MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Land Use Conference Room
Old Saybrook Town Hall
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:32.
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Kim Gallagher, Robert Siegelman, Mike Kelley, Charlie Cobb
Absent: Pat Ingellis
Staff In Attendance: Alyssa Detmer, Recording Clerk
Approval of Minutes
MOTION: To approve the Regular Meeting minutes of March 11, 2008, as presented.
MOVED: by Kim Gallagher; SECONDED: by Mike Kelley; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Kim Gallagher, Mike Kelley, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0
The Old Saybrook Council on Environmental Quality
Jerry Brophy reported on the excitement and high energy of the Council. They are choosing indicators of environmental quality and are deciding on meaningfulness and measurability. A workshop on these topics will be held on Tuesday 22nd at 4:00 pm in the Land Use Conference Room.
The Natural Heritage Tour
Mike Kelley is looking into posting an excerpt in the Saybrook Events, promoting the Tour. The Group is still finalizing locations for mounting of signs. Bob Fish made a note to take notice of any locations in need of aesthetic improvement. He will report observations to the First Selectman for Public Works support. For example, the natural parking lot at the entrance to the Great Cedars Conservation Area is in great need of repair.
Crystal Lake Fishway
Bob Fish stated that the efficiency of the watershed is inhibiting the pouring of the concrete. The water level is too high to continue at this point. Bob estimated May as a possible time to resume. Charlie Cobb noted that fish have been spotted in Rhode Island and are moving west.
Oyster Restoration
The Commission is moving forward in the aiding of Oyster restoration in the Oyster River. A special meeting will be held on Tuesday May 6 inviting members of the Shellfish Commission and Oyster River Coalition as well as the public. Tessa Getchis, a UConn Aquaculture Specialist, will be guest speaker. Discussion of the composition of soil and depths of the river will be addressed to decide whether the Oyster River can be a productive environment for the oysters.
Review of Commission Action Plan
The Commission reviewed their progress under the Old Saybrook 10-year Plan of Development. Bob Fish brought to attention ‘Public Education and Outreach’ in hopes of stimulating focus on certain projects. Kim Gallagher recommended the topics vernal pools, notable trees, and aquatic invertebrates. Much data has already been collected on these topics. The Commission will do further research and assign members to work on these projects and bring them to public attention through publication of brochures.
Adjournment
MOTION: to adjourn the Regular meeting at 8:38 until the Special meeting on Tuesday May 6th 2008 at the Town Hall on the 2nd floor in the Land Use Conference Room.
MOVED: by Jerry Brophy; SECONDED: by Kim Gallagher; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Kim Gallagher, Jerry Brophy, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman, Charlie Cobb; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINED: none; APPROVED: 6-0-0
Respectfully Submitted,
Alyssa Detmer, Recording Clerk
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