ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
January 13, 2004
Town Hall - Enfield Room
820 Enfield Street
Enfield CT 06082
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Michael Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:08 P.M. in the Enfield Room.
ROLL CALL: Secretary LaPierre performed the roll call. The following commissioners were in attendance:
Michael Dynia Joanne Kneiss
Christine Wunch Gail Miller, staff liaison
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall Absent Roger Olsen; Richard Szewczak
David LaPierre
Natalie George
Chairman Dynia empowered Joanne Kneiss to act as a regular Commissioner.
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 9. Comm. Pfiefer-Hall pointed out a typographical error. Motion made by Comm. Pfeifer-Hall to approve the amended minutes, seconded by Comm. Kneiss and So Voted.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Comm. Dynia reviewed a newspaper article regarding Council approval of plans for Brainard Park. Comm. George expressed concerns regarding the cutting of trees. Comm. Kneiss recommended reviewing the approved plans before making any public comment. The staff liaison will get the approved plan from Town staff.
2. Comm. Dynia presented an article regarding the Blue Bird House project. Comm. Pfeifer-Hall participated in the project several years ago and found it valuable.
3. Comm. Kneiss presented an article regarding shrinking land in Connecticut. Development of land is up 24.8% in Enfield. The Commission would like the staff liaison to stress to the "Founding Fathers" that those numbers remain low and to continue the practice of using existing buildings. Staff liaison will get a copy of the Plan of Development. The Commission will review the document Open Space and Farmland Preservation Study and discuss it at the March meeting.
4. Staff liaison passed out the meeting schedule for the Connecticut River Assembly.
5. Commissions reviewed the information regarding a grant available for developing trails. The R.E.A.C.T. committee may apply for the funds.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: It was agreed that Executive Session was not needed.
OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION: Staff liaison reported that the process for reimbursement for OSWA 167 is almost completed. The Town Attorney has sent the necessary information to DEP.
FARMLAND PRESERVATION: No report
AQUIFER PROTECTION: No report.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROTECTION: Comm. Wunch inquired about the status of a group which included the Historic Commission that Assistant Planner Roger Alsbaugh was interested in forming regarding archaeological protection. The staff liaison will follow up on it.
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Commissioners congratulated Comm. Pfeifer-Hall on the award for the Hazardville Institute. Parking will still be an issue.
REAL ESTATE: There was discussion regarding the Wilson Haas Barn There is land behind the Parson's House, but no funds to move the barn.
At 8:04 motion was made by Comm. Pfeiffer-Hall to convene a five minute break, seconded by Comm. Natalie George. Meeting reconvened at 8:09. All members who were present prior to the break were present at the continuation of the meeting.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT: Commissioners reviewed the Annual Report of the North Central Conservation District.
NEW BUSINESS: The Commission reviewed the documents from Northeast Utilities regarding possible future purchase of lands owned by NU. After an overview of the properties a motion was made by Comm. Kneiss, seconded, to accept all the green and blue properties on the NU list. Comm. George noted that the Commission needed to give reason for each parcel. Each parcel was reviewed by number:
#044-848 This parcel would provide potential access to the CT River.
#044-849 This parcel would provide potential access to the CT River.
#044-850 This parcel is a greenway connector.
#043-857 This parcel is needed for aquifer protection.
#043-859 This parcel is needed for aquifer protection.
#044-861 This parcel would provide potential access to the CT River.
# 043-863 This parcel is in an area where there are flood control structures. It is also needed for aquifer protection and is adjacent to a recreation area.
#043-864 This parcel is adjacent to a Town open space connector and is needed for aquifer protection.
Comm. Pfeifer-Hall asked that the staff liaison review past reports on this topic and cross reference them for other potential properties. Staff liaison will work with the Chairman on this project. Comm. Pfeifer-Hall will look into the requirements of a scenic road designation.
Liaison Report - Northern CT Land Trust: Comm. LaPierre attended the last meeting and stated that other towns have had meetings of all the major land owners in each town to discuss common issues. It was agreed that this is a good ideas but harder for a large community like Enfield.
Liaison Report - SRWA: Comm. Dynia will attend the next meeting.
Old Business: Chairman Dynia asked if anyone had thought of any projects or
goals for 2004. He suggested:
Blue Bird Houses Storm Drain Markings
Earth Day Project Arbor Day Project
Canoe Race Ct River Clean up
Wadeable Stream Project
Comm. LaPierre suggested a Tree of the Month on the Town's Web Page. Staff liaison will find out if space is available on the page. There was discussion regarding a "Favorite Tree" program to be run through the Board of Ed with results displayed at Family Matters Day.
Staff liaison was also asked to see if openings on the Committee were listed on the Town Web Page.
NEXT MEETING DATE: Chairman Dynia noted that the next meeting date will be on
February 10, 2004
ADJOURNMENT: Motion made to adjourn the meeting at 9:33.
Respectfully submitted:
David LaPierre
Secretary
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