Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
July 7th, 2010 7:30 p.m.
Meeting called to order at 7:33 p.m.
Members:
Ted Crosby (ex-officio representing Gateway Commission)
Taffy Holland
George James
Linda Krulikowski
Dave McCulloch
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Lauralyn Lewis
Monica Buccheri
Attending:
George James
Dave McCulloch
Michael Sullivan
Tom Sherer
Lauralyn Lewis
Monica Buccheri
Guests:
Arnette McCulloch
Sue Baer
• Approve Minutes of July 7th, 2010
• Members motioned to accept and approve the minutes of July 7th, 2010. Minutes approved.
• Scheduled Guest Speaker Mr. Ray Zelek needed to cancel visit/talk of town's solar program due to professional demands.
Old Business
Open Space Commission - members present voted to approve Cons Comm Chairman's letter of response "Open Space Commission" Proposal pending the revision to item #5 on letter.
Film "Chemical Reaction" was discussed as a tool to educate residents and organizations with regards to understanding the need for organic lawn care. Need to verify film's licensing information before purchase.
Dredging Proposal - Harbor Commission
Members voted to approve Cons Comm Chairman's response letter with points of concern regarding dredging and 4 channels in Old Lyme.
Letter from Region 18 School Superintendent -- letter dated June 2nd, 2010 to Superintendent with regards to chemical application history has not received a response.
POCD and Rogers Lake documents -- commission members present voted to approve the Cons Comm Chairperson's letter of support for long range plans for Rogers Lake and aquatic weed management.
Letter to Phil Neaton re Town Fields -- it was stated that Cons Comm Chairperson has not received a response answering the request of historical information regarding chemical applications to Townwoods fields. It was noted that the Cons Comm can get the historical information from the contractor who performed the applications.
New Business
Letter to Board of Education -- an outline of a letter needs to be prepared for Board of Ed with regards to increasing awareness to chemical applications on school grounds and impact to students and community.
A Cost Analysis Report, regarding making the switch to Organic Land Management, will be submitted to the Selectmen and Board of Finance. Information comes from Grassroots Environmental Education. It was noted both Phil Neaton and John Rhodes are receptive to the Cost Analysis information.
Report on June 29th meeting of Rogers Lake Authority -- George Knoecklein is going to perform a study on the lake to help determine appropriate plan: options include dredging lake to deeper depth, genetic plant take over, benthic blankets will require volunteers
Rain Barrels and composting bins -- cost is $75 - $100 per barrel, including bin and covers.
Haine's Park -- D. Conniff is eager to put in vegetative buffer. A study is needed, hopefully by a UConn master gardener.
Streetlights at the beach -- opportunity to save town money on electric bill by turning off the lights. It was agreed more information is necessary before consideration.
Chemical applications -- Laurie Lewis presented a map of Library Lane area showing Upper Pond and Appleby Pond behind LOLHS and streets. The map identifies 13 locations of illness within the designated area. This information raises concern and further analysis is needed.
The Cons Commiss identifies the need for a symposium to raise the awarness of the benefits for organic land care with the governing bodies as well as residents. Possible guest speakers are Dr. Jerry Silbert, Watershed Parntership, Ann Berman, Milford, CT, Nancy Alderman, President od Environment and Human Health, Inc., and including CT based organic land care professionals, to name a few. Considering an early fall date, 2010.
Cons Comm members will attend the town fireworks event on July, 31 bringing information packets to the residents. The packets will contain information about organic land care, pesticide information, Local Pesticide Free Lawn sign up sheet, DEP Pesticide Notification Form, and a free insect repellent towelette, Buzz Away Extreme, by Quantum Health, Inc.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Monica Buccheri , acting secretary
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