Willington Conservation Commission
Town of Willington
11/23/10 Meeting Minutes
Call to order:~ P. Andersen called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM.
Present:~ P. Andersen, E. Brand, K. Demers, M. Drobney;
Absent: C.Jordan, M.Schreiber, R.Shabot, P.Pribula
On a motion by KD, 2nd MD, E. Brand was seated for C.Jordan.
Approval of 10/26/2010 minutes: Unanimous approval of minutes on a motion by KD/MD.
Present to speak: NA.
Finance: The FY10/11 account balance is $1918.05. CJ reported earlier that $100 of Richard Shaw memorial gifts for Fenton-Ruby Park have been received. CJ will send notes of thanks. Unanimous approval to reimburse PA $31.75 for construction screws for F-R Park bridge and walkways.
Old Business
FRP-DS:
- Trails Report: The 10/30/10 workday at FRP resulted in a Ruby Trail reroute, two new signpost replacements, re-blazed sections of trail and 75 ft of bridges and walkway construction. The Commission was glad to have the help of several enthusiastic citizens.
- Habitat Maintenance: Discussion was held regarding maintenance of the field habitat north of Taylor Pond through a spring mowing and removal of some of the trees in the field.
- Invasive Plant Control: KD reported on an invasives control practice observed at a field exercise whereby large shrubs are cut one year and the re-growth then treated with herbicide the following year.
- Management Plan for FRP: EB noted that we are about at the end of the 10-year Forestry and Wildlife Management Plan done by Connwood Foresters. EB will consider reviewing the 11 Management Units to see if the Plan’s recommendations still apply or will need updating.
Town Development: MD and EB reported on informal talks by proposed Love Travel Center representatives at an IWWC meeting.
Open Space /Easement Monitoring
- Willington Heights no report
- Peck’s Mill: Members voiced a desire to move this project along. PA will begin planning an information board for the site.
- Roaring Brook Area: No one has visited lately. Question was raised whether the owners of MycoScience were monitoring the area and how aware they were of our efforts to maintain it.
- Programs: Currently no programs are planned for the winter.
Collaborative Organizations
- Willimantic River Alliance: No report
- Joshua’s Trust: No news.
- Windham County Conservation Consortium: No meeting since last report.
Knowlton Purchase Update: The town attorney reports a delay in acquiring documentation of payment of federal estate taxes. The Knowltons would like to close before Jan 1, 2011 and are working to resolve this issue.
Charter Communications Green Light Installation. First Selectman Mailhos has sent a letter to Charter requesting a moratorium on installation of power supply cabinets on utility poles, pending a chance for Willington representatives to view an allegedly dimmer model that has been installed on Rte 89 in Ashford. Several towns in CT have voiced objections to the bright lights. This has been an issue discussed at Windham County Conserv. Consortium.
New Business
- Officers for 2011 were unanimously elected as follows: Peter Andersen, Chair; Kathy Demers, V.Chair; Carol Jordan, Treas; Marilyn Schreiber, Secy
- Communications
1) PA reported receipt of a letter from Selectman Mailhos announcing a special town meeting on January 12 for Town boards and committees to report strategic planning issues and their perspectives on issues facing Willington. The Commission plans to dedicate the December meeting to discussion in preparation for this meeting with a focus on the Town PoCD and the Commission’s Open Space Conservation Plan.
2) The Ashford Conservation Commission would like to engage the Commission in collaborative talks regarding an open space parcel in Ashford that is in proximity to FRP. KD will arrange a meeting with them in 2011.
Other: The Commission decided to retain the 4th Tuesday of the month as a meeting date.
Next Meeting Date: Discussion was held re pushing the Dec. 28 meeting up a week. PA will check for space availability and poll members on a preferred night.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:45
Respectfully submitted: Peter Andersen, secretary pro tempore
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