Town of Old Saybrook
Conservation Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman, Kim Gallagher
Absent: Pat Ingellis
Approval of Minutes
MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of June 12, 2007.
MOVED by C. Cobb. SECONDED by Mike Kelley. IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman. OPPOSED: None. ABSTAINING: APPROVED: 5-0-0.
K. Gallagher arrived at 7:35
Ziegler Resubdivision
Bob Fish gave a review of the subdivision. The original plan was for a 6 lot subdivision, but the applicant withdrew the application. New plan involves only 2 developed lots, and the applicant is offering the remainder of Chalker Mill Pond not already owned by the town as open space. Conservation easement and restrictions recommended by the IWWC have been adopted, and it prohibits any further resubdivision of the remaining lots. The commission reviewed the submitted plans.
MOTION to recommend acceptance of the donation for open space as referred to in Attorney Royston’s 06/27/07 letter as it aids in conserving the natural resources in the area. MOVED: by Kim Gallagher; SECONDED: by Charlie Cobb; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman, K. Gallagher; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
The Natural Heritage Tour
Mike Kelley updated the status for the commission stating there has been some delay due to computer/translation difficulties between PC and Mac systems. Due to the large size of files, there have been problems with e-mails to graphic designer, Marta Cone. Mike is now in the process of copying to CDs and converting the image to a format she can use. Mike is optimistic process is now working, and he is now also saving all images to disc with adobe/photoshop. Jerry Brophy suggested using CIEL which will be considered if problems persist. Financial estimate is expected from Ms. Cone.
The Fishway System
Bob Fish stated he recently met with the Fisheries Division of Old Lyme along with Jacobson who is doing survey. Discussion held about the basic technical problem of the varying Crystal Lake water level relative to the bottom of the fishway. Conceptual drawings are being prepared to bring to the IWWC, hopefully at their August meeting. If approved, Larry Bonin of Public Works Department would do the clearing and construction. Kim Gallagher advised to make sure that contour lines are included in drawings submitted to IWWC.
Leadership in Old Saybrook on Global Warming Issues
Discussion continued from the 06/12/07 meeting questioning what if any role the conservation commission should take regarding global warming issues. Charlie Cobb questioned what kind of intervention and actions would be most successful. Commission discussed at length political posturing on all sides nationwide. Jerry Brophy noted many inaccuracies in recent materials read. He feels the best way to help is to lead by example; to help the public think in terms of conservation.
Commission agrees education of public is the direction to take, targeting periodicals. Suggestion made when educating the public to also advertise accomplishments including the Gateway Conservation Zone and that open space makes up 20 % of the town.
Action: Bob Fish will sketch proposal as to topics to cover using the recent “Environmental Quality in Ct.” (2006 report), as a starting point. Charlie Cobb will develop ideas on what town government can do, along with general community education. Mike Kelley suggested all members report to Bob Fish any suggestions they may have at the next meeting.
Charlie Cobb talked about a visit into a local bank on 7/10 where the air conditioning was so high, an employee was uncomfortably cold. There must be some way to moderate these problems. Air conditioning is clearly one the biggest contributors to excessive fossil fuel use, so much so that the peak total energy use is during the summer time.
It was suggested to compile a list of ideas/suggestions for the town to begin to implement, as a conservation example to others. Suggestions included improved fuel use for police vehicles (reducing the idle running time) and school buses, improving the efficiency of building heating, air conditioning and lighting, raising town building air conditioning settings by 3 to 5 degrees, and others. Kim Gallager also suggested a tax incentive for smaller, more efficient vehicles. Jerry Brophy concurred, and suggested talking to Barry Maynard.
Land Use Updates , Mail, Announcements
Bob Fish reported on the recent permit denial issued from the DEP regarding the Sams gabian wall (property at 9 River Edge Road). Jerry Brophy recommended sending a letter to the DEP commending them on their action on this matter. The commission agreed, and it was suggested that both the DEP commissioner and the environmental analyst assigned to the case be sent a letter.
Adjournment
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:00p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 14, 2007, 7:30p.m., Land Use Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb. SECONDED by Robert Seigelman; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman, Kim Gallagher.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
| 
