Conservation Commission Minutes 2/3/2011
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
February 3, 2011, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:32 pm.
Members:
George James
David McCulloch
Tom Sherer
Michael Sullivan
Sue Baehr
Monica Buccheri, Alternate
Lauralyn Lewis, Alternate
Maureen Plumleigh, Alternate
Suzanne Thompson, ex officio
Peter Cable, ex officio
Attending: George James, David McCulloch, Tom Sherer, Michael Sullivan, Sue Baehr, Monica Buccheri, Lauralyn Lewis, Maureen Plumleigh
Guests: Steve Moore, Arnette McCulloch
- Approve Minutes of January 5, 2011
The commission approved the minutes of January 5, 2011.
Old Business
Members were reminded to be sworn in at their earliest convenience.
The Commission is waiting on the correction of membership status for Monica Buccheri before proceeding with election of a new chair.
There are twenty people interested in participating in this. There was some discussion as to whether this should be a formal or informal group with feeling that there may be more support and exposure for a formal group. There was no decision made at this time. A meeting date for the group is to be set at a later time.
New Business
- Discussion of Organic Treatment of Fields Meeting
Members were briefed on the Organic Pesticide Committee’s meeting that took place on January 19th. Keeping with the legislation for protecting the health of children (K-8) is the number one concern. At that meeting there was discussion about the excessive playing use far beyond what had been planned for at Town Woods. Due to that use there is concern that treating without pesticides will not maintain the quality residents have come to expect. The increase in soccer clubs necessitates discussion for the creation of more playing fields between the Conservation Commission and the Open Space Commission. Don Bugbee will reach out to parents and ask for their participation in voicing any concerns on this issue at any of the upcoming OPC meetings.
- Letter to the Board of Education
There was discussion on writing a response letter to Superintendent Osga following the receipt of her letter written on behalf of the Board of Education. It was felt that this step was unnecessary at this time, however, a letter in the future as we reach out to teachers and the LOLHS Environment Club may be appropriate.
- Request for WPCA Support For Organic Treatment of Fields
A letter of support to the Selectmen is currently being written. We are waiting on data from the test well at Town Woods.
Additional Items
Dave believes we may be able to use the Aquifer Protection Act to further support the need to treat Town Woods organically. He will look into this.
George suggested that members attend an upcoming Open Space Commission meeting to discuss the need for a town composting site as well as the possibility of acquiring land for additional playing fields.
A Conservation Commission action items list was discussed as well as submission ideas for the upcoming issue of The Old Lyme Events and Earth Day possibilities.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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