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Town Meeting Minutes 12/15/2010
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
MINUTES
December 15, 2010

A special Town Meeting of electors and citizens qualified to vote in Town Meetings of the Town of North Stonington, Connecticut was held in the North Stonington Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room on Norwich Westerly Rd, North Stonington, CT on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.  Present First Selectman Nicholas H Mullane II, Selectman Shawn Murphy, Selectman Bill Briscoe and Towns Attorney Frank Eppinger.  First Selectman Nicholas H. Mullane II called the meeting to order.  First Selectman Nicholas H Mullane II asked for a motion to elect a Moderator a MOTION was made by Bill Briscoe to elect Nicholas Mullane II moderator, Mr. Mullane refused.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger seconded by Bill Briscoe, to elect Shawn Murphy Moderator.  A MOTION made by Nita Kincaid, seconded by Charlie Burger to close all nomination, the MOTION carried unanimously.  Shawn Murphy was declared Moderator, and then asked Town Clerk Norma Holliday to read the call of the meeting.

  •         To hear and act upon the Hewitt Property proposed Uses, Rules, and Recommendations items numbered 1-28 individually, as presented.  
1.  The property shall be called the Hewitt Farm.  A MOTION made by Dick Cooper, seconded by Ann Nalwalk to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  A MOTION made by Joe Gross seconded by Nita Kincaid to use a paper ballot on all the questions presented, discussion followed, MOTION DENIED by a show of hands 11 yes, 78 no.  A MOTION made by Nita Kincaid, seconded by Bill Peterson to move the question, MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 62 yes, 14 no.  Item #1 MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 62 yes, 25 no.

2.  Fishing and projects such as spawning pools that improve conditions for fish habitat are permitted.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 89 yes, 1 no.

3.  Horseback riding and animal-drawn vehicles are permitted on designated trails.  Horses and other animals and trailers must be kept off the hay fields.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 93 yes, 0 no.

4.  Canoe and kayak use is permitted.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 92 yes, 1 no.

5.  Current agricultural uses of the property are encouraged.  All treatments of hay fields shall utilize best agricultural practices as outlined in CT DEP and U.S. Soil Conservation Service Manual “Best Management Practices for Agriculture” All treatments intended, must be submitted 4 weeks in advance for approval.  No treatment will be allowed without Selectmen approval.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 78 yes, 5 no.

6.  Wildlife habitat and wooded area should be maintained by best management practices.  Other informal use of the land such as picnics and other community uses are permitted.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Robin Donahue to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 92 yes, 0 no.

7.  Organized recreational sports fields with their attendant structures, fences, and lighting are not permitted.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 88 yes, 5 no.

8.  Motorized recreational or off track vehicles are not permitted except for emergency use.  Bicycles are permitted.   A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 93 yes, 1 no.

9.  Firearms and hunting are not permitted.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 81 yes, 13 no.

        10.     No additional structures, buildings, wind farms, above ground water tanks, or communication towers shall be erected.  Exceptions to this are farm or recreation related outbuildings or certain utility apparatus that does not exceed the height of the tree line of the property.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  A MOTION made by Charlie Smith, seconded by Bill Peterson to move the question, MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 82 yes, 2 no.  Item #10 MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 87 yes, 0 no.

11.  Fixed signs should be posted at the Route 2, Hewitt Road and Plains Cemetery entrances to the property.  Rules relating to the uses and non-uses of the property should be prominent on these signs.  Also included will be contact information for requests for special uses of the property.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 88 yes, 0 no.  

12.  It is recommended that the old red pine forest behind the Penfield house be considered for a public picnic ground.  The existing concrete pad next to the corn crib should be roofed over to create a pavilion for cooking and picnic tables.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 84 yes, 0 no.  

13.  Certain other infrastructure conditions need to be addressed by the town.  For example, the rotting wooden planks now used as bridges over the Shunock River must be replaced with proper walkway bridges.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 78 yes, 1 no.  

14.  Handicapped access should be provided for Lewis (also known as Hewitt) Pond possibly in the form of a platform on the southwest end of the pond next to the bridge.  The Lewis Pond dam must be repaired by the town to meet State of Connecticut (DEP) safety conditions.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 81 yes, 3 no.  

15.  Existing walking trails should be retained and new trails considered for public access from the village area.  These trails will be maintained annually including appropriate trail markers.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 61 yes, 20 no.

16.  The schools in the town should be encouraged to use the property for cross country running, science classes, history field trips and other appropriate educational purposes. A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 89 yes, 0 no.  

17.  The old and hazardous boat shed structures near the farm house should be taken down.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 83 yes, 0 no.  

18.  To keep the landscape clear of litter the public will be required to follow a “carry in carry out” policy when using the property.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 86 yes, 0 no.  

19.  Vehicle parking is permitted in designated areas.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 86 yes, 0 no.  

20.  Supervised camping, such as might be requested by a town based scouting group or other organization, may b3 allowed in designated areas.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 75 yes, 4 no.  

21.  It is recommended that all three domiciles currently on the property be maintained or restored.  The Penfield House (a.k.a. ‘Red Horse Nursery School” a.k.a. “Green Gables”) should be repaired Trees and other underbrush currently surrounding the house should be cleared away.  The meadow behind the Penfield house should be maintained with an annual cutting in late August.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION DENIED by a show of hands 39 yes, 46 no.  

22.  The meadows behind the Hewitt farm house should be maintained using the same management practice recommended for the Penfield meadow.  In addition, invasive species such as the Tree of Heaven grove along the driveway and the wild iris near the dam should be eradicated.  Other invasive species have been identified by the Connecticut Botanical Society.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 82 yes, 0 no.

23.  The town should establish a regular work and maintenance plan for the property which must be approved annually by the Board of Selectmen.   A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Charlie Smith to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 80 yes, 8 no.  

24.  Every effort should be made to reestablish the former Dew Drop Inn as a viable commercial family restaurant. A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.   MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 64 yes, 18 no.  

25.  Allow a beer and wine license for the former Dew Drop Inn subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen and the approved license issuance from the State of Connecticut.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  A MOTION made by Joseph Reissner, seconded by Nita Kincaid to move the question, MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 80 yes, 3 no.  Item #10 MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 61 yes, 28 no.

26.  No alcoholic beverages are permitted on Hewitt Farm except as voted in Question #25.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 57 yes, 2 no.  

27.  The Selectmen will appoint a five regular member and two alternate member committee to assist the Selectmen to oversee the property.  A “Friends of Hewitt Farm” group may also be organized to aid in fund raising for the town for use on the Hewitt Farm.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 38 yes, 10 no.  

28.  Other uses, rules, and regulations not specifically addressed in these recommendations must be approved by the Board of Selectmen and may require a Town Meeting.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, discussion followed.  MOTION APPROVED by a show of hands 37 yes, 5 no.  

  •         To hear and act upon the Declaration and Grant of a Private Conservation Easement off Mains Crossing Road (aka Route 201) in favor of the Town of North Stonington.   A MOTION  
made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Bob Shabunia to approve the item as presented, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.

  •         To hear and act upon the Declaration and Grant of a Private Conservation Easement in favor of the Town for the Phase II Shunock Estates, Norwich Westerly Road.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.
  •         To hear and act upon the acceptance of the Declaration and Grant of a Private Conservation Easement in favor of the Favor of the Town of North Stonington located on Billings Road.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.
  •         To hear and act upon a request as approved by the Board of Finance for an Additional Appropriation for flood damage repairs-FEMA funds, in the amount of $131,526.56 for the continuation of repairs on roads and drainage caused by the March 30th storm to budget line item B 27.03 Town Road Maintenance with authority to move the funds to Capital Non Recurring Account 3961 Storm Damages.  A MOTION made by Nicholas Mullane II, seconded by Warren Speh to approve an additional appropriation to the Capital Non Recurring account #3961, storm damages in the amount of $131,526.56, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.
  •        To hear and act upon a request as approved by the Board of Finance for an Additional Appropriation for the Boiler Installation and Conversion Project at the School Facilities in the amount of $434,122 for the installation of new boilers at the Elementary School and High School and new burners for the Gymatorium building to budget line item 5.01, School Boiler Replacement Project with authority to move the funds to Capital Non Recurring Account 3962 School Boilers.  A MOTION made by Charlie Burger, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.
  •         To hear and act upon An Ordinance Authorizing the Water Pollution Control Authority to Adopt Regulations for the Use of Sewerage Systems.  A MOTION made by Bob Shabunia, seconded by Nicholas Mullane to approve the item as presented, MOTION DENIED by a show of hands.
  •         To authorize and empower the First Selectmen to enter into agreements with the State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection and to execute all documents pertaining to the STEAP Grant for the North Stonington Recreation Area.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Charlie Burger to approve the item as presented, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.
  •         To review and accept an Agreement between the Town of Groton and the Town of North Stonington regarding provision of Emergency Dispatching Services.  Withdrawn from Agenda to be revisited in the future.
  • 10      To hear and act upon an additional appropriation as approved by the Board of Finance for the Resident Troopers’ DUI grant funding in the amount of $55,330 for the implementation of the DUI Enforcement Grant for FY 2010-11.  The funds shall be placed in line item BB 26.04 State Troopers.  A MOTION made by Bill Ricker, seconded by Warren Speh to approve the item as presented, MOTION APPROVED unanimously by a show of hands.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Norma J Holliday
Town Clerk