MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Kim Gallagher, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis, Mike Kelley
Absent: Robert Siegelman
Staff in Attendance: Christine Nelson, Town Planner; Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
Approval of Minutes
MOTION to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of September 11, 2007.
MOVED: by Kim Gallagher; SECONDED: by Pat Ingellis; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Kim Gallagher, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: Jerry
Brophy; APPROVED: 4-0-1.
M. Kelly arrived at 7:47 p.m.
Spera Subdivision
Town Planner Christine Nelson reviewed the planned subdivision. It is one lot off Bokum Road, approximately 23 acres. The property borders the Valley Railroad State Park. It does not abut the Preserve. The plan allows no more than 3 lots and is conditional that the driveway/access never be paved. The applicant has proposed a fee in lieu of open space. The plan has met all zoning and health requirements. There are wetlands on the site. The Commission thoroughly reviewed the plans. J. Brophy raised concern about the possibility of horses on site. K. Gallagher agreed and thought the high horse pasture would cause additional problems.
J. Brophy suggested extensive conservation easement to protect the wetlands. These comments will be included in a response to the Planning Commission request for review of this proposed subdivision.
The Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality
Bob Fish reported to the Commission that the Board of Selectman has passed the 20% by 2010 Resolution. The Commission now needs to come up with a proposal to set up a council on Environmental Quality. Tenzin Namdol discussed ways other towns have come up with the council members.
The Commission discussed at length numerous ideas to create the environmental council. All members agreed the success of this council depends on full participation from the municipality and the business community.
Colin Bennett of the Great Land Conservation Trust noted the towns of West Hartford, New Haven, Madison, Mansfield and Bethany have successfully implemented the program.
MOTION to form a subcommittee of two ( Bob Fish and Jerry Brophy) to summarize a list of priorities and to decide on and/or recommend people that could represent those specific issues.
MOVED: by C. Cobb; SECONDED: by J. Brophy; DISCUSSION ON THE MOTION: J. Brophy thought areas to concentrate on should include:
1. Healthy air; 2. Good water quality; 3. Conservation of farms, fields and beaches; and 4. Sustain future by recycling and energy used efficiently.
Commission agreed best way to communicate plan is to make it part of Town of Old Saybrook’s website.
IN FAVOR: B. Fish, J. Brophy, K. Gallagher, C. Cobb, P. Ingellis, M. Kelley; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Ms. Namdol, who should be part of this council, suggested including the faith communities into the process after recent contacts showed interest. She also suggested planning of a large event to bring more interest to the council and its mission.
The Natural Heritage Tour
Town Planner Christine Nelson presented the commission with the 17 x 22 brochure reviewing all its details. She noted modifications still need to be made, including a reduction in text. She then showed the next larger size brochure which the commission preferred because the font could be bigger along with the photos.
The Fishway System
Bob Fish advised the commission that a permit for the Fishway was issued by the IWWC. This permit makes the Conservation Commission responsible for the project to ensure that the structure is built correctly. C. Cobb suggested to build/design the Fishway to someday accommodate installation of a fish counter. The commission agreed. Bob Fish advised detailed drawings are being done, with hopes the project be completed prior to next spring.
Articles, Website Development
Numerous articles were passed to the commission including information from upcoming seminars, (Rockfall, CACIWC, and Habitat Management).
Adjournment
MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m. until the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., Land Use Conference Room, Old Saybrook Town Hall, 302 Main Street.
MOVED by Charlie Cobb. SECONDED by Kim Gallagher; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Kim Gallagher, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis, Mike Kelley.
OPPOSED: none. ABSTAINING: none. APPROVED: 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
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