ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

January 9, 2007

Town Hall – Enfield Room

820 Enfield Street

Enfield, CT 06082

CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. in the Enfield Room.

ROLL CALL: Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall performed the roll call. The following commissioners were in attendance:

Michael Dynia                                                  Natalie George

Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall                                        Joanne Kneiss, Alternate

Timothy McGuire

Kathleen Vose, Alternate

 Richard Szewczak,                                          Gail Miller, Staff Liaison

Absent: Christine Wunch

PUBLIC INPUT: Chairman Dynia noted that there were no persons present to give public input.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Chairman Dynia asked for comments regarding the minutes of December 12, 2006. Motion to approve the minutes, as amended, made by Comm. Szewczak, seconded by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall and So Voted.

CORRESPONDENCE:  Comm. Pfeifer-Hall reviewed a letter she had received from Bill Lee of the CT River Assembly asking about the value of the organization and if it is a duplication of efforts.  At the current time Enfield is represented by Bob Tanguay. 

Comm. Pfeifer stated that she thinks the organization has value.  Comm. Kneiss believes that when property becomes available that the Assembly will be a valuable resource.  Comm. George asked how members are notified of possible parcels for sale.  Comm. Pfeifer-Hall reviewed a list of the Assembly's accomplishments.  Comm. George asked if they had staff and Comm. Pfeifer-Hall relied they are under CRCOG.  Comm. Dynia and Comm. Kneiss believe they are a good group and a viable resource.  Comm. Szewczak asked if they need another member from Enfield.  Comm. George would like to volunteer.  Comm. Szewczak made a motion for staff liaison to write letter to the Town Manager requesting the appointment of Comm. George to the Assembly; seconded by Comm. Kneiss and So Voted.   Staff liaison was also asked to check the status of the grant from the State for the Bridge to the River.

Comm. Dynia reviewed an article from the Hartford Courant describing agricultural grants that have been awarded.  Easy Pickins was awarded a grant to protect fruit trees during a frost.

Comm. George stated that Shell Oil is attempting to lease the Sound.  This would mean that homeowners could not use the Sound for boating.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was agreed that Executive Session was not needed.

OPEN SPACE:  Commissioners discussed the revision of the letter that the ECC would like to send to Powder Hill Sand & Gravel and Ms.' Williams and Wolodko.  Motion by Comm. Kneiss to approve the letter, seconded by Comm. George and So Voted.  Comm. Kneiss asked that staff liaison present the letter to the Town Manager.  Comm. Dynia will call the manager.

Comm. McGuire described his history with the CT Water Company and said that they may also be in favor of supporting the ideas for aquifer protection expressed in the letters. He recommends waiting to approach them until there is a response from the property owners.

FARMLAND PRESERVATION: Comm. McGuire would like to give a presentation on this topic at the next meeting.

Comm. Dynia read information on a workshop that is being presented on January 30.

AQUIFER PROTECTION:  Covered in previous discussion.

SPECIAL PROJECTS:  Comm. George is concerned about a birch tree being proposed at the Senior Center.  She believes that it would not survive in that location.  She suggested that we recommend another type of tree to the Rotary Club.  Comm. Kneiss agreed and suggested that we consider a native species, one that would survive in an open environment, and present our recommendation to the Rotary Club.  Staff liaison will request a site plan of the Senior Center.

REAL ESTATE:  No report

STAFF LIAISON: Commissioners would like to consider a trail along the Scantic River, possibly even a bicycle trail.  This may qualify for possible grant funding.  Comm. Dynia stated that the Boy Scouts would be interested in helping.   It was suggested that the ECC invite speakers who are experienced in trail making.

Comm. Pfeifer-Hall suggested that Powder Hill Road may be considered for a Scenic Road designation.  Comm. Vose will approach her neighbors.

Commissioners reviewed the budget request for FY 2007/2008.  Comm. Dynia suggested the purchase of a banner for the ECC.  He will research it.  Comm. McGuire suggested a backdrop to be used at events.  A motion by Comm. George and seconded by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall to approved the budget request for next year.

Liaison Report- Northern CT Land Trust:  Comm. Dynia attended a hike on the McCann property.  There will be a trails day in June.

Liaison Report - Scantic River Watershed Association Comm. Dynia stated that they have sold 300 of the Guides to the Scantic River at $5.00 each.  The Spring Splash will be held on March 24.  He also reported that there is no funding to remove the timber from the Springborn Dam.

NEW BUSINESS: Review of the Plan of Conservation and Development.  Tabled until the next meeting.  Staff liaison gave copies to the new members.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  Chairman Dynia noted the next meeting date will be on March13, 2007.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Comm. George to adjourn the meeting at 9:12, seconded by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall and So Voted.

Respectfully submitted:

Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall

Secretary