibley said he had received inquiries from the public about purchasing the property. He explained that as long as the application was in progress this could not be addressed.
6. Al’s Trail Status Update
Mr. Sibley would like to meet with Commissioner Barkman, and surveyors. He is close to having everything ready to go. Commissioner Barkman asked about Eagle Scout activity. Mr. Hovious thought the Commission should approve any activity on town space. The Commissioners agreed.
III New Business
Mr. Sibley said he would bring a copy of the Annual Report to the meeting of August 25, 2009.
Discussion of the transfer station at Hawleyville was tabled.
Commissioner. Barkman moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Wright. The motion was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
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