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CC Minutes 03/13/2007
Town of Old Saybrook
Conservation Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall

Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Kim Gallagher, Robert Siegelman
Members Absent:  Pat Ingellis, Mike Kelley
Visitors: Christine Nelson

Approval of Minutes
MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of February 13, 2007.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb.  SECONDED by Kim Gallagher.  IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Kim Gallagher, Robert Siegelman
OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: None. APPROVED: 5-0-0.

Request for Review of Variance Application for Oceanside Auto
Chairman Fish discussed the application for Oceanside Auto with Commission members.  The Zoning Board of Appeals has asked for the Conservation Commission’s opinion on this application because of the property’s location within the Gateway Zone.  Chairman Fish stated that the application hasn’t changed much from a year or so ago and that it was determined then that the wetlands abutting this property was very important because it connects to a larger wetlands system that connects to Turtle Creek.  Chairman Fish drafted a letter, which was read to Commission members in preparation for submission to the ZBA for its next meeting on March 14, 2007.  After review Commission members agreed that the proposed letter was to be accepted with a modification addressing the opinion that there are no unique hardships to this property that would warrant a variance to the regulations.
MOTION to approve the draft letter with modification.  MOVED by Jerry Brophy.  SECONDED by Robert Siegelman. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Kim Gallagher, Robert Siegelman
OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: None. APPROVED: 5-0-0.

The Ground-Truthing Project, with Judy Preston
Ms. Preston had a conflict and was unfortunately unable to attend this meeting.

Commission Projects
Natural History Tour – Mike Kelley worked hard in putting together and submitting a draft Natural History Tour.  It was unanimously agreed that this was a wonderful starting point and that a special meeting should take place to comment on this draft document.  The special meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room at Town Hall.  Commission members were asked to submit comments and suggestions to Mr. Kelley by Tuesday, March 27, 2007.  It was suggested that the pictures be taken out prior to emailing to ensure Internet delivery.

Stewardship Plan – Charlie Cobb spoke via email to Ray Allen of the Parks and Recreation Department and said that Mr. Allen will be discussing the issue of stewardship enforcement with Vicki Duffy in the near future.

Articles, Website Development
Christine Nelson stated that there will be a web-based GIS system in the near future that will enable the public as well as town government employees to access via the Internet all Assessor’s records and maps.

Land Use Updates
Charlie Cobb mentioned that fish ladder monitoring would be forthcoming.  Chairman Fish also stated that he would like to start work on the 3rd fishway.
Ms. Nelson mentioned that there are new lighting regulations in place to help reduce light pollution in town, the town has adopted a Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and that the new open space map will be posted in the 2nd floor hallway as well as the conference room.  She also stated that she would be adding conservation easements and how they were acquired through the years between Planning and Inland Wetlands to the open space map.  Ms. Nelson asked and Chairman Fish agreed that the Conservation Commission would speak at the next quarterly meeting on April 24, 2007 and make an appropriate presentation.

Adjournment
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:40pm. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, 7:30pm., Land Use Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
MOVED by Jerry Brophy.  SECONDED by Charlie Cobb. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Kim Gallagher, Robert Siegelman
OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: None. APPROVED: 5-0-0.


Respectfully Submitted,



Melanie Dautrich
Conservation Commission Clerk