Conservation Commission Minutes 10/4/12
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
October 4, 2012, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:32 pm.
Members:
Tom Sherer
George James
Lauralyn Lewis
Sue Baehr
Linda Clough
Maureen Plumleigh, Alternate
Frank Finley, Alternate
Suzanne Thompson, ex officio
Peter Cable, ex officio
Attending: Tom Sherer, Lauralyn Lewis, Linda Clough, Maureen Plumleigh
Guest: Selectwoman Nosal
- Approve Minutes of September 6, 2012
The commission approved the minutes of September 6, 2012.
New Business
Lauralyn reported on the Yale Fracking Panel she attended on September 18. Bill McKibben (350.org), John Hofmeister (former Shell Oil executive), Jim Saiers (Yale Professor of Hydrology) and Sheila Olmstead (Resources for the Future – a nonpartisan think tank) made up the panel. It was predictable as far as who was for the environment and what they had to say versus those supporting fracking. The health effects being seen in Pennsylvania were not discussed. The auditorium was full and NPR was present. A video is available for viewing on Yale’s website.
Linda reported that the FCCOL’s Environment Club hosted the book discussion on
Eaarth by Bill McKibben. It was well attended.
- Changes/Revisions to Old Lyme Regulations
Members were in full support of the proposed changes drafted by George. Tom will address this with George and a decision will be made after final discussion at the November meeting.
Old Business
Lauralyn mentioned the banner needs repairing and will arrange this with Computer Signs. Reservations will be made for the spring placement of the banner over Halls Road.
Sue will get the banner through Staples so she can see a proof before committing to the final product. Tom will email Sue a copy of the town seal.
Lauralyn and Sue have agreed to represent the commission at the upcoming VNA Health Day scheduled for November 3 at Christ the King Church.
Lauralyn had an email from Heather Fried who extended an invitation to commission members to attend a LOLHS Environment Club morning meeting when it fits members’ schedules.
Sue is exploring ideas for expanding outreach to the elementary schools. She has been reviewing the curriculum for the various grades.
Members discussed Earth Day 2013. Members will bring their ideas to the November meeting. Invitations will be extended to various groups and organizations when a venue and various details have been worked out.
Selectwoman Nosal shared that the condition of the fields are in keeping with what is typically seen during transition – some clover and crabgrass are present. Over seeding has been done.
Discussion took place around the algae blooms in the lake. Maureen will rough out a new brochure to bring attention to lawn fertilizers.
The meeting adjourned at 9:22 pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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