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 9, 2006
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Mike Kelley, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb
Members Absent: Pat Ingellis, Judy Preston
Visitors: Kim Gallagher, Christine Nelson, Damon Hearne
Approval of Minutes
MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of April 11, 2006.
MOVED by Jerry Brophy. SECONDED by Mike Kelley. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Mike Kelley, Jerry Brophy. OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: Charlie Cobb.
APPROVED: 3-0-1.
Commission Membership and Organization
Kim Gallagher expressed her desire to become a member of the Commission and would likewise be interested in becoming the Inland Wetlands Representative as well. Chairman Fish reminded members that the Commission has one vacancy and anyone interested is urged to speak with him.
Commission Priorities, Action Plans, & Assignments
Chairman Fish reviewed the Conservation Commission projects in the Plan of Conservation & Development and had a discussion with members on their progress. The projects are listed below in order of priority.
Open Space Map & Index
New parcel map is 90% complete per Damon Hearne. Estimated time of completion for new open space map & index is October 1, 2006.
Great Cedars Stewardship Plan
The Parks & Recreation Commission has reviewed the document and is in favor of utilizing it when finished. Damon Hearne offered his expertise with this document and Mike Kelley will work on putting together a final copy. Christine Nelson suggested that a public informational meeting be held in regards to this project.
Charlie Cobb has started marking the boundaries of Great Cedars and will continue to work with Pat Ingellis on this project.
Access & Trail Plan for Great Cedars East
Chairman Fish suggested that the MOU team take charge of this project.
Fishway System
This project has been started but according to Chairman Fish is slow moving. The contractor awarded this project states that it should only take approximately one month to finish but has yet to start working on the project again. Everyone was in agreement that this project is important and would like to see it come to fruition.
Natural History Tour
Mike Kelley is currently working on this project and asked for some assistance. Damon Hearne offered to supply Mike with the existing bike paths in town. The plan is to produce a brochure for public use. A team will work with Mike on this before the next regular meeting.
Public Education & Outreach Projects
There are quite a few projects the Commission wishes to work on and it was suggested that they be prioritized and delegated to Commission members. Christine Nelson also suggested that the Commission submit articles quarterly to the Saybrook Events publication. It was agreed that we should finish the Vernal Pool inventory started a few years ago.
Phragmites Control
Judy Preston has received a grant for this project. She asked that the Conservation Commission take an active part in helping with this project. Chairman Fish will ask Judy what she will need from the Commission.
Management Plans for Conservation Sites
The Commission would still like to pursue this project but agreed other projects are taking more precedence at this time.
Request to Review Petition for Zoning Regulation Amendments
Chairman Fish asked members of the Commission to review the new Gateway Conservation Zone regulations. A public hearing will take place on June 19, 2006. The Commission will discuss this further at their next regular scheduled meeting.
Adjournment
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:05pm.until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 7:30pm., Land Use Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb. SECONDED by Jerry Brophy. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Mike Kelley, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb. OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Melanie Dautrich
Conservation Commission Clerk
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