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Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
June 2, 2010, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:33 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
Guests: Arnette McCullogh, Merv Roberts
Open space Committee Members – Diana Johnson, Evan Griswold, Bruce, Harbor Commission – Ned Farman, Mike Magee
- Approve Minutes of May 5, 2010
The group approved the minutes of May 5th, 2010.
Meeting opened with (first presentation) Diana Atwood Johnson, Open Space Committee Chairperson
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Diana Atwood Johnson spoke on behalf of the Open Space Committee informing the Conservation Commission the open space committee attorney assured them that the committee could be elevated to commission status based on First Selectman approval. Open Space Committee was seeking support from the Conservation Commission as a courtesy.
- Evan Griswold added if committee changes to a commission, the elevated status would help in securing more properties due to increased respect. In addition, he stated their main goal was to preserve Old Lyme for generations to come.
- Bruce Barrett added personal reference to his New London Board position with regards to red-tape politics, and this new elevation it would help to eliminate a political quagmire.
- As a courtesy it was stated that the Committee would attend Conservation Commission meetings several times a year to keep the commission apprised of happenings.
- Dave McCullough stated it is the Selectmen’s decision.
- Conservation Commission members present agreed to wait for all members, including George James, Chairperson, to further discuss this issue.
(Second Presentation) Harbor Management Members Ned Farman, Mike Magee
This was a preliminary “reaching out” for information with regards to environmental condition/impact of dredging the following three areas: Black Hall River from the Shore Road bridge south to the state boat launch at Smith Neck, Black Hall River from Smith Neck to the Sound, Four Mile River above and below the railroad bridge, and access to Lord’s Cove between Calves and Goose Islands.
- Harbor Management feels this is necessary to preserve the boating tradition in these areas.
- Guest Merv Roberts expressed concern of environmental impact and believes we should let the land naturally evolve to support non-motorized craft.
Conservation Commission Business
- Laurie reported on seeing the movie “chemical reaction” at the first Cong church, Laurie was asked to speak about how she became involved in this. In addition, she told the attendees about the recent spraying to the high school playing fields. She presented the idea of co-hosting an Organic Land Care and Pesticide Elimination symposium to Diana and Dick Blair, of the Environmental Committee at the Church, and Rogers Lake Authority Member, Maureen Plumleigh. There was unanimous support for the symposium.
- Laurie presented this idea to the Conservation Commission as a possibility and mentioned the interest to invite the LOLHS Environmental Club to participate.
- Tom Sherer suggested the Health Teacher be contacted by the commission to teach about the dangers of pesticides locally, in the Health Classes at LOLHS. Tom also suggested that the LOLHS Environmental Club be encouraged to solely host the symposium.
- Michael Sullivan suggested using the Town Fireworks event to inform residents of the dangers of local sprayings of pesticides including the LOLHS school fields.
- This includes the Conservation Commission having a table with packets of information for every resident (DEP form, green card, Pesticides and Playing Fields, Yes Organic Plying Fields are Possible, Lawn Pesticides an Unacceptable Risk, Children and Lawn Chemicals Don’t Mix, Protecting Your Child’s Health, Freedom Lawn Initiative, 8 Reasons Not to Spray, 5 Organic Alternatives to Roundup).
- It was suggested to include a healthy alternative to bug spray, Buzz Away towelettes to every resident. Monica Buccheri said she can get the cost information from Quantum Health, Inc.
- Monica Buccheri presented information regarding the purchase of the documentary “Chemical Reaction” for the commission to show to the residents. She informed the commission members there are several packages all with licensing agreements that need to be presented to George for his review and approval before purchase.
- Monica Buccheri suggested the Conservation Commission place dangers of pesticides information at the counter of the Town Building Manager, next to other brochures.
- In a memo to George James, from Monica Buccheri, dated May 21, 2010 a few points were reviewed by Monica Buccheri: a) a copy of the written request from Monica to Mr. Rose and Mrs. Swaney for 2009 records of spray activity in Old Lyme; b) discussion and review of the movie “Chemical Reaction”, information with regards to Preemption Law and the 50 states. Connecticut is not exempt from this law, therefore making it more challenging to effect legislation with regards to banning the use of pesticides; c) www.beyondpesticides.com offers “tools for change”, a good reference as the Commission Members seek to raise awareness in the community, d) highlighted the point and dangers of an ingredient/chemical Dicamba, which was in the movie twice and is a known ingredient in the TruGreen chemical application, May 15th, 2010, to the JV and V fields behind LOLHS. A copy of the MSDS sheet for TruPower3 and Dicamba was attached to the memo, e) lastly, this memo contains the statement for the implementation of a task
force (non-affiliated) to review the serious illness rates in the town with regards to specific locations, i.e. Library Lane/Lyme Street area.
To Be Discussed in the Next Meeting:
- Confirm and finalize all details for the presence of the Conservation Commission at the Town Fireworks Event with Dangers of Pesticides Information Packet for every resident, including the healthy alternative to bug spray, Buzz Away Towelettes for every resident.
- Need to discuss and agree to handouts in/and around town hall.
- Discuss Open Space Committee proposal for elevation to Commission status.
Meeting adjourned at---------------- 9:20 p.m. Monica Buccheri, Secretary
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