Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting - August 10, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
Town Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Hovious (by phone), Germaine, Kaley, Wilson, and Wright
Staff: Tammy Hazen, Clerk
The Public Meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm
Public Participation – None.
Correspondence – Commissioner Hovious discussed a conversation he had with Herb Rosenthal regarding the Democratic vacancy on the commission. Mr. Rosenthal said he was not aware of the vacancy. Commissioner Wilson will contact the First Selectman's office regarding this. Commissioner Hovious said he received a call from Kevin Kohn, representing the Taunton Lake Association, requesting a meeting in regards to Town open space on Taunton Lake. Commissioner Wilson will attend this meeting as well.
Approval of Minutes – Commissioner Wright motioned to approve the minutes of July 27, 2010. Commissioner Kaley seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as amended.
OLD BUSINESS – ACTION ITEMS
Tech Park IWC Application – Commissioner Hovious referenced his e-mail from July 29th regarding the Wetlands meeting. He was concerned that he has not seen updates to their plans that include items the Conservation Commission has requested, including a more defined lot line. Commissioner Wright will attend the meeting on August 11, 2010.
Aquifer Withdrawal Public Hearing – The commissioners discussed the concerns over water withdrawals affecting the Pootatuck River and the USGS report “Hydrogeology and Numerical Simulation of the Unconsolidated Glacial Aquifer in the Pootatuck River Basin, Newtown, Connecticut.” The purpose of new report was to look at the boundaries of an aquifer protection. The commissioners also stated that if there is an over pump, there are possible contaminated areas where water there can be drawn into the aquifer.
Al’s Trail Mapping – Commissioner Wilson said that Pat Barkman has requested the Conservation Commission to pay for additional 1,000 maps for Al’s Trail that would include the new loop trails in the north end. It will be determined if there is money in the budget for this.
Tick Borne Disease Action Committee – Commissioner Germain reviewed the votes on the committee’s Forestry Report and Deer and TBD Relationship Report made during their August 4th meeting. Commissioner Wilson said the Board of Selectmen and Legislative Council will review their final report and will make the ultimate decisions. In respects to hunting on Open Space, it was noted that there will be a considerable amount of research work to be done if the final decision is to hunt or cull deer on Open Space.
NEW BUSINESS
Open Space at Fairfield Hills – Commissioner Hovious discussed the Fairfield Hills Master Plan Review Committee and felt their open space subcommittee should be invited to a Conservation Commission meeting.
OLD BUSINESS – PROGRESS REPORTS AND UPDATES
Open Space Care and Maintenance Committee
a. Open Space Inventory and Maintenance Progress – No updates.
b. Property Marking Plans, Surveying Status and Selection – Commissioner Hovious discussed the work that has been completed on the Point O’Rocks Preserve. The parcel is properly marked and good progress has been made. The next marking will be at the Pole Bridge parcel, on Sunday August 22nd at 9:00 am.
c. Status of the Forest – It was noted that Commissioner Cramer sent an e-mail regarding Yale Forestry to do an assessment in Newtown. Another option is having Yale student interns do some research - there are looking for land smaller than 500 acres but larger than 100 acres.
Public Education Sub-Committee Report
a. Invasives Working Committee Report – The commissioners discussed invasive removals. Commissioner Wright said that when parking on Dayton Street to work on invasive removals, she was asked to leave by residents on Dayton Street. There should be conversations with the residents on Dayton Street. The commissioners discussed various areas that have invasives and that it’s important if at least the base of the vines are cut.
b. Naming Rivers (Draft Sign) – Commissioner Wright will contact the State to gather information.
Natural Resource Inventory Update Status Report – No updates.
IWC Hawleyville Railroad Project Hearing – No updates.
Proposed Ordinance for Open Space Tax Relief – Commissioner Wilson will get in touch with George Ferguson for an update on where this stands.
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm
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