REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, September 9, 2008
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Natalie George
Joanne Kneiss, (Alternate Member)
Karen LaPlante
Tim McGuire
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Kathleen Vose (Alternate Member)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Everett Gamble (Alternate Member)
Richard Szewczak
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Michael Dynia at 7:03 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present were: Chairman Dynia and Commissioners George, Kneiss, LaPlante, McGuire, Pfeifer-Hall and Vose. Also present were Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner, and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
Commissioners Kneiss and Vose were appointed as full voting members for this evening’s meeting by Chairman Dynia.
Public Input:
Mr. David Frederick spoke with the Commissioners regarding his proposed development on Simon Road.
Mr. Frederick reported that he spoke with Mr. Chris Pinter from Tarnow Nursery regarding appropriate plants for the boulevard.
Commissioner George noted that a section of southern Route 5 has fastigiate trees that Mr. Frederick might be interested to see.
Mr. Frederick went on to say that he also met with Mr. Sferazza of the DPW regarding plantings within the boulevard. It was suggested by Mr. Sferazza that the plantings be kept low and colorful and low maintenance.
Commissioner Kneiss noted recent plantings near the boat launch along the river. Butterfly bush and other low growing plants were placed there that might also be appropriate for this proposed project.
It was also suggested that the boulevard might be a future project for the Beautification Committee.
Mr. Frederick then reviewed the plans for the benefit of those not present at the August 26 meeting. He explained that the proposed subdivision layout will have a 900’ long boulevard. The Fire Department is requiring a turn-around.
A Geo-Technical survey was performed by Clarence Welti who feels that the escarpment slopes are stable. The lots will not be clear-cut and there will be minimal back yards.
Mr. Askew’s report is not yet available but Mr. Frederick stated that he would be willing to meet with the Commission again after the report is complete.
The open space to be given to the town will be approximately 32% of the site. The boulevard will be 20’ wide in each direction with an 8’ wide island between them.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted that some of the proposed plantings would survive in a rain garden environment and would help filter out particulates.
It was noted that Mr. Tallarita, at the August 26, 2008 meeting, had mentioned requesting a waiver for sidewalks. This would reduce the impervious surface area.
Mr. Frederick stated that Mr. Askew had not been in favor of individual lot rain gardens because it has been his experience that homeowners are not usually in favor of them or unwilling to maintain them as such. Mr. Askew does feel that rain gardens would be beneficial for the island.
Commissioner George suggested using leaching basins or spreaders, or rain barrels for roof downspouts.
Mr. Frederick replied that Mr. Welti had stated that he would prefer to see downspouts drain into the streets and then to a drainage system.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested that the systems could be determined on a lot by lot basis and noted that Mr. Welti wants to review the final plan.
Sidewalks and stone paths were again discussed. A stone path is being proposed for access to the Scantic River.
Commissioner Kneiss noted that the path would have to be clearly defined so that any potential buyers would know of its’ location and existence. She also suggested that a sidewalk be installed along 1 side of the boulevard only.
Commissioner George added that the 900’ long island is a long stretch to be without trees and would be very hot without shade in the summer. She suggested that fastigiate trees would help remedy this problem.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested that an island at the end of the cul de sac be installed and cultivated for use as a rain garden.
Mr. Frederick agreed, noting that it is called a “teardrop” cul de sac. He added that the Planning & Zoning Commission has not been agreeable to this idea thus far.
Commissioner George stated that these suggestions would likely be more accepted by the P&Z if this proposed subdivision was a private homeowners’ association instead of a public road.
Mr. Frederick replied that a market analysis has shown that buyers do not want an association.
Mr. Frederick stated that he would like to return to the Commission’s October meeting and will provide detail on the map of the open space area.
A brief recess was called by Chairman Dynia at 7:54 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 7:56 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present were: Chairman Dynia and Commissioners George, Kneiss, LaPlante, McGuire, Pfeifer-Hall and Vose. Also present were Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Town Planner, and Susan Berube, Recording Secretary.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall expressed concern that Mr. Frederick and Mr. Tallarita were told by members of staff that an ERT review was not needed. The ECC’s request that an ERT review be done was not forwarded to the IWWA and P&Z as requested.
And ERT review would have included an inventory of the flora and fauna for Open Space.
Commissioner George suggested asking Mr. Giner if the request was forwarded to IWWA and P&Z and if not, what is the procedure that the ECC should follow for making this type of request.
Commissioner LaPlante suggested implementing a policy whereby and ERT review would be requested whenever proposed open space land is located near a river.
Approval of Meeting Minutes – July 8, 2008
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 26, 2008 as presented. Vote was 3-0-4(McGuire, Kneiss, Vose, LaPlante).
A motion was made by Commissioner George to table voting on the minutes of the meeting of July 8, 2008 until the meeting of October 14, 2008. Vote was 6-0-1(McGuire).
Correspondence / All Commissioners
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted a Hartford Courant newspaper article, dated 09/07/08 regarding Cromwell farmland survey.
Mr. Alsbaugh reported that the Town is beginning to receive updates on CRCOG.
Discussions
· Open Space & Farmland Preservation Report / Updates from staff / Review of draft Report Adoption Request letter to Town Council
Commissioner George reported that the subcommittee developed an executive summary of what was in the original report. No changes were made because the original report was basic and developed as guidelines for the Conservation Commission. It was expected to be the basis for policy for the Conservation Commission to move forward on items and recommendations found in the report.
The document was never formally adopted by the Town Council and the Conservation Commission is now requesting that it be formally adopted.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated that he will find out from the Town Manager if another presentation will be needed or just a letter presented that requests adoption of the document.
Commissioner George noted that the second goal of the document is to preserve prime farmland and the agricultural industry in town. She asked if this task should be re-defined or should a new subcommittee be appointed for this task.
Commissioner Kneiss noted that if the Town Council signs this document, the committee could submit a request for a grant for the farmland preservation update.
Members held discussion. Commissioner George felt that it is not crucial to have the document signed by the Town Council. Commissioner McGuire felt that it might be enough just to have the plan until the Commission goes into partnership with the state.
After much discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the subcommittee finish their current task. Membership would then be opened to the public and ECC members to work on the second task.
· Other
None.
Executive Session: Application process status
None
Unfinished Business:
Subdivision / Development Referrals from Planning & Zoning Commission
None
Open Space Acquisition
None
Farmland Preservation
· Subcommittee: Update from Facilitator
See above.
Aquifer Protection
None.
Archaeological Protection
None.
Special Projects
At a previous meeting, Commissioner George provided a report regarding the Natural Resources Inventory. She had suggested at the time that the document “From Planning to Action: Biodiversity Conservation in CT Towns” be obtained.
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Kneiss to purchase 5 copies of “From Planning to Action: Biodiversity Conservation in CT Towns”. Vote was 7-0-0.
Commissioner George reported that there is a grant available for habitat inventory and will include local residents reporting observations, It is a multi-year project.
Commissioner George will find out further information on the grant availability and requirements.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted the recent trend in restrictive covenants instead of conservation easements. During discussion of covenants, it was noted that there is no oversight for covenants.
Real Estate Matters – see Executive Session
None.
Staff Liaison Report
None.
Liaison Report - Northern CT Land Trust
Chairman Dynia reported that the Trust applied for and received a $5,000 grant for recreational maintenance.
A greenway meeting will be held on September 29, 2008.
A motion was made at 9:10 p.m. by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to extend the meeting long enough to complete business on the agenda. Vote was 7-0-0.
Liaison Report - Scantic River Watershed Association
Chairman Dynia reported that the 8th annual Source To Sea Connecticut River Cleanup will be held on October 4, 2008. It begins at 8:30 a.m. at the South River Boat Launch.
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner McGuire to donate $100 to the cleanup for supplies. Vote was 7-0-0.
Organizational Meeting (as time allows to return to schedule, below)
(Members should be prepared to discuss any particular issues related to the items below of which they are aware may be of concern or requiring amendment.)
Review Goals & Objectives / to be done as time permits
Schedule review and update of by-laws within the bylaws / to be done as time permits
Scheduling Annual Report / to be done as time permits
Next Meeting Date: October 14, 2008
Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner George to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Vote was 7-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary
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