Minutes of the September 4, 2018, Meeting of the Old Lyme Conservation Commission
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members present were Tom Sherer, Chairman, Maureen Plumleigh, Maureen Haseley- Jones, George James, secretary
The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as written.
Tom reported that the plans for installation of solar panels at the schools was still a work in progress. He also reported that the chairman of the planning commission was not enthusiastic about our proposal to take an active part in the creation of the 2020 Plan of Conservation and Development.
George made the point that this was the only opportunity for the various boards and commissions to assess the public’s opinions about the future of the town on a number of key issues. It is the one document that is based on the concerns of the citizens on key issues presented in a comprehensive questionnaire. Our leaders get an accurate view of where the citizens want the town government to head for the next ten years. In the past the Conservation Commission has taken a very active role in the process of developing a questionnaire for all our citizens. We are ready to do so again.
Maureen Plumleigh made a report on the progress of the town recycling committee. It is very much in the interest of the town to have recycling done properly. One suggestion is for the town to issue a sticker listing the things that should go in the green barrel and have the homeowner attach the sticker to that barrel in order to take the guesswork out of the recycling process.
Maureen noted that the town is again dumping sand at Hain’s Park, sand that quickly moves into the shallows reducing water depth for swimmers, boaters, and fishermen. Members noted the large number of goslings around the lake reminding everyone of their impact on water quality. A mature goose deposits three pounds of poop a day according to those who keep track of things like that. That is a lot of fertilizer for the invasive plants growing in the lake. Lakeside hedges and fences discourage geese from using your yard.
Maureen Haseley-Jones described some serious water and septic issues at Lyme Woods as well as her activities associated with the coming state elections. She will report developments on the Hall’s Road project.
George presented his monthly report to the Open Space Commission for review and comment by the Conservation Commission members.
He noted some improvements. He has not met with the members of the sustainability committee yet but will report their progress at the next meeting of the Con. Com. He hopes to promote solar panel use in town.
A letter to the Chairman of the Water Pollution Control Authority was discussed. The letter requests some basic information about the sewer project at the beach communities. Our article for this quarterly town report was to be on the Netflix series about food production in America.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, George James ,secretary
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