Willington Conservation Commission
Town Office Building
6/28/11 Meeting Minutes
Call to order:~ Meeting called to order @ 7:06 pm.
Roll Call/Seating of Alternates:
Peter Andersen - |
Paul Pribula - |
Bob Bloom - |
Kathy Demers + |
Marilyn Schreiber - |
Evan Brand + |
Mark Drobney + |
Robert Shabot + |
Lisa Centola - |
Carol Jordan + |
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Members present followed by +, Members absent followed by –
Approval of 5/24/11 minutes: Approval of minutes on a motion by CJ/RS, 4 ayes,1 abst.
Present to speak: Ben Hipsky (and his mother Michelle Hipsky) was present at the meeting to satisfy a requirement for an Eagle Scout project requiring the scout to attend a town meeting.
Finance: FY 10/11 balance is $1426.30. A purchase order for Knowlton Property signage materials was placed for approximately $125.00 but has not been subtracted yet from the balance.
Old Business
FRP-DS:
- Trails Report: Remainder of bridge materials have been moved to the project by PA, RS and BB. Commissioners and volunteers are still needed to bring materials to exact locations as shown on materials list/map of each site left by PA.
EB has been begun working on revised natural resource inventory/plan.
KD did not have an update regarding Emerald Ash Borer traps discussed previously for park.
- Burma Road: RS mentioned that there has been additional washout along the temporarily repaired Burma Rd. and more fill has been deposited in wetland area along the Taylor Pond side of Burma Rd. No hay bales or silt fencing are currently in place. KD discussed sending a latter to Board of Selectmen and IWWC.
Town Development: MD reported that Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has again applied for a wetlands permit regarding the construction of a truck stop/related facilities on Polster Rd (Rcvd this month). KD mentioned that the public hearing is scheduled for August.
Open Space /Easement Monitoring:
- Peck’s Mill: PA has put up 2 signs at Peck’s Mill site. Some remaining low branches partially obscuring signage will need to be removed with a pole saw.
- Talmadge Conservation Tract: Material for boardwalk has been cut and is ready at PA’s house.
Programs: “Forest Edibles & Medicinals” walk by Barbara Austin on 6/4/11 had 21 attendees. KD added that next month WCC will need to begin planning for Oct. Park Day activity.
Collaborative Organizations
- Willimantic River Alliance: No Update
- Joshua’s Trust: The Board of Selectman has acknowledged that they have received the $15,000 contribution toward the Knowlton property purchase from Joshua’s Trust.
- Windham County Conservation Consortium: No Update
- Dark Skies – Last Green Valley: No Update
Knowlton Property Update:
- Conservation easement for the property has been approved by DEP. Conservation easement with CFPA is still in progress.
- A discussion was held about WCC requesting permission to manage Knowlton Property from BoS. CJ mentioned a need for a Parks Commission. On a motion by EB/CJ “WCC will write a letter to Board of Selectmen requesting permission to manage Knowlton Property in accordance to our conservation easement with the DEP.” All in favor. KD said that she will write letter.
- Voss signs reading “Willington Conservation Area” and “Warning No Motorized Vehicles” are ready to be placed on Knowlton property boundary. Discussion was held regarding recording property logging trails and mapping using GPS as a starting point for a potential hike for trails day.
- KD emailed Dan Donahue in reference to bids for a management plan for Knowlton property. She received word that he is on vacation and has not heard further news.
Other: CT Siting Council has scheduled a meeting on 7/12 3-5 PM and 7-9PM regarding proposed cell phone tower (2 locations). Discussion was held about WCC stand on the issue. RS added that there is no direct impact on town historical properties.
New Business
Communications: CJ will be replying to BoS with input from WCC for CT Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) questionnaire.
Next Meeting: 7/26/2011
Adjournment: On a motion by CJ/KD at 8:10 PM, so moved.
Respectfully submitted, Evan Brand~
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