Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m.
Land Use Conference Room
302 Main Street
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members in Attendance: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Kim Gallagher, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis
Absent: Robert Siegelmann
Staff in Attendance: Sandy Prisloe, Inland Wetlands Enforcement Officer and Maura Farbotka, Recording Clerk
Boundary Markings Summary
Chairman Fish and Pat Ingellis~introduced Eagle Scout Pat Malin to the commission.~ Pat recently completed boundary markings for Great Cedars East for his Eagle Scout Badge.~ He reviewed a map with the commission and indicated the areas that were marked.~ Pat is now in the process of completing a report summarizing his work done and will provide a copy to the commission.~
He noted different areas where garbage and shot gun shells were located.~ He stated he and his volunteer scouts were able to pick up a great deal of the garbage.~
Both Pat Malin and Pat Ingellis thanked Bob Lorenz for his assistance with this project.
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION: to approve the special meeting minutes of October 26, 2010 as presented.
MOVED: by Jerry Brophy; SECONDED: by Pat Ingellis; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: Kim Gallagher; APPROVED: 4-0-1.
Review of "The Preserve" Plan Modification for the Planning Commission:
Bob Fish clarified with the commission the request by the Planning Commission to comment on "The Preserve" plan modification.~~
Jerry Brophy gave a thorough presentation to the commission of his review of the plan modification.
All maps were reviewed by the commission with concentration on the new proposed open space.~ All commission members agreed the proposed open space is inadequate.~ The open space is fragmented, located primarily in steep, wet areas, and serves little purpose for any recreational use.
Mr. Brophy also pointed out that the modified plan does not include the previously proposed 10 acre flat recreation site.~
This plan includes an increase in conservation easements, many which abut private property.~ These easements are problematic mainly due to difficulty in stewardship.~ The commission felt these easements are an attempted~solution by the applicant to chop up land to make more lots.
The commission discussed the original "donut plan" noting this modification is totally inconsistent with that plan and provides no connectivity.
The commission unanimously agreed this modification is far inferior to what was previously presented, and is inconsistent with what the commission is attempting to accomplish with the plan of development.
Inland Wetlands Officer Sandy Prisloe indicated to the commission on a map both the existing and proposed~open space.~ Sandy also suggested that the commission get clarification of a large piece of proposed open space, which now shows a reservation of a future access road.
The commission would like to present its letter and comments to the Planning Commission at the December 1, 2010 public hearing.~ This will give the commission the opportunity to emphasize their comments and also review the plan of conservation and development.
Conservation Commission Program
Bob Fish reported on the initial workshop which included meeting with Torrance Downes of the Regional Planning Agency to discuss ideas for a new 10 year plan of development. Torrance will be drafting some ideas, and will discuss with interested commission members at the next workshop, which has not yet been scheduled.
Energy Conservation:
Jerry Brophy pointed out~the RFP which was attached to each commission member's packet.~ Dave Simon is preparing to walk the areas / facilities of the town and propose ideas for access to funding towards energy conservation. Dave Simon will be attending the next conservation meeting on December 14, 2010.~ Jerry Brophy asked each commission member read the RFP prior to this meeting.
The commission stated after this assessment to take the preliminary information to the Board of Selectmen for an initial review.
Other Updates:
Bob Fish reported that he was approached by Janet Brawerman of the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation Department asking for our commission to sponsor a demonstration of a rain garden.~
This demonstration would be open to the public, and will be paid for by a Rockfall Grant.
The members agreed this is a good way to have the commission be able to make contact with the public.
J. Brophy suggested contacting Larry Bonin of the public works department for possible locations for the rain garden.
Adjournment
MOTION: to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. until the next Regular Meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall in the Land Use Conference Room.
MOVED: by Jerry Brophy; SECONDED: by Kim Gallagher; IN FAVOR: Bob Fish, Jerry Brophy, Kim Gallagher, Charlie Cobb, Pat Ingellis; OPPOSED: None; ABSTAINING: Charlie Cobb; APPROVED: 5-0-0. .
Respectively submitted,
Maura Farbotka
Recording Clerk
| 
