REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, May 13, 2008
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission to be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 in the Enfield Room Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut, was moved to the employee break room to accommodate the Republican Town Committee. Vice Chairperson Karen LaPlante called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Everett Gamble (Alternate Member, Seated)
Natalie George
Karen LaPlante
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Joanne Kneiss, (Alternate Member)
Tim McGuire
Kathleen Vose (Alternate Member)
Richard Szewczak
ALSO PRESENT: Richard Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
Commissioner Gamble was empowered by Vice Chairperson LaPlante as a full voting member for this meeting.
PUBLIC INPUT:
Mr. Jim Manning noted his appreciation for the recent meeting on small farms.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – April 8, 2008:
After review, a motion was made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner George to approve the minutes of the meeting of April 8, 2008 with the following amendment: page 4, 10th paragraph, delete “goals” and replace with “Open Space and Natural Habitat Planning”. Vote was 4-0-0.
CORRESPONDENCE:
The following items of correspondence were received:
Commissioners briefly discussed the need to remove invasives from town owned open space properties. It is hoped that the Conservation Commission can prepare an educational seminar or pamphlet for property owners at some point in the future.
Also, after brief review of the current Conservation Commission budget, a motion was made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to reimburse $30 from the Professional Development account to Commissioner George for expenses relating to her recent attendance of a seminar. Vote was 4-0-0.
A motion was then made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to transfer $30 from “Miscellaneous” to “Professional Development to reimburse Commissioner George for the remainder of her expense for her attendance at the seminar. Vote was 4-0-0.
DISCUSSIONS:
Mr. Alsbaugh reported that the report is not completed as yet.
· Potential Community Garden At Shaker Rd. and Elm St.
Members reviewed the map of the site. It was noted that this would be a community use for residents who do not have access to garden areas. This use would require less parking space than if ball fields were constructed on the parcel.
Approximately 3 to 3 ½ acres of the site is usable as well as possible use of the barn that is on site. Access to the site needs to be determined, as does availability of water. It was noted, however, that the site is wet so additional water availability may not be necessary.
A letter that was previously written to the Town Manager regarding community garden use at this site will be re-issued.
· Raised Bill #362 Update
This bill was not voted upon in the legislature.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to move “executive session” to the end of the agenda. Vote was 4-0-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
· Update on Program for Smaller Farmers
Commissioner McGuire was unable to attend tonight’s meeting. A tentative presentation date has been set for the Conservation Commission’s meeting of June 10, 2008.
· Aquifer Protection
· Archaeological Protection
These items will be removed from the agenda unless there is an update.
Special Projects
Vice Chairperson LaPlante presented the proclamation. Commissioner George will see that it is hung at the main library.
Commissioner George also reported that the type of tree to be planted at the library has been changed from a Red Bud to a variety of cherry. The Red Bud was unavailable. The final cost of the tree is $274.10.
A dedication ceremony will be held at the library on May 30, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Commissioners are encouraged to attend.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT:
Mr. Alsbaugh noted that most items on his report have been discussed as part of the agenda.
He did note that Commissioner Vose has not yet been appointed as a regular member. A copy of the Commission’s original letter of recommendation was forwarded to the Town Manager’s Office.
No final decision has been made on the boat launch erosion CIP project, however, it has been brought closer to the top of the CIP list with a recommendation by the Assistant Town Manager that this be funded in the 2008/09 budget.
Commission members discussed Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall’s term expiration.
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to authorize Mr. Alsbaugh to draft a letter, signed by Chairman Dynia, to the Town Manager requesting that the Town Council re-appoint Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to the commission. She has been invaluable over the past several years to the conservation effort and furtherance of the commission. Her extensive knowledge of the town and the natural habitat here are priceless to our analysis of land parcels. Vote was 4-0-0.
Mr. Alsbaugh reported that the Grange building, located on Broad Brook Road may be available for use by other organizations.
After discussion on the historical importance of the building, a motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner George that the Enfield Conservation Commission consider options for possible future use of the Grange building. Vote was 4-0-0.
- Scantic River Watershed Association
No report.
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Gamble to enter executive session at 9:40 p.m. Vote was 4-0-0.
Executive session ended at 9:45 p.m. with no decisions made and no votes taken.
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Gamble and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. Vote was 4-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
_________________________________
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary