Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
April 1, 2009, 7:00 pm
Members: Ted Crosby (ex-officio representing Gateway Commission)
Eleanor Czarnowski
Francine Gumkowski
Taffy Holland
George James
David McCulloch
Richard Sattler
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Attending: Ted Crosby, Eleanor Czarnowski, Francine Gumkowski, Taffy Holland, George James, Richard Sattler, Tom Sherer
- Selection of Vice Chairman
George James was appointed Vice Chairman with unanimous approval.
Ellie is hoping to finalize the commission’s letter to Gaudio in tonight’s meeting.
- Conservation Easement Policy
Ellie forwarded the Final Conservation Easement and the Conservation Easement/Open Space Monitoring and Enforcement Policy to the group. Ellie was worried about how they plan to store their data. Ted said they would use GIS.
- Amendments to Zoning Regulations
There will be a public hearing on April 13th. The amendments would affect the zoning for the Region 18 school district in Old Lyme. (It is currently zoned as residential.) George said a stream runs under the high school – that’s the only thing they can pollute.
The commission will ask that no pesticides be used on the fields, and that the track will have a permeable surface.
Ted would like them to tell us what type of vegetative buffer is planned along the water courses.
- Changes to Zoning Regulations for Osprey Landing
The developer is asking for changes that would increase the number and density of the buildings and decrease the protective area around the development. Ted said they want it to be like the Saybrook POCD. It could become a precedent if we approve it. George said the adjacent wetlands area is tidal. Also, it will put more stress on their planned septic system. Ted said he will get a flood plain map for the area. The group decided to just disapprove the changes.
- POCD Suggestions from Ellie
Ellie has been working to tighten up the list of POCD recommendations from the group, and to remove any that no longer apply. She read through the list with her suggested changes. Tom would like to add regulations for cutting trees. We should ask if there are disaster plans for pets and farm animals, like the plan that was made for the Fargo flooding.
Ted wants to ask the town lawyer what recourses we have if the selectmen don’t move on the POCD.
Ellie will send us her list of recommendations.
The hearing was held last night (Tuesday March 31). The $75,000 was not removed or reduced, and the line item will be in the town budget. Ted said Tim is proposing a committee to decide how to manage the fund. Ellie said she will call Diana weekly asking for an update.
George said Guilford, Simsbury, and Wethersfield are investing heavily in open space to take advantage of the availability of land in the current financial crisis.
George said they’re eager to repair the dam. More technical drawings are needed. It sounds like a “shovel ready” project. Tim should contact Gov. Rell for funding.
- Topic for Summer Newsletter
The group decided to use the commissions POCD recommendations – and a plug for the next POCD.
George said his recommendation to zoning for maximum amount of wetlands permitted for open space is “the percentage of designated wetlands within a property for a proposed subdivision shall be the maximum percentage of wetlands permitted to meet the open space requirement.” E.g. 50% of the property is wetlands, fifty % of the open space may be wetlands.
Ted talked about the two proposed 300’ windmills – one at Talcott Farms and one in the marsh just north of the bridge. The owner needs permits from the DEP and the State Siting Council. Ted suggested to Tim that the town propose other/better sites.
Assignments
- Ellie will finalize the commission’s letter to Gaudio.
- Ted will make and bring another set of maps of open space and major features.
- Ted will get a flood plain map for the area around Dr. Gaudio’s building site.
- Ellie (?) will send zoning a list of our concerns about the proposed zoning change for the region 18 school district.
- Ellie will send zoning our decision that we oppose the proposed zoning regulation changes for Osprey Landing.
- Ellie will send the group her amended version of the POCD list.
- Ted will talk with Marilyn Clark about our options for getting the POCD moving.
- Ellie will call Diana weekly asking for an update on open space spending.
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