Conservation Commission
MINUTES
Regular Meeting – November 29, 2011 @ 7:00 pm
Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT
Present: Commissioners Cramer, Gaudet-Wilson, Henderson, Hovious, Kaley, and Kershaw
Staff: Tammy Hazen, Clerk
The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm
Public Participation: One member of the media was present. Christopher Mangels was present (See Forest Evaluation).
Agenda Changes: She noted that the minutes to be approved are for November 8th and not October 25th as noted on the agenda. Also, she added, under New Business, “Solar panels at the Wastewater Treatment Plant”.
Correspondence: Commissioner Wilson noted a seminar to be held on November 11th on Northeast Lakes and Ponds at WestConn. Commissioner Hovious received an email from PACE Law regarding four seminars for Land Use.
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Hovious motioned to approve the minutes of November 8, 2011, which was seconded by Commissioner Kaley. The minutes were unanimously approved as written.
Administrative Items:
Project Management/Task List/Calendar – Commissioner Kaley updated the commissioners on the task list. There were four items added.
Approval of 2012 Schedule – Commissioner Cramer motioned to approve this schedule. Commissioner Kershaw seconded the motion. The commissioners discussed whether one meeting per month would suffice, but it was determined to keep it two meetings per month. Commissioner Wilson suggested the commission evaluate what has been accomplished in 2011 during the December meeting. After being called to question, the schedule was approved.
Appointment of Nominating Committee – Commissioners Cramer and Henderson are on the nominating committee.
OLD BUSINESS AND ACTION ITEMS
Fairfield Hills Open Space – Commissioner Hovious said this topic is on Planning and Zoning’s agenda for their December 1st meeting.
Work Orders –One new work order was submitted requesting Autumn Olive be cut down in the spring.
Horse Guard – No update
Open Space 37-3-14 – No update
Forest Evaluation, Report on Walk of Raynolds – Commissioner Kaley introduce Christopher Mangels, Consultant, Botanist and Ecologist, who discussed their walk of the Raynolds property. Mr. Mangels assessed the rare flora and fauna on the property and its suitability as an educational site. The commissioners later discussed contacting Pat Boily from WestConn and ask if he would be interested in identifying plants on open space.
Conservation Subdivisions – No update
POCD – No update
TBDAC – The commission agreed that a position paper should be written. They discussed how Barberry relates to the increase of ticks and feels this should be included. The commissioners will individually review the report and return at the December meeting with a list of topics to be discussed and commented on.
COMMITTEE/STAFF REPORTS
Trail Building – The commissioners reviewed trail building guidelines that Commissioner Wilson received from Paula Burton. The Trails Subcommittee will meet on December 5, 2011 at 3:00 at the Municipal Center, Meeting Room #1.
Open Space Inventory and Maintenance Progress – There will be a subcommittee meeting on December 2, 2011 at 2:00 pm at the Municipal Center, Meeting Room #1.
Property Marking Plans, Surveying Status – The commissioners asked Ms. Hazen to send the letter to open space neighbors next to properties surrounding open space on 28 New Lebbon Road. The next parcel would be open space on 30 Shepard Hill Road.
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 – Commissioner Cramer will provide an outline for commissioners pursuing education on rare plants and trees.
Invasives Subcommittee – Commissioner Wilson discussed her presentation to the CT Invasive Plant working group. She answered questions and explained the extent of invasives in Newtown, stating that to eliminate or control them would require more resources, time, funding that the town has. Commissioner Hovious discussed Barberry and whether winter would be a good time to burn them out.
Al’s Trail – The commissioners discussed different types of bog bridges. Commissioner Henderson will work on gathering information on this. Mr. Sibley will be asked about private property permissions.
Housatonic Railroad Site – No update
NEW BUSINESS
Solar Panels at the Wastewater Treatment Plant – Commissioner Wilson met with George Benson, Director of Planning and Land Use, to review the plans submitted by OPEL to the Inland Wetlands Commission (IW #11-48).
Commissioner Hovious motioned go into Executive Session at 10:00 pm. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cramer. The motion was approved unanimously.
Commissioner Hovious motioned to adjourn at 10:15 pm, which was seconded by Commissioner Kaley. The motion was approved unanimously.
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