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Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
August 4, 2010, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:45 p.m.
Members:~~~~~~~~Ted Crosby (ex-officio representing Gateway Commission)
Taffy Holland
George James
Linda Krulikowski
David McCulloch
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Lauralyn Lewis
Monica Buccheri
Attending: Dave MccCulloch
Michael Sullivan
Tom Sherer
Monica Buccheri
Lauralyn Lewis
- Approve Minutes of July 7, 2010
The group approved the minutes of July 7th, 2010.
New Business Discussion.
The commission acknowledged the lack of response to the two written requests to Mr. Neaton, regarding the history of chemical applications on the Townwoods Park field. Therefore, a “Freedom of Information” request will be conducted by Lauralyn Lewis, to the Treasure, Ms. Doris Johnson, for the chemical applications and history for this year, and last (at minimum) with regards to the town playing fields, Townwoods Park field and Cross Lane field.
- The request is to show costs/expenses of the previous chemical applications vs. change to organic and its costs in The Turf Comparison Report.
The Turf Comparison Report will be handed out to the various Commissions, i.e., Parks & Recreation Commission, Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen, Board of Education, Building Department and Public Works.
Commission acknowledged the lengthy process and importance to include the Board of Finance, as such change is cost related and impacts the Town Budget.
This is in effort to raise awareness to the multiple harmful exposures to the health of children and adults, and address the continued indiscriminant use of chemical applications to the town parks (Townwoods Parks and Cross Lane fields), as well as LOL Schools’ campuses.
- Letters of request for Organic Land Management and its benefits will be presented to:
First, the Board of Selectmen (including the Building Department & Public Works); Second, the Board of Education; Third, Board of Finance.
Discussed the plan and timing for presentation to the above stated various commissions, committees and departments.
- Reviewed the Conservation Commission’s Letter of Intent to the Board of Education – acknowledged the letter needs to be firm and clear in the request for the change to organic land care/management.
Monica Buccheri is to request the chemical applications and history for prior school year 2009 – 2010 and possible years before.
LOL School campuses plan(s) for land care and management from the School Administration Office will be addressed and requested at the pending presentation to the Board of Education.
- The movie, “Chemical Reaction” was discussed in relation to cost, promotion within the town to local businesses, town commissions and committees, churches, schools, garden clubs. The cost to purchase varies with respects to the marketing and promotion levels offered by the film maker, Paul Tukey. The group agreed to purchase at the lower cost and will take on the challenge to market the film to all members, businesses, non-profit organizations, etc. It was stated that September, October, and early November are ideal viewing times. Dates, times and number of showings is to be determined
A poster will be created by Commission members with the help of Tom Sherer. Verification for use of film graphics needs to be approved by film maker.
- Poster to promote organic lawn care vs. the dangers of pesticides will be made to identify the existing resources in the Phoebe Griffin Library. This is to encourage residents to view the following DVDs: “Organic Land Care” (resource since Jan, 2008, viewed only 3 times) and “Our Children At Risk” (two copies, resource since December, 2008, only one copy viewed 3 times).
Rogers Lake Authority/Association will be included in this topic.
- The recognition of the Conservation Commission within the town was discussed. Merchandise (hats, shirts, mugs) was discussed with regards to promote the awareness of the commission and its value to the residents and organizations. Mr. Richard Sattler was identified as a contact for such promotion.
To Be Discussed in the Next Meeting:
- Confirm and finalize all details for letters of presentation the identified Boards, Committees, Departments.
- Need to discuss and agree to handouts/brochures for the Commission to place in/and around town hall.
- Discuss the status of WNV and EEE.
Meeting adjourned at---------------- 9:15 p.m.
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