Conservation Commission Meeting
Christ the King Church
March 5, 2008, 7:00 pm
Members: Ted Crosby (ex-officio representing Gateway Commission)
Eleanor Czarnowski
Paul Dean
Taffy Holland
George James
Janice Kraus
David McCulloch
Agnes O’Connor
Tom Sherer
Attending: Ted Crosby, Paul Dean, Taffy Holland, George James, Janice Kraus, Dave McCulloch, Tom Sherer
Paul Dean - acting chairman.
1. 83 Hartford Avenue
This plan is for an addition on top of the old casino. This is a new second level; 17’ x 18.5 storage area, closet, and bathroom. (Ted: it’s a bedroom). They have town water, their own septic system, and a grease pit. Plans show landscaping around the parking area, but no lighting. We should send them the standard lighting letter, and we could suggest what to plant. Nothing else is in the Commission’s jurisdiction.
2. Parking area for Lyme Art Academy
The plans are for a grass parking area across from the main academy building. Ted said no new lighting is shown. The lot will probably be used during daylight except when there are academy or town events. Ted said the last two parking spaces will not be usable when the lot is full because the 2’ 6” berm makes turning impossible. Ted and Tom questioned the purpose of the berm. Perhaps the Commission should comment on the two parking spaces?
3. New Business
· Dave will ask Judy Preston to talk to the commission about areas to preserve for wild life conservation. He’ll let us know when this is scheduled.
· Dave talked about the Old Saybrook Land Trust meeting on global warming and its impact on the Saybrook area.
· George said the Rogers Lake Authority is planning a contest for the best buffer zones along the lake, and a meeting. They are looking for funds, and also want input from us. We could write a letter in support of the contest. They could use Marianne Pfeiffer’s booklet, and also information from Judy Preston.
· George talked about a new fabric (150’ x 50’ sections) to be used under water to control weeds by blocking the light. David said maybe we could get someone to talk about it. George said WPCA has two test sites to check the impact of new housing. He will suggest they establish an area of special concern to monitor the impact of 90 new units on water quality.
· George said Kus is cleaning up land probably in preparation for more new housing. The commission should keep an eye on it and alert the other commissions.
· People need to know how and when to dispose of electronic equipment. CRERPA says the Household Hazardous Waste facility in Essex will accept electronics on April 14th, June 14th, August 9th and November 8th. Dave will call them so see if they will take compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) – they’re not on the list of acceptable materials.
· George would like to honor Bill Lyons, who went to much trouble to sell us Champlain North and South. We should do this soon. He said it’s the perfect place for a town park. George will look into getting a bench – possibly granite, or from LL Bean – and having it inscribed.
· George said there’s a lot of stuff in our last year’s report – going organic, use of pesticides on the ball fields. Pesticides are still being used.
· Paul asked about zoning regulations for clear cutting. How can we enforce it. Dave said WPCA marks the boundaries of clear cut areas. Paul asked how we can prevent clear cutting before plans come to boards. Dave agreed the most of the commissions are concerned. George said allowing private roads will help, since town roads require more cutting. We should require replanting if they do cut in violation. Ted said the Gateway regulations regulate cutting on sub divisions but not on single homes. Ted said Lyme has good regulations. This would be a good topic for Judy Preston.
· Ted said the Middle School asked him for a talk on watersheds sometime in April. Also he has a copy of the video from the Connecticut Fund for the Environment meeting, and will make copies for anyone interested. He would like to get it shown in the high school.
Assignments:
· Dave will check with CRERPA about recycling electronics, and CFLs.
· Dave will talk to Judy Preston, Wetlands, and Ann Brown (Planning) about clear cutting regulations.
· Dave will give Janice a folder of pesticide information.
· George will send out the CFE information about the two bills that will affect our drinking water.
· Paul and George will pursue getting the bench to honor Bill Lyons.
· Tom will get the clear cutting regulations from Mianos River Gorge.
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