REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairperson Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Natalie George
Joanne Kneiss, (Alternate Member, seated)
Karen LaPlante
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Richard Szewczak
Kathleen Vose (Alternate Member, seated)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Tim McGuire
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 7:15 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present were: Chairman Dynia and members George, Kneiss, LaPlante, Pfeifer-Hall, Szewczak, and Vose. Alternate members Kneiss and Vose were seated as full voting members for the evening.
A motion was made by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner Szewczak to move to “Discussions” prior to taking up the remainder of the agenda. Vote was 7-0-0.
Discussions:
· Guest Dave Frederick to continue with the Commission the discussion on Low Impact Development Practices.
Mr. Dave Frederick again met with the ECC members to discuss his proposed subdivision.
Mr. Frederick stated that the islands on the boulevard will be rain gardens as suggested by the Commissioners, to lessen impact of impervious surfaces in the subdivision.
He added that his attorney, Mr. Paul Smith, is working on strong language regarding protection of wetlands.
He also asked for the support of the Commissioners in his upcoming request to the PZC for use of a “teardrop” cul de sac and removal of the sidewalks from the plans.
He explained that the “teardrop” would include a rain garden area.
He also stated that if he could delete sidewalks from the project, he would be able to use the funds to cover half of the cost of installation of geothermal units in any home for which it is requested.
Mr. Frederick also stated that Mr. Giner and Mr. Askew are not in favor of the Commission’s request for an ERT.
Commissioner Vose asked if there would be any curbing to the street.
Mr. Frederick replied that yes, there would be sloped granite curbing around the boulevard and the remainder of the subdivision would have bituminous pavement curbs.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted the “Jordan Cove” subdivision located elsewhere in the state. It utilized the “teardrop” cul de sac but did not use catch basins or curbs. Swales were utilized and lots were sloped toward the road.
Commissioner Vose asked where pedestrians would walk if there are to be no sidewalks.
Mr. Frederick responded that they would walk in the roadway. The street will be 24’ wide and will not be a through-way.
Commissioner LaPlante asked if it has been decided if existing wells would be utilized.
Mr. Frederick stated that he has not decided.
Commissioner LaPlante suggested that if the wells are not going to be capped that they be used for irrigation, as long as they are separated from household plumbing.
Mr. Frederick stated that he would “do the correct thing, whatever that means.”
Chairman Dynia asked if the subdivision will be completed in phases.
Mr. Frederick replied that it will. The 9 houses on the boulevard and the pumping station for the sewer will be done in the first phase.
At this time, Mr. Frederick thanked the Commission members for their time and input.
Public Input:
None
Approval of Minutes: October 14, 2008:
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner George to approve the minutes of the meeting of October 14, 2008 as presented. Vote was 6-0-1(Szewczak).
Correspondence/All Commissioners:
A CCM Workshop on agricultural planning will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Somers Town Hall.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted that a bulletin to gauge the interest for community garden plots has been placed in the Reminder newspaper. It was also submitted to the Journal Inquirer and Hartford Courant Newspapers and will also be posted in various areas throughout town.
Commissioner Kneiss suggested that the ECC send a plaque and/or letter of appreciation to Everett Gamble for his participation on the Commission.
After some discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Kneiss and seconded by Commissioner Szewczak to present a framed & matted certificate of appreciation and letter of thanks from the Commission to Mr. Gamble. Vote was 7-0-0.
Members reviewed Ms. Bednaz’s memo dated 10/28/08 regarding the Thompsonville Revitalization plan.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated that if the Commission wishes to, it could make a recommendation of having an ERT study of the site but he suggested waiting until a more appropriate time before doing so.
Commissioner George stated that she will review the response letter from the Connecticut Water Company regarding water main interconnection with Somers and report at the Commission’s next meeting.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall reported that the recent CACCIWC annual meeting was very interesting with excellent workshops and speakers.
She distributed copies of “Planning for Agriculture – A Guide for CT Municipalities” to all commissioners present.
At 8:29 p.m., a motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Kneiss to hold a brief recess. Vote was 7-0-0.
The meeting reconvened at 8:36 p.m.
Commissioners further discussed the Thompsonville Revitalization Plan, with Commissioner Kneiss requesting an ERT for the boat launch area.
After some discussion, it was the consensus that Mr. Alsbaugh will provide a complete overview of the proposed project, as it relates to interests of the Conservation Commission, such as along the brook, pond and riverfront.
If an area is time sensitive, the Garden Club could request that that the Conservation Commission makes a request for an ERT as part of the overall review.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall asked if an ERT will be performed for the Village project proposed by Mr. Frederick.
Mr. Alsbaugh responded that a permission slip was signed by Mr. Frederick and Mr. Maxellon, chairman of the IWWA and is to be forwarded to the head of the ERT.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall shared several brochures that she received at the CACCIWC meeting.
Commissioner LaPlante noted the upcoming Home Energy Fair at Asnuntuck Community College.
She also reported that the CACCIWC meeting included a booth on invasive species and the representative would be willing to present a workshop on the subject.
Executive Session:
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to enter executive session at 8:50 p.m. to discuss real estate matters. Vote was 7-0-0.
Executive session ended at 8:55 p.m. No votes were taken and no decisions were made.
Unfinished Business:
Farmland Preservation
Subcommittee: Update from Facilitator
Commissioners reviewed the proposed resolution and memo dated 11/12/08 from Chairman Dynia to Mr. Coppler, Town Manager regarding the ECC’s request to the Town Council to adopt the Enfield Open Space & Farmland Preservation Study.
Several clerical changes were made to the proposed resolution.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kneiss and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to accept the packet with clerical changes to be presented to the Town Manager. The packet includes 2 cover letters, the Summary Report and Resolution. Vote was 7-0-0.
Special Projects:
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall is continuing work on obtaining a sign for the boat launch. It will be similar to one located at Soapstone Mountain in Somers.
Mr. Alsbaugh suggested that Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall speak with Building & Grounds Department personnel regarding the sign.
Commissioner George asked if new trees can be planted along the green belt, especially in the historic district. Some of the mature trees are dying or have already been removed.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated that if they are to be planted within the right-of-way, a D.O.T. Permit would be required.
Commissioners stated that they will make note of areas in need of trees along roadways. The time to determine where trees are needed is prior to the next planting season.
Mr. Alsbaugh suggested coordinating with the Historic District Commission regarding plans for tree plantings.
Liaison Report - Northern CT Land Trust:
No update.
Liaison Report - Scantic River Watershed Association:
Chairman Dynia reported that the Wadeable Streams event was a success. Commissioners Vose and Pfeifer-Hall were in attendance.
The Association’s annual meeting was held on October 19, 2008.
A hike is planned for November 29, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., starting at the Scantic River Rapids Park.
There was a Scantic River cleanup on November 8, 2008. The river was cleaned of large debris from Four Bridges Road in Somers to the Mill Pond in Somersville.
Chairman Dynia reported that he will soon be attending the POCD Steering Committee meeting and will give an update at the next ECC meeting.
Next Meeting Date: December 9, 2008
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner Vose to adjourn the meeting at 9:36 p.m. Vote was unanimously in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
___________________________________
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary
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