Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 8, 2009 6:00 pm
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, CT
Commissioners Present: Hovious, Barkman, Wilson, Wright, and Cramer
Staff: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director of Planning & Land Use; Ann Astarita, Conservation Official,
and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive Session opened at 5:00 pm and adjourned at 6:00 pm
The public meeting was called to order at 6:17 pm
I. Public Participation - No members of the public were present.
II Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Barkman motioned to approve the minutes of June 23, 2009 as amended. Commissioner Wright seconded. Motion approved unanimously. Commissioner Barkman motioned to approve the minutes of July 14, 2009 as amended. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. Commissioner Barkman motioned to approve the minutes of August 25, 2009 as amended. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. Approvals for the minutes of July 28th and August 11th have been tabled to the next meeting.
III Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate - Commissioner Cramer motioned that the commission approve the short form appraisal for property #09-06. Motion seconded by Commissioner Barkman. Motion approved unanimously.
Natural Resource Inventory Update - Commissioner Wilson said that a Paulownia tree has been identified. Commissioner Hovious asked if the contractor can provide an update at the next meeting. Mr. Sibley will contact the contractor.
Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
a. Open Space at Commerce Road Update – Commissioner Hovious noted that it appears, from the EDC’s meeting minutes, that neither EDC or the Water Sewer Authority are pursing solar fields at the tech park.
b. Ferris Public Access – Commissioner Wright discussed her conversation with Shirley Ferris about the proposed sign. Ms. Ferris emphasized that they do not want public access on the property. Mr. Sibley has a meeting with the Ferris' representatives and the Town Attorney to complete the final language and to remove public access from the easement.
c. Open Space Signage – Commissioner Wright noted a rough estimate from Sticks and Stones for the stone sign is between $150.00 and $350.00 and that the plaque would be a separate cost. She will send the wording for the sign to Mr. Sibley and he will forward it on to the State for their review. Commissioner Wright will return to the next meeting with specific costs.
d. Open Space Inventory - The Commissioners and Mr. Sibley discussed the eventual elimination of the map/block/lot numbers as designations for properties. Mr. Sibley stated that a unique ID will eventually be used for properties. Commissioner Wright motioned that the commissioners need advanced GIS training. Motion seconded by Commissioner Cramer. Motion approved unanimously.
4. Strategic Planning Committee Report - Commissioner Hovious, Cramer and Wilson met as the subcommittee. Commissioner Hovious distributed information for the commissioners to review for comments for the next meeting.
5. Acquisition Strategies Report
Tax Deferral Ordinance for Conservation Easements – Commissioner Wilson stated that Commissioner Ferguson will be meeting with the Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Possible Bee Article (Easements) – Item tabled.
Brochure – Item tabled.
Commissioner Wilson noted that the Western Fairfield County Regional Conservation Partnership meeting will be held on October 24th. The commissioners discussed notifying the public about this via newspapers, posters, etc. Commissioner Wilson will get more information on this meeting.
6. Public Education Committee Report - Commissioner Hovious stated that it was asked that the commission not pursue an educational session relating to the Hawleyville Transfer Station. Commissioner Barkman said that the PWA (Pootatuck Watershed Association) is interested in public education and have a film being developed on waterways.
Mr. Sibley distributed an annual report to the commission for their review.
Mr. Sibley left at 7:20 pm
7. Website - Commissioner Barkman stated that it is still being worked on and that a link with the NFA is being coordinated.
8. Sherman Road Subdivision Update – Commissioner Hovious asked if the commissioners have comments regarding the e-mail he forwarded on the scenic road application for Sherman Road. The commissioners will continue to review this and will need to take official action on this by the next meeting.
9. Al's Trail Status Update - Commissioners Barkman and Hovious visited the Mason property and discussed their conversation with Mr. Mason. The commission discussed 28 feet of the Mason property that is necessary for Al’s Trail to continue. Mr. Mason mentioned a swap but Commissioner Barkman noted that Mr. Sibley said it could not be done. Commissioner Hovious discussed a possible conservation easement. The Mason's are concerned about people on their property.
Commissioner Hovious discussed maintenance issues on the trail and that a fallen tree that poses a hazard needs to be removed. Commissioners Wright and Barkman will work on finding resources on who can remove the tree.
10. Hawleyville Transfer Station - Commissioner Barkman motioned not to do the educational component regarding the Hawleyville Transfer Station until legal issues are discontinued. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
11. Hunter Ridge Subdivision - Commissioner Wright is compiling comments from the commissioners for their review. It will be presented at P & Z's next hearing on September 17th.
IV New Business
Commissioner Hovious suggested a new item be added to the agenda regarding a report that was done on farmland in Middletown. Commissioner Barkman motioned to add Joe's item to the agenda. Commissioner Cramer seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
Middletown Farmland Report – Commissioner Hovious noted that Sara Middeleer is working on getting a copy of a report/study that was written on farmland in Middletown. The report discusses both the economic and esthetic value that farming provides to Middletown. Sara Middeleer will provide the commission a copy for their review.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
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