ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

December 12, 2006

Town Hall – Enfield Room

820 Enfield Street

Enfield, CT 06082

CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:04 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

Christine Wunch                                               Gail Miller, Staff Liaison

Timothy McGuire

Kathleen Vose, Alternate

 Richard Szewczak,

Guest: Matthew Coppler, Town Manager

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

Chairman Dynia introduced the Town Manager.  Comm. Pfeifer-Hall gave a history of the Open Space program and what has been accomplished in recent years, particularly along the Scantic River.  She also spoke about the letter that the Commission would like to send to property owners along the Scantic.  It has been stalled in the process for about a year.  Comm. Pfeifer-Hall also described the recent hearing regarding the gravel pit near the Scantic.

Comm. George is concerned about the development near an aquifer.

Comm. Pfeifer-Hall described the greenway and reviewed the map of properties that are part of the Scantic River greenway.

Comm. George gave a history of the letter that the Commission would like to send regarding an easement or donation of land for open space.  It has been a year since a memo was sent asking for permission to send the letter.

Comm.  Pfeifer-Hall explained the time line involved in the grant process for reimbursement from the State.

Mr. Coppler asked the Commission where they thought the road block was in the process.  There was a discussion of possible reasons.

Comm. Vose, who lives near the Scantic River had a discussion with the developer of the gravel pit and he explained his reasoning behind the additional two lots he was seeking.

Comm. Kneiss provided a synopsis of the overall concerns of the Commission.

Mr. Coppler is interested in having all the Boards and Commissions meet with the Town Council leadership so that they can all work together.  He would like to start this process in January.

Comm. Dynia explained the new process started by former Assistant Town Planner Neil Angus that allows the Commission to have an advisory opinion regarding a developer donating land in lieu of a fee for open space.  Comm. George stated that the Commission does weigh the cost versus the use of the land.

Comm. Pfeifer-Hall described the letter that was sent by the Commission to the Council regarding the open space behind the new Walgreen's store.  There was never any acknowledgment that the ideas of the Commission were being heard or considered.  Comm. George added that there are wetlands in the area that need to be taken into consideration.

Comm. Pfeifer-Hall gave a history of the Scenic Road project.  The Commission is still waiting to hear from NU.  The Manager asked for contact information.

Comm. George described the work she has done on aquifer protection and the old wells that are located around town.  There is a possibility of contamination if there is a hazardous waste incident.  The Manager will follow up on the idea.

Comm. Pfeifer-Hall asked about the new GIS system and when it will be operable.  The Manager has been told by IT that it will be January.

Comm. Szewczak described the Listen to the River seminar that he attended.  He described the parcels that the Commission had identified along the CT River that were of interest to the Commission.  The Manager is concerned that recent earmarks by the State may be in jeopardy.  There is a fine line between conservation and land development so he wants to get everyone talking.

Comm. George would like to see independent voters, who do not register with a party, be able to sit on Boards and Commissions, particularly the ECC,  without regard to Party affiliation.  Mr. Coppler replied that that would need a culture change.

Mr. Coppler thanked the Commission and said if members needed to be heard on any issue to let him know.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Chairman Dynia asked for comments regarding the minutes of November 14, 2006. Motion to approve the minutes as amended made by Comm. Wunch, seconded by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall. Comm. Szewczak, Kneiss and George Abstained. Motion was approved.

CORRESPONDENCE: Chairman Dynia reviewed  the article in newspaper about land acquisition by the Town of East Windsor.  Comm. McGuire recalled a time when the land along Rt. 83 was known as the "Milkiest Mile" due to the large number of dairy farms.  These have all been replaced by development.

Comm. Pfeifer-Hall described the information from Trout Unlimited that works with school groups to hatch fish eggs, and when they are mature enough to release them into the appropriate environment.  Comm. Kneiss will pass the information on to the Board of Education.

Comm. George received information about a conference at UMASS in March regarding Greenway Design and Management.  She will provide additional information when it becomes available.

Commission members asked the staff liaison to send a thank-you letter to the Town Manager for attending the meeting.

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

OPEN SPACE:  Commission must keep the gravel pit on the radar.

FARMLAND PRESERVATION: No Report

AQUIFER PROTECTION:  Comm. George attended the Public Hearing for the new regulations. She explained the process as a best management practice.  Comm. Szewczak made a suggestion for a process that will cost less and provide more coverage.

SPECIAL PROJECTS:  Staff liaison presented a request from the Rotary Club for a tree to be planted at their garden on the grounds of the Senior Center.  Comm. George is in favor of the idea.  Comm. Dynia stated that it would be good publicity.  Motion by Comm. Kneiss, seconded by Comm. George to purchase a tree for the Rotary Garden and So Voted.

REAL ESTATE:  No report

STAFF LIAISON: Discussed previously.

Liaison Report- Northern CT Land Trust:  It was reported that a mountain lion has been seen in the area.

Liaison Report - Scantic River Watershed Association Comm. Dynia stated that at the meeting it was reported that they have sold 200 of the Guides to the Scantic River at $5.00 each.  The Spring Splash has been changed to March 24.

NEW BUSINESS: Review of the Plan of Conservation and Development. No discussion because the new members do not have copies. Staff liaison will request copies be given to Comm. McGuire and Vose.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  Chairman Dynia noted the next meeting date will be on January 9, 2007.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Comm. Kneiss to adjourn the meeting at 8:50, seconded by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall and So Voted.

Respectfully submitted:

Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall

Secretary