Conservation Commission Minutes 6/6/13
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
June 6, 2013, 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, George James, Lauralyn Lewis, Sue Baehr
- Approve Minutes of May 2, 2013
The commission approved the minutes of May 2, 2013.
New Business
Lauralyn reported that CT now has a GMO Labeling law. It does require four other states to pass similar laws and one state must border CT. Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania GMO labeling advocates were present for the press conference at the Hartford Capitol on Monday. There is great optimism that other states will join CT soon.
Ongoing Business
Members discussed getting a meeting with the new superintendent of schools to discuss the environmental curriculum (CT state standards) for the third graders. Sue will look at the various education packets that are available and share at the commission’s July meeting.
The next issue of Events was discussed. Members agreed at the May meeting to submit an article on mosquitoes. Members discussed submitting the article by Linda on barrier plantings, specifically highlighting the new garden at Haines Park. It was decided that the commission will look into submitting the two articles and go with the mosquito article, if only one is allowed. The garden could stand a season to mature before bringing that level of attention to it.
George will submit an article on mosquitoes for Lymeline. He will send out a rough draft via email for member approval.
Lauralyn commented that there is a yellow pesticide flag for the first time on the lawn at the library. She mentioned that five youngsters were sitting on the grass and doing cartwheels there. As many students use the library after school and take the shortcut across the lawn from Lyme Street, this needs to be addressed with Linda as she is the attorney on the library board.
Maureen sent an email stating that the new receptacle for the doggie poop bags has been installed at the lake. Sue commented that Maureen did a nice job painting the recycled mailbox.
Tom reported that a student has been hired to intern at the lake for the commission. A list of duties was compiled.
Tom will email Linda with the request that she bring design ideas for the barrier planting sign to the next meeting so members can make that decision.
Members expressed an interest in donating plants to the barrier garden and Tom will email Linda a request for a suitable plantings list.
George would like to have filters installed in the storm drains in the lake area. As this is under the Conservation and Development plan, he sees this as a reasonable goal to achieve.
George reported that the new law requiring lawn fertilizers to no longer contain phosphorous has gone into effect. This information will be included in the brochure Maureen is working on to educate the townspeople, specifically those with properties along waterways.
The meeting adjourned at 9:28 pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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