The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman.
Absent: Kim Gallagher, Pat Ingellis
Staff in Attendance: Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION: to approve the minutes of December 8, 2009 as presented.
MOVED: by Mike Kelley; SECONDED: by Robert Siegelman; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb; APPROVED: 3-0-2.
Regional Conservation Activities:
B. Fish reported that he talked to some area conservation commissions, with Chester and Westbrook showing some interest. J. Brophy suggested contacting First Selectman Phil Miller of Essex for their involvement. Commission agreed starting the process of promoting regional activities with only one or two towns would still be worthwhile, with the hopes more area conservation commissions would later join.
Eco – Tourism:
Chairman Fish invited all interested commission members to the next Economic Development Commission meeting to be held on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Brochures will be brought and a discussion started on how best to promote tourism in Old Saybrook with the help of the EDC. M. Kelley suggested using the existing town website as a different way to educate and inform the public of tourism activities.
Energy Conservation:
B. Fish reported that Old Saybrook is lagging behind many area towns with regard to energy conservation. The Commission agreed the plan with the Counsel on Environmental Quality was too broad, and stated narrowing the focus would be the best way to begin; possibly first in municipal buildings. The towns of Branford, Guilford, Madison and West Hartford were again mentioned for their success. In each town an independent audit was done and ideas were then implemented. J. Brophy suggested involving Julie Pendleton, (Director of Operations, Facilities and Finance for the Board of Education) who has had great success in energy conservation in the three schools.
Boundary Marking:
B. Fish stated this project is being postponed until spring.
Cultural Preservation:
The Commission continued their discussion on identifying and preserving both historic foundations and stone walls throughout the town.
Adjournment
MOTION: to adjourn the meeting at p.m. until the next Regular Meeting on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall in the Land Use Conference Room.
MOVED: by ; SECONDED: by ; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Mike Kelley, Robert Siegelman; OPPOSED: none; ABSTAINING: none; APPROVED: 5-0-0.
Respectively submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
| 
