OPEN SPACE TASK FORCE MINUTES
Meeting of March 1, 2004
Meeting Called To Order: 5:35 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned: 6:58 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Botteron, Louise Evans, Mike Gantick, Carol Heffler, Sue Larson, Roy Normen, Betty Osborne, Karl Reichle, Jim Snow, Betty Warren
MEMBERS ABSENT: Herb Asplund, Marcia Banach
Minutes from the January 5, 2004 Open Space Task Force Meeting were unanimously accepted. NOTE: There was no February Open Space Task Force Meeting.
Normen will obtain a copy of the Town’s Naming Policy for the Task Force. Normen has suggested a way to recognize and remember residents is with a name marker, bench, tree or trails on the Donnelly Preserve or other Town owned land. This concept will be discussed at a future Open Space Task Force meeting.
Warren asked if signage is being considered for Town properties or other significant areas of the Town. Gantick would check with Jeff Folger concerning the status of who is making the Wildlife Sanctuary Sign. Also, would check on a sign prohibiting dogs. Gantick states that the Parks and Grounds Department made signs for Wapping Park. One sign will be placed on Ellington Road and the other near the intersection of Deming and Clark streets.
The Task Force viewed both signs, which were on display in the Town Hall Lobby.
A date and time was set to walk the Shepard and surrounding properties located on Main Street.
Botteron brought up the phone conversations, beginning on Tuesday evening February 24, 2004, she has had with Carol Corcoran resident of Lawrence and Dart Hill Roads. Corcoran called several members of the Task Force when a sign went up at Lawrence and Dart Hill Roads stating that tree and brush removal would ensue within ten days. This would be clear cutting of eighteen acres, a directive from the Town Council. This resident had many concerns and Evans and Botteron referred her questions and comments to the Town Council.
Open Space Task Force Minutes
March 1, 2004
The resident had questions about ball fields, lighting, wetlands, drainage problems, wildlife habitat, etc. and felt that she was getting different answers to the same questions. Botteron referred her to the appropriate Chairpersons, Staff members and Minutes from the December Town Council meetings. Botteron reminded this resident that the area in question was designated Active Subdivision Open Space, approximately eighteen years ago.
Corcoran called again on Tuesday to say the signs were now changed and there would be a public hearing with Reichle, the Tree Warden, presiding over the hearing.
Reichle gave the Task Force a brief synopsis of how the Public Hearing would be conducted. If the final decision is not satisfactory to the residents, they can make an appeal to the Connecticut Supreme Court.
Discussion on maintenance of Town Owned Land ensued. Normen brought forth a chart that showed forest management. This was a management program, issued by the Public Works Department, for improvement of Town Owned properties, including Lawrence and Dart Hill Road area, for the betterment of plant and wildlife.
NOTE: Karl Reichle left before full discussion and voting
Louise Evans left before discussion and voting
Sue Larsen arrived after discussion and voting
Resolution: The Task Force has reviewed this 2002 Sustainable Natural Resources Development Project – Open Space Stewardship Plan at previous meetings. Normen initiated a motion and seconded by Warren, to support the proposed work on the Lawrence Road Property. The proposed work is consistent with the 2002 Sustainable Natural Resources Development Project – Open Space Stewardship Plan Program that is specific to the Lawrence/Dart Hill Road Subdivision Open Space. The motion carried unanimously.
Normen said that he would represent the Task Force at tonight’s Town Council Meeting, reading the results of the above Resolution.
Next Regular Meeting is April 5, 2004.
| 
