ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
January 8, 2007
Town Hall-Enfield Room
820 Enfield Street
Enfield, CT 06082
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Michael Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM in the Enfield Room.
ROLL CALL: Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall performed the roll call. The following commissioners were in attendance:
Michael Dynia Gail Miller, Staff Liaison
Natalie George
Timothy McGuire
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Kathleen Vose, Alternate
Joanne Kneiss, Alternate Absent: Richard Szewczak
Everett Gamble, Alternate
Karen LaPlante
PUBLIC INPUT: Comm. McGuire introduced Representative Karen Jarmoc and guests from the Department of Agriculture, Joseph Dippel and Lance Shannon. They described the Farmland Preservation Program. The State has worked with 234 farms, preserving 32,300 acres. They also work with municipalities and own development rights jointly. The requirements include: 90% prime soil and a statement in the Plan of Conservation and Development. They passed out packets describing the program. Comm. Kneiss stated that it is critical that the Commission review and write a new Plan of Conservation and Development. In order to be considered, a property must be 30 acres of prime soil, be actively farmed and be in the vicinity of other farms. When land is appraised they take the value before the easement and after the easement. The difference is the value of the development rights. Municipal programs also work with other “marginal farms”
In order to succeed there must be a lead person on the project. It usually takes about a year to complete. Comm. LaPlante asked if properties stay on a list. They do as long as they continue to meet the criteria. Representative Jarmoc stated that if the Conservation Commission wanted to move forward she would assist. She is also concerned about the small farmer. Comm. George asked if buildings can be used as part of the value and the answer is yes. Comm. Pfeifer-Hall said the ECC needs to determine interest and then the Commission should go to the Town leadership. She suggested inviting local farmers to an informational meeting. Comm. McGuire suggested inviting farmers who are in the State Farmland Preservation Program to a meeting to discuss their experience.
Comm. McGuire thanked the guests and stated that he would re draft the letter to local farmers. Commissioners agreed to send out a letter to see if there is any interest in the program. Comm. LaPlante suggested an informational meeting if there is interest in the program. Comm. Kneiss stated that it should be on the agenda for the March meeting. The letter could include a survey. Comm. Gamble suggested a questionnaire to generate interest.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chairman Dynia asked for comments regarding approval of the minutes of December 11, 2007.
Motion was made by Comm. Gamble to approve the minutes and seconded by Comm. George. Motion was approved (6-0-2 Comm. Kneiss, Dynia).
CORRESPONDENCE: Chairman Dynia presented a newspaper article from Courant regarding a series of meetings involving Sylvio Conte.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was agreed that Executive Session was not needed.
FARMLAND PRESERVATION: See Public Input
OPEN SPACE: Staff liaison will check on the status of the Open Space Grant with Steve Sadlowki.
AQUIFER PROTECTION: No Report
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROTECTION: No Report
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Staff liaison will check on the tree that was planted on the site of the tree run over by a car.
Comm. Geo will meet with Henry ditcher on a tree for this year.
REAL ESTATE: No report
STAFF LIASON: No report.
Liaison Report- Northern CT Land Trust: Comm. Pfeifer-Hall participated in a hike on New Years Day. The stone wall that they saw was incredible.
Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association: Chairman Dynia reminded members to attend the public hearing sponsored by Rep. Jarmoc. She started that neighborhood input is important. Comm. George has concerns about teenagers using the spot for unlawful activity. Comm. LaPlante knows someone who may volunteer to open and close the gate.
The Spring Splash will be held on March 29, 2008
SWRA received a $25,000 grant to remove portions of the Springborn Damn.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Chairman Dynia note the next meeting date will be on March 11, 2008.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion was made by Comm. Gamble to adjourn and seconded by Comm. Szewczak and So Voted.
Respectfully submitted:
Secretary