REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, October 14, 2008
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Natalie George (7:16 p.m.)
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 7:08 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present were: Chairman Dynia and members George (7:16 p.m.), Kneiss, LaPlante, McGuire, Pfeifer-Hall and Vose. Alternate members Kneiss and Vose were seated as full voting members for the evening.
Chairman Dynia announced that, effective immediately, Commissioner Gamble has resigned. He stated that this is due to his declining health. Mr. Alsbaugh will keep Mr. Gamble up to date on the Commission’s projects, due to his continued interest.
Public Input:
None.
Approval of Meeting Minutes August 26, 2008 (Spec. Mtg.) & September 9, 2008 (Reg. Mtg.)
Commissioner George had emailed members a version of the minutes of the meeting of August 26, 2008 as amended by her. Members voted on the amended version and voted 3-0-4(Kneiss, LaPlante, McGuire & Vose).
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner LaPlante to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 9, 2008 with the following amendment: page 2, remove second paragraph. Vote was 7-0-0.
Discussions
· Guest Dave Fredrick to continue with the commission the discussion on Low Impact Development practices
Mr. David Frederick and Mr. Pat Tallarita presented updated plans for proposed development on Simon Road.
The updated plans are now color coded and, for the most part, follow Dr. Welti’s formula for escarpment slopes.
Mr. Dave Askew of the North Central CT Conservation District, Mr. Tallarita, and Mr. Aeschliman, walked the site in September.
Mr. Askew had indicated that he feels it is a straightforward subdivision plan.
Mr. Frederick explained that he plans to protect the escarpments, leaving 20 acres to open space.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall asked why the open space line does not more closely follow the slope. It seems to cut through some of the ravines. Following the top of the slope would offer greater protection.
Mr. Frederick explained that this configuration allows for R44 building lots.
He went on to say that Geothermal will be offered to buyers and is unsure at this time what other heating options would be offered.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall asked for clarification of ownership of the detention basins located on proposed lots 33 & 37.
Mr. Frederick explained that they will be on private property, not part of the open space. An easement will be given to the Town so that the property owners will not be responsible for the maintenance.
Dr. Welti will look at the final plans to determine if they agree with his recommendations.
He also affirmed that there are several wells located on the property, however there are no firm plans for them at this time.
Commissioner LaPlante expressed concern over potential contamination of the aquifer from these wells if they are not capped.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall again expressed her concern over the open space configuration and feels it would be better if it more closely followed the top of the slope.
She also noted that lot 30 is a concern because of its’ close proximity to the escarpment soils. She feels it is set up for a bad situation for the future owner.
She also recommended that an ERT survey should be performed on this site. It would be helpful to both the applicant and permitting agencies. It would be up to the land use agencies to request, not the applicant. In light of the time it is expected to take for the applicant’s preparation work, there should be time for the survey to be done.
Mr. Frederick pointed out that the property has been disturbed by farming activity and has had Dr. Welti and Mr. Askew on site. Mr. Frederick does not believe that there are any threatened species on the site.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall explained that the ERT would look at a broad range of specialties and would have suggestions and ideas of how the project would impact the area.
Mr. Tallarita stated that he and Mr. Frederick have only been acting on the advice of the Town staff that the ERT is not necessary.
Commissioner George suggested that the developer stay away from the escarpments and make sure that the drainage does not impact it.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall asked if the design includes leak offs for rain gardens in the boulevard.
Mr. Frederick stated that he is not sure how Mr. Aeschliman has designed the boulevard. Also, he is waiting for a response from Mr. Askew.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall reiterated her concerns over lot 30.
Commissioner George stated that the Town cannot hold the developer responsible for homeowners that don’t follow the restrictions placed on a property.
Commissioner LaPlante countered that it is the Town that ends up having to fix the problem and is ultimately responsible. By not building on a questionable lot, there will not be a problem that needs to be fixed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Kneiss to hold a brief recess at 8:05 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:08 p.m.
Members held discussion of the possibility of requesting that a conservation easement be given at the top of the slope, to protect the slopes. It was noted, however, that the new Town Attorney prefers conservation covenants, which do not seem to be as enforceable.
Commissioner George suggested that the eventual homeowners be sent a flier to educate them on the need to stay away from the escarpment slopes.
Members also discussed the need to have the regulations changed so that upland soils would be required for Open Space.
Commissioner LaPlante noted that there is a car and other debris at the bottom of the escarpment slop and suggested that the Conservation Commission make a recommendation that all debris be removed before the Town takes ownership of the open space.
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to recommend to the IWWA that an ERT be requested on Mr. Frederick’s proposed Simon Road project. Vote was 7-0-0.
· Open Space & Farmland Preservation Report / Updates from staff / Review of draft Report Adoption Request letter to Town Council:
Mr. Alsbaugh reported that he is still waiting to hear from the Town Manager on the status of this.
Commissioner George asked if the subcommittee should go to the Town Council with a recommendation to adopt the Report or table it for now.
After further, brief discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Vose to send a cover letter, the Summary Report, the Open Space & Farmland Preservation Report, and proposed resolution to the Town Council to request formal adoption.
Commissioner LaPlante noted that some of the Council members are new and may not have had the opportunity to read the report. Full copies of the report should be made available to those who would like it. She added that a Commission member should attend the meeting, prepared to speak if necessary.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested that the Chair or Vice Chair, as well as Commissioners Kneiss and Pfeifer-Hall should attend.
Vote was 7-0-0. A sub-committee meeting will be held on October 28, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
· Other
Commissioners noted receipt of a memo from Ms. Bednaz, Wetlands Agent, dated 9/23/08 for a project at 604 Enfield Street. While no plans were available for the Commissioners to review, Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall stated her appreciation for the comprehensive report and for being included on the correspondence list.
Executive Session: Application process status:
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Kneiss to enter executive session at 8:42 p.m. to discuss real estate matters. Vote was 7-0-0.
Executive Session ended at 8:48 p.m. No votes were taken and no decisions were made.
Special Projects
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall asked for the Commission’s permission to submit a press release for the local newspapers to gauge the interest for community garden plots next year. Responses would be by phone or e-mail. Vote was 7-0-0.
Commissioner George, at 9:04 p.m. made a motion to continue the meeting beyond 9:00 p.m. Seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall. Vote was 7-0-0.
Commissioner LaPlante noted that Northeast Utilities has a grant program for education or environmental issues. The grants range from $250 to $1,000.
Eligible projects include reclaiming damaged environments, recycling, and rehabilitating wildlife.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested that a community board would be very helpful. It would need to be covered in plexi-glass and could include maps and recreational or seasonal information. She will look into the requirements and costs.
Chairman Dynia thanked Commissioners LaPlante and Pfeifer-Hall for their work on the recent Connecticut River Cleanup Day. 2.78 tons of debris was removed from the river.
Commissioner George noted that the CACIWC Annual Meeting will have Julianna Barrett as a guest speaker.
Commissioner Kneiss noted that volunteers are needed for the Wadeable Streams project to take place on 10/25/08 at 10:00 a.m. at Powder Hollow.
Staff Liaison Report
Mr. Alsbaugh noted receipt of several items:
· The Summer, 2008 issue of The Habitat
· Description of non-native, invasive plant, Water Chestnut
Members also discussed the length of the minutes for the meetings. While some prefer them to be shorter in length, others, along with Mr. Alsbaugh, find that it is helpful to have detailed minutes, in case a reference is needed in the future. No decision was made.
Commissioner LaPlante asked if the commissioners could have a Town of Enfield email account.
Liaison Report - Northern CT Land Trust:
Chairman Dynia reported that the Whitaker property was recently dedicated and the Trappe property purchase has been approved.
Liaison Report - Scantic River Watershed Association:
The annual meeting will be held on Sunday at the Somers Senior Center at 6:00 p.m.
There will be a hike on Sunday, 10/19/08 to determine what is needed to maintain and improve the trails along the river.
All members are encouraged to attend a fundraiser for Collins Farm on 10/25/08 at the Tolland Agricultural Center.
Next Meeting Date: November 18, 2008 in the Thompsonville Room, 2nd floor – conflict with Veteran’s Day on the 11th
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to adjourn the meeting at 9:54 p.m. Vote was 7-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
_______________________________
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary
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