Regular Meeting
January 13,2009
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman.
Absent: Jerry Brophy, Kate Gallagher, Pat Ingellis
Staff in Attendance: Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION: to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2008 meeting as presented.
MOVED: by Charlie Cobb; SECONDED: by Robert Siegelman; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Election of Officers:
MOTION: to nominate Bob Fish to remain as Chairman; MOVED: by Mike Kelley; SECONDED: by Charlie Cobb; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
MOTION: to nominate Jerry Brophy to remain as Vice Chairman: MOVED: by Bob Fish; SECONDED: by Robert Siegelman; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelmann; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Election of Inland Wetland Representative:
MOTION: to nominate Kim Gallagher to remain as Inland Wetlands Representative; MOVED: by Bob Fish; SECONDED: by Robert Siegelman; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Plan of Conservation and Development Priorities:
Chairman Fish discussed with the commission the need to prioritize the list of goals, both local and regional for the Plan of Conservation and Development. The commission discussed at length its “2009 Plan of Conservation and Development”, dated 12/10/08. The numerous goals for the coming decade were reviewed, and revised in order of priority. Mike Kelley reported to the commission he recently visited the DEP website which named several Ct. Municipalities on a “Recycling Honor Roll List”. M. Kelley and the commission discussed the benefits of incorporating some of these ideas and updating our own recycling program.
After a lengthy discussion, the commission agreed on the following items to suggest to CRERPA as the most important topics to include in the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development.
-A Regional Open Space Map
-Public Education on a regional basis for selected environmental issues
-Regional Eco-Tourism
-Preservation and restoration of habitats
Progress Review on Ongoing Projects:
Natural Heritage Tour:
The Commission reviewed the updated brochures and all members present were very happy with the final printed copy.
Signage:
Mike Kelley discussed the mounted discs that have been completed and their locations including Founders Park, The Fishway, and Great Cedars. Possible locations of expanded signage were discussed.
Maintenance Requirements:
The commission discussed alternatives for the repair of the Great Cedars parking area. Its present condition has detracted from the success of the Natural Heritage Tour for some time.
Crystal Lake Fishway:
Bob Fish noted the Fishway project is continuing. The height issue has been resolved.
Work on the channels has begun.
Quarterly Land Use Meeting:
Bob Fish informed the commission of the upcoming Land Use Meeting to be held January 27 in the Town Hall. A conflict was noted with the Land Trust meeting that has relevance to the restoration of oysters in the Oyster River. The members reviewed who would be attending which meeting.
CT Bar Association Land Use Seminar:
Chairman Fish informed the commission of this upcoming seminar to be held at Wesleyan University on March 28, 2009 from 8:30-4:30. He advised that it is a very informative seminar, instructed by members of the Ct. Bar Association and provides the latest updates in local courts with regard to land use issues. He encouraged any interested commission members to register.
Adjournment:
MOTION: to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. until the next Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall in the Land Use Conference Room.
MOVED: by Robert Siegelman; SECONDED: by M. Kelley; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 4-0-0.
Respectively submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
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