Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
November 10, 2009 6:00 pm
31 Pecks Lane, Newtown, CT
Commissioners Present: Hovious, Ferguson, Barkman, Kaley, Wilson and Wright (by phone)
Staff: Rob Sibley, Deputy Director of Planning & Land Use, and Tammy Hazen, Clerk
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I. Executive Session – was called to order at 5:05 pm and adjourned at 6:00 pm.
The public meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm
New Items to the Agenda: Mr. Sibley asked to add items to the agenda, including setting a date for open space work (open space signage) and public correspondence for wood harvesting, under new business.
II. Public Participation – None
III. Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Barkman motioned to approve the minutes of October 27, 2009 as amended. Commissioner Kaley seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously as amended.
IV. Old Business – Progress Reports and Updates
Open Space Purchase Discussion and Resolution as Appropriate – No updates.
Natural Resource Inventory Update – No updates.
3. Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
a. Open Space at Commerce Road Update – Commissioner Ferguson spoke with Ted Kreinik regarding the solar units. He found that the EDC would rather see the solar units on top of buildings instead of on open space property.
b. Ferris Signage – No updates.
c. Open Space Signage – Mr. Sibley stated that the open space signs were scheduled to be delivered today but didn’t arrive. He spoke with Parks & Rec., Karen Lato, and Ruth Parkins. The property along Point o’ Rocks Road/Deep Brook/Brushy Hill Road has been marked. There is a tentative date for the first Open Space Work Session event on Monday, November 30, 2009. It was mentioned that everyone would meet at the Lato Farm on Brushy Hill Road at 11:00 am, but specifics will be forthcoming. Trails will be cleared and signs hung. The press, TV and Radio will be notified, Iroquois will be involved as well. All participants will be supplied with blaze orange for safety. Neighbors will be contacted as well. All tools and materials will be supplied via the Iroquois grant. Commissioner Ferguson (?)motioned to use the Iroquois grant money for tools, equipment and lunch for the November 30th Grant Trail Marking Day, sponsored by Iroquois Gas Transmission for volunteers to mark
open space. Commissioner Barkman seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
d. Inventory Progress – No Updates.
4. Strategic Planning Committee Report – Commissioner Hovious asked for any comments to the Strategic Plan. Some items discussed were changing the number of commissioners allowed on the commission, adding greenways, and the definition of open space protection with respect to the 30% . A subcommittee will be developed to work on this.
Commissioner Wright left the meeting at 6:50 pm.
5. Acquisition Strategies Discussion
Tax Deferral Ordinance for Conservation Easements – The draft ordinance was discussed. The commission will review it and then send it to the Town Counsel for comments.
6. Public Education Sub-Committee Report – Commissioner Barkman discussed a meeting held on this day regarding a contest to pull invasive plants. It was suggested that this should not be pursued. The commission discussed Parks and Rec. employees helping with this and that a program should be developed. It was noted that something should be done about the Bittersweet this fall. Creating a subcommittee was discussed that could include other volunteers. Commissioner Hovious summarized that a group needs to look at the long range plans on invasives and that there is a short window of opportunity this fall to remove Bittersweet. Commissioner Barkman will speak with Kendra from The Bee regarding a press
release. Mr. Sibley discussed the Land Use Agency setting up an infrastructure for education.
7. Website - No update.
8 Al's Trail Routing and Maintenance – Mr. Sibley sent out a draft letter to the Mason’s for the commission’s review. He discussed Parks and Rec.’s future involvement with assisting in open space maintenance. Their employees can help during their off season times.
9. Hawleyville Transfer Station – Commissioner Kaley noted that a letter went out on November 4, 2009 with required modifications. She noted that the new First Selectman is on board to help.
10. Hunter Ridge Subdivision – Commissioner Barkman discussed a letter a letter that was sent to Planning and Zoning regarding this subdivision.
11. Tick-Borne Disease Action Committee – Commissioner Wilson provided an update of this committee's progress in researching this issue. The commission discussed finding what open space parcels have no hunting clauses. The commission will review the committee’s report when it is received and offer its views.
V. New Business
E-Mail Request to Harvest Wood – Mr. Sibley discussed an e–mail he received on November 10th regarding a resident wanting to remove fallen trees in open space. The commission discussed this and it was determined that the fallen trees should remain since they are part of the natural state of a forest and are used as shelter for small animals. Mr. Sibley will contact the resident to explain the commission’s conclusion.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.
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