ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

December 13, 2005

Town Hall - Enfield Room

820 Enfield Street

Enfield CT 06082

CALL TO ORDER:  Chairman Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:10 P.M. in the Enfield Room.

ROLL CALL:  Comm. LaPierre performed the roll call.  The following commissioners were in attendance:

Michael Dynia                                     Joanne Kneiss                                                             

Natalie George                                     Christine Wunch

 David LaPierre                       

Gail Miller, staff liaison                                     

Absent:  Richard Szewczak,      Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall   

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 November 8, 2005.   Motion made by Comm. Kneiss to approve the minutes, seconded by Comm. Wunch and So Voted. 

CORRESPONDENCE:  Staff liaison read the information on the Nomination for a Greenway application.  Comm. Kneiss noted that there is information on the issue on pages 9, and 71 - 75 in the Plan of Conservation and Development. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion made by Comm. George and seconded by Comm. LaPierre to go into Executive Session and So Moved.  No decisions were made and no votes were taken.

OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION:  Staff liaison presented the site plan for the proposed construction at the junction of Shaker Rd and Elm Street.  Comm. George noted that the deed has not been recorded and that open space will be donated at that time.  It is not suitable for recreational use due to the extensive wetlands located on the property.  Comm. Kneiss suggested that it would be a good site for a community garden and/or garden center in keeping with the nature of the property and its central location.  Comm. George supported this idea as long as it was sensitive to the surrounding neighbors.  It was suggested that the Conservation Commission could put forth the concept.  It is an area that could be supervised and there is potential for nearby parking.  Staff liaison will investigate the possibility.

Comm. George made a motion to accept the map of the Scantic as designed by the Engineering Department, seconded by Comm. Kneiss and So Voted.  Staff liaison will send it with the letter to the Manger's office and ask that it be put on an upcoming agenda for the Town Council.  Comm. George will get a list of the property owners along the Scantic.

FARMLAND PRESERVATION:  No report

AQUIFER PROTECTION:  No report

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROTECTION:  No report

SPECIAL PROJECTS: No report

 REAL ESTATE:  No report

STAFF LIAISON REPORT:    Commissioners reviewed the Open Space Fund reports.  Comm. Kneiss suggested that these funds could be used for a matching grant program at some time in the future.

Liaison Report - Northern CT Land Trust:   There will be a hike on New Year's Day.  Meet behind the Somers Town Hall at 10:00 a.m.

Liaison Report - SRWA: The Canoe Race will be held on March 25.  It is being co-sponsored by the SRWA.  There may be a bus trip to a fish hatchery in the spring.  The Guide that was mailed to staff is a work in progress. Staff Liaison will make copies for all the members.

New Business:  Review of the Plan for Conservation and Development.  Commissioners will review Sections 6 & 8 for the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING DATE:  Chairman Dynia noted that the next meeting date will be on January 10, 2006.

ADJOURNMENT:  Motion by Comm. George to adjourn the meeting at 8:07, seconded by Comm. Wunch and So Voted.

Respectfully submitted:

Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall

Secretary