Conservation Commission Minutes 8/1/13
Conservation Commission Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
August 1, 2013, 7:30 pm
Meeting called to order at 7:31 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, Linda Clough
Guest: John Stearns, Selectwoman Nosal
- Approve Minutes of July 11, 2013
The commission approved the minutes of July 11, 2013.
New Business
Tom and Linda attended the hurricane preparedness meeting on July 30 at the FCCOL. They learned that many church members have used the church as a place of refuge during the recent storms, though it’s not technically an emergency center. Dave Roberge mentioned the need for non-government groups to share their list of folks in need with the town to better serve the community. Selectwoman Nosal commented that historical flood insurance monies are being phased out based on new FEMA maps.
George reported that he had talked with First Selectwoman Reemsnyder this past week about the Aquifer Protection Act (APA) and asked that consideration be given as it could be appropriate for Rogers Lake. The town would have to apply and meet certain criteria and a mapping study would need to be done. Development restrictions fall under an APA. Selectwoman Nosal suggested inviting Sonia Marino (Old Lyme Sanitarian) to the September meeting as she could offer more information on this.
Additionally, George recommended using filter pads for the storm drains. The average cost would be $74 for each pad.
Ongoing Business
Lauralyn reported that the banner is being assessed for durability by a gentleman that repairs sails. He will do the sewing necessary to repair the banner only if he feels it will be sturdy enough to be used once again as a street banner.
Linda reported that she reserved the display case at the library for the commission to
use for the month of September.
Sue sent an email to Lauralyn stating that Region 18 schools do not post the curriculum on the town website. The state does require the environment to be part of the curriculum now for all grades. Sue will share more information at the September meeting.
Tom reported that the Old Lyme Land Trust is working to rid the land parcels under their care of invasives by using Roundup. Linda (is a certified Master Gardener through UConn) shared the many non-toxic ways in which to deal with the problem of invasives. Lauralyn mentioned the forum at UConn on invasives that she attended where she questioned a scientist from the CT Agricultural Experiment Station on the adaptability of invasives to glyphosate (Roundup and Rodeo). It is well documented that agricultural weeds have become resistant to these herbicides. The scientist could not say that invasives would not become similarly resistant to glyphosate.
Linda presented the mock-up for the new buffer garden sign. A few minor suggestions were offered and the approval was given for the sign.
George proposed the idea of eventually using the present boat house (disassemble and reassemble) for a kayak-bike recreation offering site along the CT River. The state is encouraging more outdoor recreation. Commission members and Selectwoman Nosal were intrigued with this idea.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 pm.
Lauralyn Lewis, Secretary
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