Conservation Commission
DRAFT MINUTES
Regular Meeting
May 26, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, Connecticut
Commissioners Present: Hovious, Ferguson, Cramer, Kaley, Wright, and Wilson
Staff Present: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director Land Use Agency; Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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Executive Session opened at 5:30 p.m. and adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:22 p.m.
I. Public Participation: None
Items added to the Agenda: Mr. Sibley said that the Conservation Commission was given a copy of a permit request from the DEP for water diversion - lake and pond dredging associated with 38 Cold Spring Road. Commissioner Ferguson motioned to add this item to the agenda. Motion seconded by Commissioner Cramer. Motion carried unanimously.
II. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ferguson motioned to approve the minutes of May 12, 2009. Commissioner Wright seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously as amended.
III. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
1. Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate.
Commissioner Kaley motioned that the Conservation Commission send a letter to the Board of Selectmen recommending the acquisition of property #09-01. Commissioner Ferguson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
2. Natural Resources Inventory Update
Mr. Sibley said that Bill Root received the information from the Commission and has produced the final draft. It will be forwarded to the Land Use Agency for signature. The subcommittee will review and sign it.
3. Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
Open Space at Commerce Road Update – Commissioner Hovious discussed a meeting of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) that he attended. He discussed an item on their agenda regarding the solar power on the Tech Park property. There was an RFP in the Newtown Bee asking for a feasibility study on the installation of solar generating facilities on part of the Tech Park property, put out by the Department of Public Works. Commissioner Hovious read a proposed memo to be sent to the EDC, Public Works, Dan Holmes and Ted Kreinik regarding the Conservation Commission's concern that the feasibility study does not include the areas the Commission has previously mentioned, including the field along Deep Brook and the meadow.
Open Space Inventory on Conservation Easements for the last five years - tabled.
Open Space Signage – Mr. Sibley said that VOS Signs will be sending a mock up of the open space sign. The Commission also discussed larger signs for the "Jewel" properties and the actual naming of each open space parcel.
Iroquois Property on Kale Davis and Stone Bridge – Mr. Sibley discussed an e-mail from Ruth Parkins regarding the public access easement.
Ferris Public Access – The commissioners discussed possible public access to the Ferris property. Mr. Sibley will contact the Ferris'.
4. Strategic Planning Committee Report
EDC Meeting Report – See Open Space at Commerce Road Update.
5. Acquisition Strategies Report
Tax Deferral for Conservation Easements: No updates.
Possible Bee Article: The Commissioners discussed a press release that has been released to three papers.
6. Public Education Committee Report
Duck Race Report – The Pootatuck Duck Race was a success. It was noted that many visitors were interested in trail maps.
7. Great Bog Discussion and Recommendations - The commissioners discussed the pond level of the great bog. Commissioner Hovious discussed a list of recommendations to be sent to the Inland Wetlands Commission for their May 27th, 2009 meeting. Motion to distribute the list as read to the Land Use Agency, Inland Wetlands Commission and the Pubic Works Department. Motion seconded by Commissioner Wilson. Motion approved except for Commission Ferguson who voted no.
8. Sherman Road Subdivision Discussion and Preparation for IWC Meeting - The Commissioners reviewed the open space plans for this proposed subdivision.
IV. New Business
Wildlife Education Coalition.org - Tabled
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