Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
September 22, 2009 6:00 pm
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, CT
Commissioners Present: Hovious (over the phone), Ferguson, Barkman, Cramer, Wilson and Wright
Staff: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director of Planning & Land Use and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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No Executive Session.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm
I. Public Participation – There were two members of the public present.
Mary Ann Brown, 4 Sherman Street asked to speak about Item #8. Commissioner Barkman motioned to moved Item #8 to the beginning of the agenda. Commissioner Wilson seconded. Motion approved unanimously.
II Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Hovious motioned to approve the minutes of September 8, 2009 as amended. Commissioner Kaley seconded. Motion approved unanimously as amended.
III Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate – Nothing to report.
Natural Resource Inventory Update – Item Tabled.
Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
a. Open Space at Commerce Road Update – Item Tabled.
b. Ferris Public Access – The commissioners discussed the wording for the proposed sign.
c. Open Space Signage – Mr. Sibley distributed a proof from Voss Signs. He asked the commissioners to review for comments.
d. Open Space Inventory - Mr. Sibley said that the GIS department is working on fixing the links to the town clerk maps on the commission's laptop. Commissioner Kaley asked if .PDF documents could be made of the open space parcels. Mr. Sibley will look into it.
Commissioner Barkman asked to move Al's Trail to be the next item on the agenda. Commissioner Cramer seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
4. Strategic Planning Committee Report – Item Tabled.
5. Acquisition Strategies Report
Tax Deferral Ordinance for Conservation Easements – Item Tabled.
Possible Bee Article (Easements) – Item Tabled.
Brochure – Item Tabled.
6. Public Education Committee Report - Item Tabled.
Mr. Sibley left at 7:00 pm
7. Website - Commissioner Barkman said the website is looking good.
8. Sherman Street Scenic Road Application – Mary Ann Brown, 4 Sherman Street, discussed her attendance at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting where the Selectmen voted to forward the scenic road application to the Legislative Council. She was told that the Legislative Council looks to the Conservation Commission for recommendations. Commissioner Hovious stated that the Commission has 45 days to take official action and forward a recommendation to the Legislative Council. Mr. Sibley stated that the Selectmen collects input from several commissions and then the Legislative Council holds a public hearing and votes on the recommendation of the Selectmen.
Commissioner Wright asked Ms. Brown what impact this would have on the Sherman Street subdivision. Ms. Brown said it should have no impact and that they are just looking to keep the road 20 feet wide with no yellow lines down the middle. Commissioner Hovious suggested that the portion of Sherman Street from Route 34 to Sugarloaf not be included since improvements may need to be made there.
Commissioner Cramer motioned that the Conservation Commission support the scenic road application for Sherman Street. The Commission discussed the wording that specifies what portion of the road to be included. The motion was modified to exclude the approximate 180 foot spur of Sherman Street from Route 34 to the intersection of Sherman Street and Sugarloaf Road. It was noted that the application does specify that this portion of the road was excluded. The motion was seconded and the motion carried.
9 Al's Trail Routing and Maintenance - Commissioner Barkman asked Mr. Sibley to contact Nathan Hale regarding the Rocky Glen State Park. Commissioner Hovious asked about the maintenance issues. Commissioner Barkman noted that Dan Holmes will work on clearing out the downed log and invasives but are waiting for permission from Nathan Hale.
10. Hawleyville Transfer Station - This will be discussed at the next executive session.
11. Hunter Ridge Subdivision - Commissioner Cramer motioned to approve Commissioner Wright's letter to Planning & Zoning on the proposed Hunter Ridge subdivision as written. Commissioner Barkman seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
IV New Business
Proposed Bridle Trail on Sherman Street - Mary Ann Brown said that there are several people interested in having a bridle trail on the open space portion of the Sherman Woods subdivision. She asked if the Conservation Commission would be in support of extending the proposed open space on the Sherman Woods development so that it could include a bridle trail. Commissioner Ferguson stated that they need to bring in maps and a proposal for the commission’s review.
Tick-Borne Disease Action Committee - Commissioner Wilson discussed her position on this committee. They have been given three months to provide a progress report and six months to provide a recommendation.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.
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