MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:36 pm.
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Kim Gallagher, Robert Siegleman
Absent: Pat Ingellis, Jerry Brophy
Staff In Attendance: Christine Nelson, Town Planner; Alyssa Detmer, Recording Clerk
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: to approve the Regular Meeting minutes of January 8, 2008, as presented.
MOVED: by Charlie Cobb; SECONDED: by Mike Kelley; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: Kim Gallagher; APPROVED: 3-0-1
Robert Siegelman arrived at 8:03.
The Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality
Bob Fish discussed the new Commission on Environmental Quality. They have met twice since our last Conservation meeting, accepting the charge from the Selectmen, discussing goals and activities of the Council, and beginning the process of establishing local indicators of environmental quality. Their meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm in the Land Use Conference Room.
The Natural Heritage Tour
Christine Nelson reported that the Tour pamphlet is in the proof stage, with printing soon to follow. Christine has established a committee of volunteers to work on signs for the different stops on the Tour.
Crystal Lake Fishway
Bob Fish reported that Public Works has made some good progress recently in preparing the site for work on the Fishway at Crystal Lake. Constructing the concrete box at the connection of the natural fishway channel with the lake itself is the next step, but weather has made it difficult to lower the water level in the lake to allow this work. It appears we have a very efficient watershed that quickly translates precipitation into high water in the lake. Charlie Cobb informed the commission that it is again time to set up a monitoring schedule for all of the fishways in the system, and he will proceed with that.
Oyster Restoration
Robert Siegelman spoke of recent knowledge and concern for the Oyster River project, and has offered to help re-establish efforts to restore oysters in the Oyster River. He will coordinate with Tesa Getchis, an Extension Aquaculture Specialist, to meet with the members of the Oyster River Coalition, the Town’s Shellfish Commission and anyone else who is interested. Charlie Cobb, a member of the Oyster River Coalition, welcomed the help. The Commission concluded that they are willing to assist in the effort.
State Conservation and Development Policies
Christine Nelson, Town Planner, spoke to the commission about the necessity of correlating the Town Plan with the State Plan. She asked the Commission to help analyze Preserved Open Space, based on the State’s definitions. There will be one hour work sessions held every Wednesday at 4:00 pm in the Land Use Conference Room.
Adjournment
MOTION: to adjourn the meeting.
MOVED: by Kim Gallagher; SECONDED: by Robert Siegelman; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Kim Gallagher, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APROVED: 5-0-0
The meeting adjourned at 9:02.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alyssa Detmer, Recording Clerk
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