Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting – November 8, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Commissioners Cramer, Gaudet-Wilson, McLeod, Hovious, Kaley, and Kershaw
Staff: Tammy Hazen, Clerk
The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm
Correspondence: None
Public Participation: None
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Hovious motioned to approve the minutes of October 25, 2011, which was seconded by Commissioner Kaley. Commissioner Cramer abstained. The minutes were unanimously approved as amended.
Administrative Item: (Project Management/Task List/Calendar) – The commissioners reviewed the task list.
Commissioner Cramer excused herself from the meeting at 7:20 pm.
OLD BUSINESS AND ACTION ITEMS
Fairfield Hills Open Space – Commissioner Wilson said that Commissioner Cramer will coordinate efforts with P & Z and will contact Lilla Dean.
Work Orders – No update
Horse Guard – No update
Open Space 37-3-14 – No update
Forest Evaluation – Commissioner Kaley is still attempting contact with Christopher Mangels yet regarding the evaluation of the Raynolds property.
Conservation Subdivisions – Commissioners Wilson discussed a special meeting held earlier in the day where the new conservation subdivision regulations were approved with some minor changes. She was asked to research information on road widths in other towns, noting that road widths in Newtown are governed by ordinance.
POCD – No update
Greenridge Water Supply – The commissioners were pleased about the decision that the water for Greenridge will not be drawn from Newtown water resources.
TBDAC – The commissioners will read and review the TBDAC report and then determine what portions are most relevant to the commission.
COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS
Trail Building – Commissioner Wilson spoke with Paula Burton about procedures going forward on new or upcoming trail proposals. Commissioner Kaley re-sent the list of criteria for trail building to the Trails Committee. Once there is feedback from that group, the commission can work on standardizing procedures which can clarify future activities.
Open Space Inventory and Maintenance Progress – Commissioner Hovious discussed an older pamphlet he found for the Orchard Hill Nature Center. He said it is an excellent example and model to create pamphlets for other Town Open Space parcels. He felt Pole Bridge would be a great place to start in the development of an informational pamphlet. The pamphlet shows that the Lions Club was involved in the creation. Commissioner Wilson will contact Gordon Williams from the Lions Club to find out information on this brochure.
Property Marking Plans, Surveying Status – The commissioners marked open space (49-2-2 OS) along Aspen and New Lebbon Roads. They found some incursions on open space at the end of Aspen Lane that included fencing and dumping on the open space. Autumn Olive was also found at the end of Aspen Lane. Commissioner Kaley will ask Mr. Sibley if there are other open space parcels that have been surveyed that the commissioners can mark.
Natural Resources Inventory Status Report – No update
Conservation Easement on WWTP – No update
Status of Halfway River Fishing Access – No Update
Iroquois Invasive Documentation – No update
Education Subcommittee – No update
Invasives Subcommittee – Commissioner Wilson will be presenting the invasives presentation on Thursday, November 10th in Windsor. She also noted that the new Conservation Subdivision Regulations include the requirement to submit a report on invasive plants.
Al’s Trail – No update
Housatonic Railroad Site – Commissioner Wilson noted that this site has been in the news with regards to violations on pollution, rodents, housekeeping, etc. The DEEP Has issued a notice of violation that includes fines.
New Business
Commissioner Hovious motioned go into Executive Session at 8:18 pm. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kaley.
Commissioner Hovious motioned to adjourn at 8:35 pm, which was seconded by Commissioner Kaley. The motion was approved unanimously.
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