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, September 13, 2005
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis, Judy Preston, Mike Kelley
Guests: Steve Luckett, Dick Wertheim
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of July 12, 2005.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb. SECONDED by Judy Preston. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Judy Preston, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis, Mike Kelley.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Commission Membership & Organization
Chairman Fish reminded Pat Ingellis, Mike Kelley, and Judy Preston that their terms would expire in November and to please let him know if they’re still interested in being members of the Conservation Commission. Appointments will be taking place on November 22, 2005 at the Selectman's meeting. The Conservation Commission currently consists of 6 members. Full membership is 7. The Commission is looking for 1 more member.
Presentation by Steve Luckett (WPCA)
Steve Luckett from the Water Pollution Control Authority gave an overview of the quality of Old Saybrook’s bodies of water. The beach areas from the Westbrook border to the tip of Fenwick and many inland bodies of water including Chalkers Mill Pond were tested. In summary, Mr. Luckett stated that Old Saybrook is in good shape except for high E. coli readings in the inland bodies of water. Although, Mr. Luckett did state that E. coli readings were in similar ranges in several area towns he spoke to. Mr. Luckett believes most of these high readings are due to wildlife fecal matter. In regards to Chalkers Mill Pond, Mr. Luckett stated that we should be concerned regarding these high readings. When asked about the odors coming from this area Mr. Luckett stated that he and a colleague
of his did not experience any. Oyster River’s fecal count was below the standard for swimming purposes but well above the shellfish limit.
Review of Sentinel Hill Open Space Subdivision
Conservation Commission members reviewed the map titled Preliminary Subdivision Plan B Sentinel Hill Subdivision and expressed the following concerns.
Open Space: It was consensus of the Commission that open space be “useful”. It should not be fragmented but given all in one area. It was also mentioned that 50% of open space is not shown in Phase 1 and that the proposed open space is undevelopable and marginally useful at that. Referring to the 1994 Plan of Conservation & Open Space, the Commission envisioned a circular recreational open space plan that this land should be part of.
Yield & Configuration: Several lots appear to be unsuitable for development because of slope concerns.
Access to Subdivision: Unsuitable access. Completely destroys geological uniqueness and features. The road is too steep and parallel to ledge and will cause increased stormwater flow.
Commission Tasks and Priorities
The Conservation Commission’s priorities and tasks were incorporated into the plan of development and submitted to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission accepted the plan of development and will be voting on it on November 2, 2005. Chairman Fish suggested that all Conservation Commission members should formulate their own ideas, suggestions, comments, etc. regarding the Commission’s tasks and priorities in preparation for next month’s regularly scheduled meeting. At that time, the Commission will put together an Action List for itself.
Update: Great Cedars
Every member has received and was encouraged to read and remark on the report prepared by the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District titled “Great Cedars Conservation Area East Old Saybrook, Connecticut Natural Resources Assessment And Mapping Study.” Chairman Fish stated that a site walk would occur in October.
Special Meetings, Site Walks, Ground Truthing, Mail, Materials, Opportunities, Open Forum
Jerry Brophy mentioned that there would be a meeting at the Pavilion on September 27, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. regarding Founder’s Park and encouraged members’ participation. Judy Preston reminded members of CAICWIC’s annual meeting to be held on November 5, 2005.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:10pm. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 11, 2005, 7:30pm., Land Use Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melanie Dautrich
Conservation Commission Clerk
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