Conservation Commission
APPROVED MINUTES
Regular Meeting
February 10 2009, 6:00 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Hovious, Barkman, Cramer, Kaley, and Wilson
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director, Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive Session opened at 5:09 p.m. and adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:07 p.m.
Commissioner Hovious asked for the following items to be added to the agenda: (1) Open Space Marking; (2) Letter from Atty. David Grogins to Commissioner Hovious regarding First Light Agreement; (3) Feedback from Planning & Zoning regarding Vona Subdivision. Commissioner Barkman motioned to add these items to the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Kaley. Motion carried unanimously.
Public Participation: There was one member of the public present.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Kaley motioned to approve the minutes of January 27, 2009. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Commissioner Barkman abstained. Minutes were discussed and approved unanimously as amended.
Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate
Road Systems on Open Space – Mr. Sibley stated that Scott Sharlow and Alicia Messier from the GIS Department are working on the road systems. Mr. Sibley is researching whether or not it is prudent to abandon roads within Town-owned properties. He began discussions with Town agencies and will keep the Commissioners updated.
Loveland Property - Mr. Sibley spoke with Lisa Basini (Trust for Public Lands) who asked how quickly we can close on the Loveland Property. The grant process for fixing the Housatonic is closer to completion. Mr. Sibley noted concerns about the Town receiving the grant, but Ms. Basini said that according to Rick Jacobsen from the DEP, there is more flexibility. Mr. Sibley asked Commissioner Hovious to contact Mr. Jacobsen. This should be placed on the next Agenda.
Feola Property – Mr. Sibley stated that this property has been closed on.
Kendra from The Bee expressed interest in covering a story on volunteers marking open space.
Mason Property - will be closed once the title is cleared.
Commission Critical Work for 2009 - The Commissioners will review the planning sheet sent out by Commissioner Ferguson and will submit their comments. Commissioner Hovious asked for members to consider leadership roles in various projects. The Commission also discussed the feasibility of being involved with the pre-application review process.
Tax Abatement for Development Rights – Commissioner Wilson updated the group regarding Danbury’s process and a conversation with Herb Rosenthal who suggested the Commission gather information and bring it to the Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council. She discussed her conversation with Brian Gregario at Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) who will find out who in the State implements this program. She also left a message with Dave Hannon at the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials (HVCEO).
Natural Resources Inventory RFP Responses – Mr. Sibley has received two RFP responses, one from CME and the second from Environmental Planning Services.
Commissioner Cramer motioned to go into executive session. Motion seconded by Commissioner Kaley. Motion approved unanimously. The Commission went into Executive Session at 8:00 pm and returned at 8:10 pm.
Open Space at Commerce Road Update – Commissioner Hovious stated that the subgroup will get together to discuss this item.
Open Space Inventory - Mr. Sibley noted that CCA has been given several assignments to mark properties. He asked the Commission to come up with priorities for properties that are to be marked. Voss Signs will be sending information to Mr. Sibley for the Commission’s use in determining what signs will be needed. Some residents have offered to help with marking open space.
Vona Subdivision - Commissioner Hovious discussed the Planning & Zoning meeting and the controversy over Split Rock activity. The Conservation Commission’s recommendation was acknowledged with the possible exception of Split Rock Road, which is still unknown.
New Business
Land Use Budget for Conservation Commission - Mr. Sibley updated the Commission on the budget.
Commissioner Barkman motioned to adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
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