TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Conservation Commission
302 Main Street Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3073 FAX (860) 395-1216
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Judy Preston, Pat Ingellis
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of April 12, 2005.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb. SECONDED by Pat Ingellis. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Judy Preston, Pat Ingellis. OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Workshop/Land Use Meeting Updates
Ms. Preston reminded Commission members of the Connecticut River boat trip that will be held on Monday, May 16, 2005. The boat will be departing at 6:00pm. in Essex. Anyone interested was asked to contact Ms. Preston. In addition, Ms. Preston mentioned that NEMO (Non-point Education for Municipal Officials) would hold a workshop in Haddam regarding stormwater management on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Please contact Ms. Preston if anyone is interested in attending. Chairman Fish indicated he would be attending.
Also mentioned by Chairman Fish was the Annual Budget Meeting on May 18, 2005 in case anyone was interested in attending as well as a Land Use Meeting on May 31, 2005 addressing the problem of trees in town.
Update: Field Work for the Great Cedars Conservation Area
Bob Fish informed the Commission that Wendy Goodfriend, Rich Snarski, and Penny Sharp recently walked the site. The next site walk will take place in approximately one week after some data work is accomplished. Members of the Conservation Commission will be invited.
Chalker Millpond and the East Side of Great Cedars
It was brought to the Commission’s attention that there seems to be a persistent odor, possibly septic, coming from the area of Chalker Millpond. Concern for water quality and aquatic life was discussed. Additionally, Charlie Cobb submitted a letter on behalf of the Oyster River Coalition regarding their concerns as well. (Please see attached.) After discussion amongst the members of the Conservation Commission it was decided that this concern be investigated.
MOTION to have the Conservation Commission support a rapid and thorough evaluation of the water quality of Chalker Millpond. Measurements should occur both above and below the pond to help pinpoint and minimize possible pollution.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb. SECONDED by Judy Preston. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Judy Preston, Pat Ingellis. OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none.
APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Update: Plan of Development
Chairman Fish informed the Commission that he and Christine Nelson are working together to finalize the plan of development to better fit the Planning Commission’s needs.
Land Use Updates
Judy Preston informed the Commission that she sent packets out to the members of the Inland Wetlands subcommittee. As previously discussed this subcommittee will be revisiting the subject of proposed regulation language changes. Ms. Preston will keep the Commission informed regarding its progress. No other new land use updates were discussed.
Commission Tasks and Priorities
Charlie Cobb suggested that each Commission member individually choose the top 20 tasks that they feel are most important. Members can choose any task twice in an effort to weight that task, but are still only allowed 20 choices. After some discussion amongst Commission members it was agreed upon that this was the best way to prioritize and possibly minimize the approximately 70 tasks of the Conservation Commission. The two absent Commission members (Jerry Brophy and Bryan Zielinski) will be asked to submit their choices for the next regular scheduled meeting. At that time Commission members will compile the results and discuss next steps.
Adjournment
Chairman Fish adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday June 14, 2005, 7:30 pm., Land Use Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melanie Dautrich
Conservation Commission Clerk
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