Conservation Commission Minutes 5/3/12
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
May 3, 2012, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:39 pm.
Members:
Tom Sherer
George James
Michael Sullivan
Lauralyn Lewis
Sue Baehr
Maureen Plumleigh, Alternate
Linda Clough, Alternate
Frank Finley, Alternate
Suzanne Thompson, ex officio
Peter Cable, ex officio
Attending: George James, Lauralyn Lewis, Sue Baehr, Linda Clough, Maureen
Plumleigh, Peter Cable
Guests: Ted Crosby, Dave McCulloch, Arnette McCulloch
- Approve Minutes of April 5, 2012
The commission approved the minutes of April 5, 2012.
New Business
- Trail Map Presentation by Ted Crosby
Ted gave a power point presentation on the current information available for the trails. The information is outdated (ten years) and in need of an overhaul. He proposed that Open Space and the Conservation Commission combine efforts and make the necessary updates using the latest technology. He expects it would take a year to complete and estimates the cost at $500. Members were interested, but stated that the commission’s budget is already committed for the upcoming year. It was suggested that the commission could possibly contribute financially in another year. Maureen offered to do some of the writing for the website. Ted will present this information to Open Space.
Old Business
Sixty signatures were collected for the petition circulating to ask the Board of Education and the selectmen to revisit the installation of solar panels for the high school. Solar would make LOLHS self-sufficient during a power outage. This would be helpful for the town during extended power outages as well as saving taxpayers money. There was discussion whether the existing roof could carry the weight of solar panels. Off roof areas to house the panels were suggested. Dave and Ted have some experience as they both have solar installed at their homes.
Congratulations were offered to Lauralyn for her work in organizing this event. Lauralyn acknowledged the help and time given by Sue. Members felt it was a decent turn out for a first time and Lauralyn mentioned that ideas are already being suggested and written down for next year. Ted would like to see more collaboration between the Congregational Church and the commission. The church did have a table at this event, but the two groups could offer more in the way of trail walks. Lauralyn has written a piece on Earth Day for the next issue of Events.
Lauralyn mentioned she had been contacted by First Selectwoman Reemsnyder who
is looking for two people to fill the vacancies left by Bob Dunn and Phil Neaton on
the Town Woods Operating Committee. Bonnie would like two people who
could support the use of organics, as that currently is not represented.
Commission members suggested there may be some folks at the church who could fill
those positions. Maureen will look into this.
Linda reported that she had reached out to First Selectwoman Reemsnyder regarding the need for excavation at Hain’s Park and is waiting to hear back from her.
Sue will email conservation members with the date and time of the next RLA meeting. The dam will be on the agenda and Tim Griswold should be attending.
George reported that the new sign given by the Conservation Commission is now installed at Hain’s Park.
Members discussed where things stand with the contest. Due to Michael Sullivan’s recent resignation and the lack of time of the LOLHS Environment Club, members concluded that this project should be canceled. George would like to get the club members to do a small scale video or photos to highlight the environment or wildlife in town and will generate ideas for further discussion.
George reported that his interview with Jim Tripp will be airing soon and he will email members with the date and time.
Lauralyn displayed the new banner for members. The banner has been tentatively scheduled to hang over Halls Road at the end of August. Nicole Stajduhar (Finance) was going to speak to Michelle Hayes-Finn about the deposit for reserving that time. Lauralyn will confirm this.
There is an open membership due to the recent resignation of Michael Sullivan. Members discussed possible candidates and would like to find some younger members. Parents of school aged children should be represented.
George asked former member Dave McCulloch what he thought an area of focus for the commission should be. Dave would like to see members focus on the wildlife in Old Lyme.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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