Commissioner Hovious joined her in an attempt of identifying locations around town and ways to protect the open land.
Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting – June 28, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Commissioners Gaudet Wilson, Henderson, Kershaw, Kiley, Hovious, Germain
Staff: Margaret Wilkin, Clerk
Public Participation: Mason and Riley Page, trying to get their boy scout merit badges in communications.
The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm
Correspondence: Commissioner Wilson noted a booklet from the Department of Agriculture regarding aging farmers and the future of their land.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Hovious motioned to approve the minutes of June 14, 2011, which was seconded by Commissioner Henderson. The minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
Administrative Item: (Project Management/Task List) – No Update
OLD BUSINESS AND ACTION ITEMS
Fairfield Hills Open Space Update – Commissioner Hovious advised that the building of a fire house across from Cochran House is a done deal. Commissioner Cramer is to ask John Reed to inform the Commission of any future uses of open space areas which the Authority may recommend. The corner of Wasserman Way and Mile Hill Road may be used for festivals, fairground activities, passive recreation, etc.
Open Space 37-3-14 - Commissioner Wilson received an e-mail from Lance Shannon, DoA stating that they are talking to the Attorney General’s office and have no further information at this time. Elizabeth Stocker will advise if and when the Commission can be of further assistance.
32 Cedar Hill Road sub-division – A site walk of the sub-division took place on June 27, 2011. Recommendations may include establishment of a parking area and removal of perc test pipes. Commissioner Hovious made a motion to approve the open space as shown on a set of drawings revised June 15, 2011. Commissioner Kaley seconded. The motion was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Cramer joined the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Laurel Trail evaluation - Commissioners walked the donated open space land. Commissioner Kaley made a motion that the Commission communicate their recommendation to the Board of Selectmen that the town accept property 314104 as a donation to the town as open space. Commissioner Henderson seconded. The motion was unanimously approved.
Forest Evaluation - Commissioner Kaley reported on a Great Ring OS walk with DEP forester Larry Rousseau. They recommended doing nothing at this time and will visit other sites and detail access routes for an inspection report
Commissioner Germain left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Conservation Sub-divisions – Commissioners Cramer and Wilson met with Lilla Dean and Jane Brymer (P&Z) June 28. There will be a meeting with area builders and engineers September 20, 2011, preceded by a meeting with local realtors August 11, 2011, P&Z will consider removing the Special Exception designation to the current OSSD regulations.
Victory Garden – Commissioner Kaley updated the Commission.
Owl boxes letter – Letters went out some time ago.
COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS
Open Space Inventory and Maintenance Progress – Commissioner Henderson advised that once finalized, another version of the letter should be ready to send out in a month, by which time they will have decided which properties to send it to.
Property Marking Plans, Surveying Status – No update
Natural Resources Inventory Status Report – No update
Conservation Easement on WWTP – Commissioner Hovious advised that Mr. Benson needs the mylar.
Iroquois Invasive Documentation – No update
Education Committee – Commissioners Henderson, Cramer and Wilson gave presentations on invasive plants to four fourth grades at Hawleyville School. Students were encouraged to talk with their families about this problem.
Legislation – No update
Al’s Trail – Commissioner Henderson will check on progress Friday and will report back to the Commission.
Check Task List – No updates
Commissioner Cramer made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Henderson. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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