Town of North Stonington, CT
HEWITT FARM COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 12, 2012 at 3:00 p.m
New Town Hall Conference Room
The meeting of the Hewitt Farm Committee was called to order by Nita Kincaid at 3:06 p.m. in the New Town Hall Conference Room with members Ellie Banker, Jack Brown, Dick (Coop) Cooper, Nita Kincaid and Eddie McGowan present.
1) Approve 02/27/12 Meeting Minutes
Eddie motioned and Ellie seconded to approve the 02/27/12 Minutes. The motion carried.
2) Review results of our meeting with the Board of Selectmen
Nita asked the group for their individual opinions about what was said at the Board of Selectmen's meeting on 02/28/12. Eddie stated that he thought the selectmen were very supportive of what we were doing. He also thought they appreciated our presentation to them.
Nita noted that Selectman Murphy had stated that the $500 received from the hayfields contract is not a lot of money and that it is much more important that the hayfield edges be cleared and that the hayfields be properly maintained. He offered that this should be taken into consideration the next time the lease is awarded.
The group discussed the selectmen’s question as to if and when the Hewitt Farm Committee would address the disposition of the Greene Gables structure. Nita had responded briefly with our current plans, beginning with a visit by the building inspectors. The committee had assured the selectmen that moving forward on the Greene Gables issue was a high priority.
3) Work on the Ryder Road Entrance Sign.
Nita related the information that was written on the Grant Application submitted to and subsequently approved by the North Stonington Garden Club. She also presented "considerations in designing this first sign" that she had written. Coop provided a full-scale mock-up of a potential sign with blank map and sample text.
This led to a discussion of where the sign should be located, what information it should contain, and how this information should be presented. The group then proceeded to detail what should be shown on the map and what should be addressed in the text. Ellie suggested adding photographs and Jack stated that "less is more" with regard to words and symbols on the map.
It was agreed that the committee would hold a workshop on Monday, March 19th at 3 pm to continue the work on the sign, since we are targeting a spring installation. Coop would update the map and have a revised version ready for review at the next workshop. Nita will write a brief paragraph for the sign that will "introduce" Hewitt Farm to its visitors.
The group also agreed that "Do's and Don'ts" (permitted and prohibited activities on the property) should be written on separate signs that are installed in the parking areas. The group will further discuss the wording for these signs.
Eddie stated there was a great need for an "Identification Sign" (for lack of a better name) to be installed at the intersection of Hewitt Farm and Route 2 to show passersby where Hewitt Farm is located. The committee agreed.
4) Discuss issues on Hewitt Farm rental properties..
There was no discussion on this item.
6) Member updates on projects and any additional items for group discussion
Eddie reported that the Fire Department has established a location and obtained funds for installation of a dry hydrant on Lower Hewitt Pond. Nita asked him to communicate back to them that they must return to us with their plans so that we can submit our recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.
Nita reported that Grant Leiper had contacted her about constructing an Osprey nest pole on Hewitt Farm as his Eagle Scout project. There was discussion about the impact of such an Osprey project on the fish environment. Nita will inform Grant that he must submit a Project Application with details before such permission can be granted.
Coop stated that Tom Kane has not yet received official approval from the Eagle Scout Review Board to proceed with his footbridge project. Until he does receive that approval, when Tom receives donations, he will inform the donor of the situation and ask the donor if he can hold the check until he does receive approval. If approval is subsequently denied, Tom will return the check.
7) Public Comments & Questions
None
8) Priorities for March 26, 2012 Agenda
a) Mark Tardiff to review the status of the History Sign
b) Continue work on the Ryder Road Entrance Sign
The meeting adjourned at 5:13 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Richard B. Cooper
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