REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, April 8, 2008
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 in the Enfield Room Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Everett Gamble (Alternate Member)
Natalie George
Karen LaPlante
Tim McGuire
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall (7:15 p.m.)
Richard Szewczak
ALSO PRESENT: Richard Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC INPUT:
There was no audience participation.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – February 12, 2008 and March 11, 2008:
After review, a motion was made by Commissioner George, seconded by Commissioner Szewczak to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 12, 2008 with the following amendment: page 12, under heading “Special Projects”, 1st sentence, delete “a tree” and add “about planting a tree at the Library for Arbor Day”. Vote was 6-0-1 (Szewczak).
After review, a motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Szewczak to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 11, 2008 with the following amendments: 1st page, heading paragraph, delete “American”, insert “Connecticut”; last sentence of heading paragraph, replace “McGuire” with “Dynia”; Under “Public Input”, 1st sentence, remove “McGuire” and insert “Dynia”; 2nd bullet, after “noted” add “as”; 4th page, 5th paragraph, after “under 30” add “acres”; change all references of “Maris Collins” to “Mavis Collins”. Vote was 6-0-0.
Mr. Alsbaugh noted that the Historic Commission and Conservation Commission meeting of February 12, 2008 was a joint meeting and all minutes were filed under the Conservation Commission.
CORRESPONDENCE:
Commissioner LaPlante distributed copies of the 2008 Boater’s Guide, safe paddling bumper stickers and brochures on safe paddling to members. Additional copies will be available within the Town Hall.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted a recent article in the Hartford Courant regarding the growing popularity of gardening. She mentioned that a parcel of town-owned open space located at the corner of Shaker Road and Elm Street might be suitable for a community garden.
Members discussed this possibility. Parking and availability of water are potential challenges but could be addressed through possible State grant funds. Further discussion will be held at a future meeting.
Chairman Dynia also noted a recent article in the Journal Inquirer regarding Open Space Grants being available and that the town of Somers recently purchased open space with a portion of the funds.
Five items of correspondence were received:
· Emails regarding potential purchase of property for open space
· Letter dated 02/20/08 from Representative Jarmoc regarding Scantic River Park
· Copy of CGS Sections regarding Executive Session
· Memo from Mr. Alsbaugh to Town Manager, dated 03/27/08 regarding status of Alternate Member Kathleen Vose.
· Letter dated 03/17/08 from Northeast Utilities regarding maintenance activities within their rights-of-way
DISCUSSIONS:
· Open Space & Farmland Preservation Report:
Mr. Alsbaugh provided a copy of “Open Space and Farmland Preservation in Enfield”, dated 08/1999.
During a brief discussion on the document, it was noted that a copy needs to be forwarded to the Town Manager.
Also noted was the fact that while it may not be up to date, it should be considered as a guideline to manage and identify open space parcels.
Further discussion will take place at a future meeting.
· Certified Local Government
Members asked to be informed as to when the Town Council will be voting on this.
Member towns are eligible for technical assistance, funds not available to other towns, as well as the ability to join the board in Hartford to make recommendations and act as consultants to the D.E.P., D.O.T. and other government bodies.
Mr. Alsbaugh will keep the Commission members updated.
· Raised Bill #362
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall briefly explained the intent of the proposed bill. It would require that for any activity proposed within 100’ of watercourses that empty into Long Island Sound, it must be proven beyond a doubt that no harm would come to the river.
Some members of the IWWA had expressed concern because, if approved, the bill might compromise plans for economic development in the Thompsonville area.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the members to table further discussion to the next meeting, when members will have a copy of the proposed bill available to them.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Szewczak to enter executive session at 8:48 p.m. to discuss possible real estate acquisition. Mr. Alsbaugh was invited to join them.
Executive session ended at 9:15 p.m. No votes were taken and no decisions were made in executive session.
RECESS:
By unanimous consent, a brief recess was held immediately after executive session.
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting reconvened and was called to order by Chairman Dynia at 9:20 p.m.
Present were: Chairman Dynia and Commissioners Gamble (Alternate member), George, La Plante, McGuire, Pfeifer-Hall and Szewczak. Also present were Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner, and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
· Open Space Acquisition
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner LaPlante to authorize Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to write a letter, signed by Chairman Dynia, to the Town Manager, requesting that Mr. Alsbaugh be the Commission’s official representative. As such, he should be included and updated on the status of open space acquisitions. Vote was 6-0-0.
· Farmland Preservation
Commissioner McGuire reported that the recent farm presentation was a success with at least 2 farm applications to the D.E.P.
It was the consensus to plan to meet with Jay Dipple and a representative from the Town at the May meeting regarding the farmland grant program. Mr. Alsbaugh will speak with the Town Manager to determine who the best representative for the Town would be, to attend this meeting.
Commissioner McGuire reported that he is also looking into creating a survey for farmers.
The following agenda items were tabled:
· Aquifer Protection
· Real Estate Matters
· Staff Liaison Report
· Archaeological Protection
Commissioner LaPlante noted that state funds are available in both matching and non-matching funds. These funds could be used for projects such as mapping and surveys of the Shaker and Powder Hollow properties.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall requested that Mr. Alsbaugh keep the D.E.P. informed of the Conservation Commission’s plans and also of the sensitivity of the Powder Hollow area.
· Arbor Day
Commissioner George reported that the tree should be in stock by the end of the month. A ceremony will be planned when the tree arrives.
Liaison Report – Northern CT Land Trust
It was reported that the recent presentation in Somers on the cougar was interesting.
Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association
Chairman Dynia and Commissioner LaPlante reported that the Scantic River Canoe race was successful with 104 boats and 150 paddlers.
A grant in the amount of $5,000 was received from the D.E.P. This will be used for signs, upgrades to trails, and updating the guide.
On June 14, 2008 there will be a CT River paddle event from Enfield to Windsor.
Upcoming also, will be a full moon paddle event.
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
· Election of a Vice-Chairman
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Szewczak to nominate Commissioner LaPlante to the position of Vice-Chairman. No other nominations were made. Vote was 5-0-1(LaPlante).
· Review Goals and Objectives
Commissioner George reported that she recently attended a seminar regarding Open Space and Natural Habitat planning. Information provided at the seminar included drafts to help develop a plan based on the natural habitat of an area, using general maps that have been refined.
It was also noted that many of the town’s open space easements have not yet been filed with the Town Clerk because subdivisions have not yet been completed.
· Schedule review and update of by-laws within the by-laws
Tabled.
· Scheduling Annual Report
Members did not hold discussion on the annual report. They did, however, comment on the proposed budget for the 08/09 fiscal year for the Conservation Commission.
Members noted that the total budget has been reduced from $5,000 to $3,350. Line items for part time help and mapping need to be added to the budget.
NEXT MEETING DATE:
The next meeting will be held on May 13, 2008.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Szewczak and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to adjourn the meeting at 10:11 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary