JOINT MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
ENFIELD HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008
A joint meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission and the Enfield Historic District Commission was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Richard Tatoian, Chairman
Raymond Gwozdz
Nancy Smyth
Marie Troiano
Roman Polaski
Natalie George
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Timothy McGuire
Karen LaPlante
Kathleen Vose
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Ms. George made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuire, to amend the agenda to allow the Enfield Historic District Commission to present their agenda for the evening. The motion was approved unanimously.
Mr. Alsbaugh gave a quick overview of the reason for this meeting. A group from the town attended the meeting two Thursdays ago sponsored by Representative Karen Jarmoc at the Hazardville Fire Department to discuss the Scantic River Park system and access. A lot of concerns came up that seemed to be joint concerns of both the Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission. The thing to be looking at this evening includes the Plan of Conservation and Development since neither of these Commissions has previously been brought into the process at the very beginning.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated there seems to be a concerted movement to point out the importance of economic development in the Town of Enfield. He pointed out to both Commissions that both of their concerns can be presented on the same grounds of economic development because they are preserving or protecting the history and cultural resources of the Town of Enfield. Those are marketable. They stand on their own as preservation items but done correctly and done with a sense of stewardship and long term planning they can be a big contribution to the Town of Enfield on an economic basis. Mr. Alsbaugh asked that the Commission start thinking about that because that is what they are going to have to bring forward in this round with the Plan of Conservation and Development. There is a lot of education that has to be assimilated and it has to be passed out to other boards and the Council so that they understand that they have a duty to also consider those things on the same grounds because of the potential benefit to the Town of Enfield.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall noted in Enfield the Plan of Conservation and Development seems to be the task of the Planning and Zoning Commission. She asked if that is the way it is supposed to be.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated it is generated through the Planning and Zoning Commission but the theory behind the Plan of Conservation and Development is that it is all inclusive with town wide meetings and groups having input. The main concern at this point is that these two Commissions have a sense that they have not been included as up front in the process as they would like to have seen it done.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall discussed the Town of Glastonbury where the Conservation Commission spearheaded their plan. She asked if the town can give the Plan to any entity they want.
Ms. George cited the Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission which includes a discussion about PA-0617 which changes the ground rules for the Plan of Conservation and Development. It now requires input from the Town Council. Further discussion followed on the process of the Plan of Conservation and Development. Ms. George stated they have previously been invited to those meetings on the Plan of Conservation and Development but it was not a working session. When the last plan was done, the Conservation Commission was just being separated from the Inland Wetland Agency so some of the work which is now under their purview was given to Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated part of the purpose of this meeting is to start to bring a little clarity as to where the Commissions want to go. He thought it would be a good thing for both Commissions to get together and begin to assemble the plan of where they want to go. Ms. George stated they have already started to try to raise the awareness that farmers in town are a major economic contributor in the Town of Enfield. Later this evening, the Conservation Commission will attempt to raise the level of awareness and eventually get it to the Town Council that farmers are a major factor to the economics of the Town of Enfield. Ms. George stated the other part is preservation and its effect on the visual and cultural aspects of the Town. Part of the concern is with archeological preservation and the historic buildings.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he would like to list the points that warrant discussion and then get into the discussion. The Plan of Conservation and Development is a major subject. What brought people to that Scantic River Park meeting was the park state plan. Mr. Alsbaugh also wanted to discuss joint activities that both Commissions could sponsor for preservation month. This would allow a lot of exposure to both Commissions which they could benefit from. The last item for discussion this evening will be the Certified Local Government.
Mr. Alsbaugh gave both Commissions the memo from the Planning Commission Chairman from 2004. This was to show the sections of the Plan of Conservation and Development and how many factors there were that these Commissions influenced. This shows how important both Commissions are to the Plan of Conservation and Development.
Ms. LaPlante led some discussion about the parameters of the Enfield Historic District Commission. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that will come up for further discussion as the expansion of the National Register District and Bigelow proceeds and the design guidelines for Thompsonville are put in place. The Historic District Commission may decide to take on additional responsibilities. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Historic District Commission is, under state statute, allowed to comment on any historic or archeological issue that they feel is important and relevant to the town.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Scantic River Park Plan has been ongoing for thirty years. He doesn’t think anyone has a problem with the general concept because it will be preserving the environment along the river. The main issues brought up by the neighbors at the recent Scantic River Park meeting were security issues and safety issues. Mr. Alsbaugh elaborated on the specific security issues and safety issues. The safety issue seemed to revolve around access with the curve coming up the hill, the continuing traffic on Hazard Avenue and the eroded banks of the area.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated after the meeting he was able to talk with Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc. He gave them a recommendation that perhaps the DEP might want to change the way they are looking at the project. Maybe they need to look at it as a controlled access park that would not only deal with the neighbors’ issues but would also look at the safety and security of the incredible archeological resources in Powder Hollow which are extensive. This would give them better PR with the neighbors and they would not be subverting to the desires of groups like the spring splash and the Scantic River Watershed which are all supporting the park concept. They would also then be working in concert with the town and with groups like the Hazardville Institute, the state archeologist and the Economic Development Commission to jointly develop an economic development concept for the Hollow. They would have access, they would be supporting the groups that support the concept of the park, they would be dealing with the issues of security and safety and there would be economic development. This will help to give people an idea of the potential and how much has already been lost in this town and how important it is to try to preserve. The potential for economic development is huge in the town. People who are directing policy should be looking at the proper stewardship as a definite responsibility because it is an economic potential for the town that would help the town a lot.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he can pull out any number of reports to substantiate the possibilities of economic development. He thinks the Commissions can help Representative Jarmoc in her dealings with the DEP.
Following a question from Ms. LaPlante about a follow-up to the meeting held with State Representative Jarmoc, Mr. Alsbaugh stated if there is going to be a follow-up email, the town will get one. He did give both Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc a copy of tonight’s meeting packet and three different copies of the historic maps for Powder Hollow. They can see and present to whoever they need to talk to what the potential is and that people are aware of it. They are aware of how the neighbors feel but now they are also aware that there is a much larger group of people who are also aware of what is down there.
Ms. George stated she has a lot of empathy for the neighbors but she thinks it has to be reminded that when people buy a piece of land, they need to be aware of what the plans are that are already on the books. She discussed her personal situation having bought a piece of land adjacent to farmland. She noted the historical and archeological factors were there long before these neighbors. Ms. George recognizes there are some concerns in this day and age with vandalism and people misusing land and there will have to be security issues addressed. However, she noted you can only do so much regarding security issues when you are dealing with a very large piece of open space.
Mr. Alsbaugh discussed the licensing of ATV drivers. It seemed that Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc were both intrigued about the possibilities of such legislature. Ms. LaPlante brought up ATV licensing in Westbrook which was passed in December, 2007. Mr. Alsbaugh stated Jay Northrup is the Planner and he was formerly the Wetlands Agent for the Town of Enfield.
Ms. George stated the issue before everybody right now is the matter of access off of Hazard Avenue. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the impression he got at the meeting from Senator Kissel and Representative Jarmoc was that they were going to put the brakes on the whole thing. Ms. LaPlante stated the state said they were going to install a parking lot. Mr. Alsbaugh stated someone is prodding the DEP to spend money right away.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the state received $100,000 to spend and the whole impetus was because of the neighbors complaining about the condition of the house. Once the house was torn down and they had money to spend, probably if they don’t spend it they lose it. Mr. Alsbaugh stated this may explain why there was no cooperation when there was a local resident that wanted to move the house. He went into some greater detail on this resident’s roadblocks. Mr. Alsbaugh stated they could have saved the house but for some reason they didn’t want it to happen. Some discussion followed regarding Northeast Utilities and the 300 year trees they removed along Hazard Avenue.
Ms. George questioned if these Commissions should make a formal recommendation that on that particular lot, other than filling, grading and seeding, no further action be taken place at this time. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she would not agree with that.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he was not aware of the $100,000 and the importance of spending the money. He doesn’t think the amount matters that much in the big picture.
Ms. George stated suppose they were to run an access road from Hazard Avenue down to the bottom of the hill which would serve the farmers well and provide access to the Scantic River. Chairman Dynia stated there is a dirt road that goes down behind the house. Ms. George stated if they are intent on spending money, just pave the piece of road that goes down there rather than paving a parking lot. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the state is not talking about paving. All they are going to do is install a gravel parking lot with ten parking spaces. She, personally, doesn’t see anything wrong with that. She also doesn’t think they need a parking study for a ten-car parking lot which Karen Jarmoc is calling for.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Commissions should not spend their influence in this matter. Representative Jarmoc is dealing with the implications of even going in there.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall suggested a letter on behalf of both Commissions stating that the Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission do desire that DEP takes into consideration the historic and archeological artifacts present in Powder Hollow. They want this park to be developed but this is the focus that we believe would be important to the community.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the controlled access issue helps the PR for the neighbors to not allow total open access. The state would recommend a gate and controlled access but people are going to go in anyway.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall could foresee trails and at some point signage where there are remnants of a building stating what it is and how it related to the old powder mill. Mr. Alsbaugh stated where those things exist, you need to have even better controlled access so that you can control how people access those resources. There is the potential for an economic impact to the community. You need to protect those resources so that things are not removed.
Ms. George stated what they are trying to do is enlarge the focus of public access to the Scantic River greenway to encompass the archeological infrastructure that is present along it.
Mr. Polaski was absent from the meeting at the fire department but he gets the sense that not all the citizens were thrilled that this was going to be done. Chairman Dynia stated they discussed the future of the park and the fact that maybe down the road there will be 150 cars parked down below. Mr. Polaski stated there are dozens of parks similar to this park. The only difference is there is an archeological site that people can see.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated there will be issues with the water company as to what they allow. Mr. Polaski stated they will be concerned about keeping the water clean. He noted the Commissions should be concerned with getting the citizenry behind this group to help with input as to what they would like to see down there.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is why he is trying to tie in the education month activities so that the educational possibilities can be put forward by both Commissions.
Mr. Polaski stated it would have been nice if the state had come to the town and said we have some money to spend and what would you like to see the state do.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated when he sensed the concern, he came up with a potential scenario which would benefit both groups.
Ms. George stated it seems to her that even though the artifacts are fragile, you could bring in the whole educational side. You could get a whole system going with both the school system and the college that would get some reinforcement of the land not just as a greenway but as a greenway that contains a historical component.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is something the Hazardville Institute has been trying to promote.
Mr. Polaski discussed Gettysburg and the educational benefits of it.
Mr. Alsbaugh discussed some of the history of Powder Hollow and noted that Dupont bought Hazard Powder secretly in the late 1800’s.
Ms. George stated Everett Gamble has a book he’s in the process of writing on the whole Indian colony right along the Scantic River. It seems to her what this park greenway needs is the enhancement of the archeological and cultural focus that the DEP is not aware of or has not factored into their plans.
Ms. LaPlante stated in the original plan, Enfield was going to focus on the historic aspects.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated this is another case of old plans falling by the wayside because no one is bringing them forward.
Mr. Polaski led some discussion on the Town Council discussion on the Scantic River Park.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall presented a map where the Scantic River area is designated as a greenway. She discussed the properties on the map. She noted the Conservation Commission was cosponsoring the meeting at the firehouse and trying to show people the greenway that they are trying to link up. The meeting instead zeroed in on the parking lot and the neighbors’ complaints. Further discussion followed about the neighbors’ comments.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the point that needs to be made is the jury is still out on whether a parking lot is really going to work there. People will use is regardless but safety and traffic are questions. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she thinks the state is going to go with the six- to ten-car parking lot regardless.
Mr. Alsbaugh suggested that he put together a position comment under both Commissions names that states support for what they are trying to accomplish.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the letter should say that the Commissions support the concept of the park and that they would like the archeological, economic and cultural resources considered.
Ms. George stated they should realize that the original plan was that the area in Enfield was to incorporate all of that. They would ask that they not lose site of that and that any proposals they might have incorporate the educational, the economic and the cultural advantages as well as the safety issues that are related to the artifacts.
Ms. LaPlante stated it is not going to do any good to put a parking lot down in the hollow to access the park. There are a lot of places where you can hike. Ms. LaPlante doesn’t think we want to stop this parking lot that they are putting in. It will encourage people to make this park a habit. As far as the economic development, it is a gold mine.
Ms. Vose discussed the possibility of a bridge across the river which is really key to getting across to that side of the river bank where you can walk.
Mr. Alsbaugh got the impression that the state just had some money to spend. They needed to do something now and that location has always been considered as an access point.
Ms. George stated if it is going to be an access point, you need to continue that access across the river with a foot bridge. Mr. Alsbaugh stated they don’t have the money for that.
Mr. Dynia discussed grants that could be obtained for such a foot bridge. He also thought if you make it a right hand turn only coming out of the parking lot, you would solve a lot of the traffic problems.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall felt it would be great if they had a parking lot off Broad Brook Road. For hiking trails, you would be able to park at different places and be able to walk between these different points. If you had a parking lot at the town line, one at Broad Brook Road and one at the hollow, you would not have all the congestion in one area.
Mr. Alsbaugh asked if it was common knowledge back then about what the archeological holdings were. Ms. LaPlante stated it was known but there was nobody pushing it except for Ed Allen and Roger Olsen. Mr. Alsbaugh asked if any of the mapping was available. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she thinks there are copies of the maps available.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Commissions can bring forward information and documents and concepts that were part of the original plan and state that they need to keep that in mind.
Ms. George stated because of the cow farm that goes right down to the river, she doesn’t know why they can’t have a ten foot access along that area so that you can just continue to walk. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that is private property and he doesn’t think there is going to be a valid taking. Ms. LaPlante stated the state plan is they want to own along the flood plain. That way there could be hiking on both sides of the river. Further discussion followed regarding the Stoker property. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Commissions should not come across as messing with farm rights. He thinks the issue with a piece of property like this is probably best left in the hands of the DEP to deal with in the long term.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Commissions have to accept that they are not going to have full access up and down the Scantic River.
Mr. Gwozdz stated he thought the focus was to tell the state the town’s intentions. Being specific like this, in his opinion, is dangerous. He would like to let them know what we would like.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will use general terms in the letter but he will make it clear.
Ms. George felt you should say that this is a follow-up letter to the public hearing that was held on the proposed parking lot. Then drop that and go into reinforcing the items the Commissions have been discussing that were in the original proposal for the Scantic River Park and state we wish to bring them to your attention again.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will direct the letter to Representative Karen Jarmoc and Tom Morrissey of the DEP. He will put the letter under the names of both Chairmen.
Ms. George stated there is a need to bring it to their attention as well as to start the process of bringing it to the Town Council’s attention for the potential of this whole area.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated everyone realizes that the most important thing is to get as much information and education to the DEP and to State Representative Jarmoc and Senator Kissel. Mr. Alsbaugh feels the valid concerns the two Commissions have need to be put out there again.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he has tried with the ERSC to bring forward all the documents, plans and recommendations so that money is not spent needlessly because things were forgotten about. It is his department’s responsibility, the community development responsibility and the manager’s responsibility that all these things do get brought forward properly. Otherwise money is spent needlessly and things are forgotten that were voted by everybody in town as the things they wanted done.
Ms. George stated at some point it would be very helpful to get the areas of archeological interest and the areas of Indian artifacts somehow placed on one of those maps. At some point down the road, the Commissions should get together again and start the mapping process.
Mr. Alsbaugh recommended that the Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission meet at the Historic District Commission meeting which is the fourth Wednesday of each month. February 27, 2008 is the next meeting.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will put together something for Chairman Dynia and Chairman Tatoian to review for comments to go back to the DEP and with Representative Jarmoc and Senator Kissel. He will try to put together another agenda to sift through the discussion this evening. Mr. Alsbaugh will check on the availability of the Enfield Room for this meeting with both Commissions.
Ms. George brought up the barn grant program. She asked if the old barn on South Maple Street has any significance. Mr. Alsbaugh stated that is one of the original powder mill horse barns. It seems to Ms. George that this would be an excellent structure to turn into a welcoming structure with bathrooms. It is just down below that barn that all the Indian area is being researched. Ms. LaPlante stated the state will not buy it unless it is for sale. Ms. George noted that doesn’t mean that you can’t look at it and plan for the eventual acquisition. Further discussion regarding the owner of the barn followed.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated another thing the Commissions could be talking about is long term planning issues, preservation issues and trust issues. The Conservation Commission and the Historic District Commission should be making recommendations for long-term acquisition plans especially in Powder Hollow.
Mr. Alsbaugh brought up the subject of Certified Local Government. Certified Local Government is a program supported by the federal government generated at the state level. Communities apply to be certified as a Certified Local Government. You then have to show them that you are stewarding your historic and cultural resources. Mr. Alsbaugh noted that Enfield already does 85% of it through the Planning Department but it’s not in stone as administrative policy. The State Historic Preservation Offices would be the one to certify. The application goes in through the State Historic Commission which is now the Council. The National Parks Service makes the final decision. Mr. Alsbaugh stated what they have to do is formally create administrative policy. We recommend to the Town Council that we apply for certification which means we formalize what the administrative policy for stewarding the historic, archeological and cultural resources of the town will be.
Commissioners questioned how to apply for Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the town would apply. He asked that the Commissions read through the literature and the Commissions can discuss it further. He could also get people to come and talk from the Connecticut Trust. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated you have to have a full-time paid person doing this. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he already does administrative things. The problem is it is not administrative written policy. There is a need to put it in writing how the town is going to address preserving their resources. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall asked if another letter requesting the Town Manager to do this would be in order.
Ms. George discussed the minimum qualifications for members of the Commission when you are looking at a Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the town can make their best attempt. He added an architectural historian has moved into the Historic District and she has expressed a strong interest in participating. Ms. George stated she has personally done landscape architecture.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated it is the knowledge of such things that they are interested in. They put in the qualifications to say that one of them should be but not necessarily must be. If you make your best attempt to do it and fall short, they will work with you to try to see where else you can make up for it.
Chairman Tatoian asked if there has been a discussion with the Town Council concerning Certified Local Government. Mr. Alsbaugh stated the ERSC met with them and Planning and Zoning and produced a lot of information for them. This was approximately three years ago. Ms. George saw a need for a dynamic presentation to bring this forward.
Mr. Alsbaugh brought up Certified Local Government again because it is a very pertinent issue for the Scantic River and some other big projects that are in the future.
Ms. George stated there is a need to put it on the state record before the Plan of Conservation is developed that this needs to go to the state for review.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated another important reason is economics. When you are a Certified Local Government, you become part of the group of communities that are eligible for money and technical and informational help. Questions from the Commissions followed regarding Certified Local Government.
Mr. Polaski suggested this could be made a locally supported project with private donations. He discussed the Town of Stonington’s efforts.
Mr. Alsbaugh felt there is a lot the town can do to marshal its own resources and raise money but it takes organization and planning.
Mr. Polaski discussed the Strand Theater.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the potential is huge for the town being a Certified Local Government. One of the major things that the ERSC has brought up in the last couple of years is we cannot always depend on the town because you can’t depend on it from year to year. There has to be a private sector component if you are going to have preservation. You have to have a local preservation trust in some form.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated the Commission has an invitation for the Connecticut Circuit Rider Program. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he is planning on going. It is a free event and Mr. Alsbaugh will find out the details.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall stated she was interested in the barn preservation. There was an article in Sunday’s Courant about this. She felt this is something that the Commission could promote at their next meeting if they have farmers coming. Mr. Alsbaugh stated he will get more copies of that.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Connecticut Trust has been promoting a barn survey program to document all the old barns. This is for educational and documentation purposes. What they have now done is put together a barn grant program which is available to private homeowners. Mr. Alsbaugh felt it would be wonderful for both Commissions to help promote it. It is also perfect to pass along to the farmers. Further discussion of the barn program followed.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated he can put together a document for any homeowner that plays a part in the history of the Town of Enfield. He suggested both Commissions read the information on the barns. He was going to discuss with the Historic District Commission during preservation month getting into the survey aspects so that they can document the town. Discussion about particular barns followed. Ms. Pfeifer-Hall noted that Windsor has turned their tobacco barn into a park area.
Ms. George requested copies of the barn program information for the next meeting.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Hazard Powder Company map is a 1903 tracing of an 1886 survey that Dupont did when they were secretly buying Hazardville Powder. Ed Allen gave him a small copy but there is a larger map available. There was another map of the surrounding area available. He asked if anyone has been able to track this map down. Further discussion followed regarding where the map might be. Mr. Alsbaugh would like to see that information on the town’s GIS system. He previously tried to get it digitized but the Engineering Department could not do it. Mr. Alsbaugh discussed how the map could be placed on the GIS system. It may mean that they have to approach a private company and pay for this. They may have to raise money to do this. Further discussion on the whereabouts of the map followed.
The joint meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission and the Enfield Historic District Commission ended at 8:37 p.m.
Ms. Pfeifer-Hall made a motion, seconded by Chairman Dynia, to recess. Following a unanimous vote, the Conservation Commission recessed at 8:37 p.m.
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Meeting Re-convened at 8:45 PM in the Enfield Room after a joint meeting with the Enfield Historic District Commission.
ROLL CALL: Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall performed roll call. The following commissioners were in attendance:
Michael Dynia
Kathleen Vose, Alternate
Guest: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Absent: Joanne Kneiss, Alternate
Everett Gamble, Alternate
Richard Szewczak
Gail Miller, Staff Liaison
PUBLIC INPUT: None
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chairman Dynia asked for comments on the minutes, the following changes were made:
Under Public Input the second paragraph the last two sentences are changed to: 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 the meeting to discuss their experience. Under Correspondence: change Sylvia Conte to Sylvio Conte. Under Farmland Preservation change Guest Speakers to See Public Input. Under Special Projects change ditcher to Dutcher. Under Liaison Report- SRWA change she started to she stated and change the last sentence to SWRA received a $25,000 grant to study the removal of portions of the Springborn Dam.
Under Next Meeting Date change March 11 to February 12. Under Adjournment change Szewczak to McGuire.
Motion was made by Comm. George and seconded by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall to approve the minutes as amended. The motion was approved (6-0-0).
CORRESPONDENCE: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: None
OPEN SPACE: Letter received from State regarding the French property. The town has submitted the required documentation in order for the Agreements to be drawn up and executed. As soon as the additional requested documents have been signed and received by the State the funds will be released to the Town of Enfield.
FARMLAND PRESERVATION: The flyer and letter drafted by Comm. McGuire inviting farmers and property owners to the March 11th meeting to learn about ways to preserve farmland was reviewed. Comm. George will send the letters to property owners at her discretion. Qualified property owners will generally have 30 acres. Comm. Vose volunteered to help. Roger Alsbaugh will assist with the letter printing and envelopes. Comm. McGuire will ask Jack Collins of the Collins Dairy Farm to speak about his experiences as a participant in the Farmland Preservation Program. Lance Shannon from the Department of Agriculture will be a guest speaker at the meeting.
ARCHEOLOGICAL PROTECTION: No Report
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Comm. George spoke to Henry Dutcher about planting a tree at the Library for Arbor Day. He is interested. They are discussing a location. Comm. George recommended a “Red Bud” tree in honor of Mary Lou Strom. She will contact Tarnow’s and will have an estimate for the next meeting.
STAFF REPORT: Noted status of funds for Open Space, letter discussed under Open Space. Comm. Pfeifer-Hall noted she had sent an email requesting an update regarding letter to be sent to Nick Bellantoni, the State Archeologist. The Commission is requesting a review of the channels along Powder Hill Road. Roger suggested a request be sent to him and he will follow up on this issue.
Liaison Report – N. Connecticut Land Trust: Comm. LaPlante went to a Board meeting. They are looking for a representative from Enfield. She was asked to join but declined the offer. She suggested to the Trust that they send an Enfield representative to our meetings on a quarterly basis. Chairman Dynia said they will be having presentation on Mountain Lions at the Somers Town Hall on Sunday March 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The Land Trust will be hosting a hike in June.
Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association: Chairman Dynia stated that soil samples from behind the Springborn Dam have been analyzed. Some heavy metals have been detected but no PAH’s (Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons) were detected. Chromium, Barium and Lead was detected. Further analysis will be done. There is 10’ of sediment built up behind the dam. The sediment will have to be removed before the dam is dismantled.
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Dynia stated the next meeting is March 11, 2008. A motion was made to adjourn at 10:10 PM by Comm. George and seconded by Comm. Vose and So Voted.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Secretary
Enfield Conservation Commission