TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
MINUTES
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS MARCH 17, 2003
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Aman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Barbara Barbour
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Edward F. Havens
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor John Pelkey
Members Absent: Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Also Present: Town Attorney Barry D. Guliano
Assistant to the Town Manager Judy Hall
Absent: Town Manager Matthew B. Galligan
3. Public Participation - None
4. Communications - None
5. Town Manager’s Report - None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Forestry and Wildlife Grant Project Report
Michael Gantick, Director of Public Works, stated that the report would be available for viewing at the Library. Jeff Folger, Environmental Planner/Conservation Officer, made reference to a spreadsheet (attached Exhibit A) which listed each parcel with recommendations. This was done
6. A. (Continued)
as a result of the inventory of both the forestry resources and the wildlife resources on those properties. He commented upon the diversity of both the wildlife species and the habitat types that are found in South Windsor. It was noted that the Recreation Master Plan was taken into consideration when the recommendations were being developed.
A huge effort was made by volunteer organizations in Town, and the management practices were designed with that in mind.
Mr. Gantick said that many items which have been identified as “practices” are things that are flexible in nature. It is a plan that allows for the active involvement of the community. He explained that there have been several “outgrowths” of this project, one of which related to witch hazel, an astringent used in many products. Witch hazel grows in the wild and is difficult to harvest. The Town has been experimenting in planting this as a row crop, which has not been tried previously. The progress is being tracked, and it has some potential for the future.
Additional opportunities exist as well, including the harvest of wood. Mr. Gantick explained that the goal for these projects is to have them be self-sufficient.
Steve Lavigueur then came forward to discuss the educational awareness information which has been prepared. He said that they have collected a wide range of material over the past few years concerning open space.
Mr. Gantick reported that they had a booth at the fall convention of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities in October and there was interest expressed by other towns. South Windsor is being invited to participate in the fall Connecticut Urban Forest Council’s annual conference. Information has also been provided on the Town’s web page, and there is a PowerPoint presentation containing details of the process.
It was pointed out by Mr. Gantick that South Windsor is the only town in the country to have received one of these grants. The other recipients were universities or other forest-type services.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Gantick spoke of the success of the Barton Property tour conducted several years ago and said they are looking to do something similar. He referred to both the Podunk Park and the Major Michael Donnelly Preserve. The trails are developing, but there aren’t currently signs; it is hoped that by late summer one of those areas will be done.
When asked about the time-frame involved with the witch hazel, Mr. Gantick responded that there are five or six stems which grow out of one route system, and once it is cut, it takes seven years to grow back.
With regard to invasive plants, Mr. Gantick indicated that they will pursue educational brochures on this subject in the future.
The Work Session was recessed at 7:35 p.m. in order to call a Public Hearing to order. The Work Session was reconvened at 7:45 p.m.
When asked about individual costs, Mr. Gantick explained that the matrix is a “work in progress.” The consultants identified a great many concepts which they believed would be possible. No costs appear in several areas because they are concepts which have not been developed into true physical plans at this point. As plans evolve, the costs will be identified. Many items will not be costly because youth groups, such as the Scouts, will be involved. As plans evolve, the costs will be identified. There is still money from the initial appropriation by the Council because of donations and the involvement of volunteers. Mr. Gantick stressed once again that they are looking for the projects to be self-sufficient, with revenues generated from things such
as the harvesting of wood.
Mr. Gantick noted that there has been a problem with ATVs at the Podunk property, and signs have been posted. There is legislation before the State this year to try to work with those groups to get them on properties where they are manageable.
7. Executive Session - None
8. Adjournment
A motion was made at 7:45 p.m. to adjourn the Work Session. The motion was duly seconded and was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Merlyn P. Guild
Assistant to the Clerk of the Council
Attachment
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