MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Robert Siegelman, Mike Kelley
Absent: Kim Gallagher, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis
Staff in Attendance: Christine Nelson, Town Planner; Alyssa Detmer, Recording Clerk
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION: to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of November 13, 2007, and December 11, 2007, as presented.
MOVED: by Jerry Brophy; SECONDED: by Mike Kelley; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Mike Kelley, Jerry Brophy; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: Robert Siegelman; APPROVED: 3-0-1.
Election of Officers and Rep. to Wetlands:
Bob Fish asked if anyone had an interest in becoming Chairman. The commission decided to address succession planning at a later date. Bob Fish will remain Chairman. The commission decided that Jerry Brophy would remain Vice Chairman and Kim Gallagher would remain Wetlands Representative.
2008/2009 Commission Budget:
In the last few years, the operating budget for the Conservation Commission has been constant at just under $2700, including $900 for a clerk. However, this budget cannot support all the present initiatives of the commission, including publication costs for all our planned public projects. The commission will propose a new budget that increases project expenses to $3950, plus the usual requirement for the clerk.
Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality:
Jerry Brophy stated that things are falling into place and the first meeting should be sometime in February. Bob Fish stated that the Business and School communities are on board.
National Heritage Tour:
Mike Kelley expressed minor concern about the font size. Christine Nelson will e-mail the present draft to the commission members so they can critique and check for errors. After proofing, the Heritage Tour pamphlets will be ready for printing.
Crystal Lake Fishway:
Bob Fish stated that construction can begin as soon as weather permits.
New Conservation Commission Brochures:
The commission will wait to discuss this until Charlie Cobb is present, as he has proposed some new ones.
Land Use Updates and Announcements:
Christine Nelson spoke of the task force on Responsible Growth. She spoke of differences between State and Old Saybrook definitions of open space. Christine would like to review Old Saybrook’s land use maps and definitions to obtain similar information from both State and Local governments. The Commission will be educated on the state’s definitions and will proceed from there. Christine recommended getting to know the state’s new Green Plan. There was brief talk of light pollution and an initiative of the ARB. The Commission showed interest and will discuss more at a later date.
The Conservation Commission adjourned at 8:53 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alyssa Detmer, Recording Clerk
| 
