REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, February 10, 2009
A meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Mike Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Natalie George
Joanne Kneiss, (Alternate Member, seated)
Karen LaPlante
Tim McGuire
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Kathleen Vose (Alternate Member, seated)
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Szewczak
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 7:10 p.m.
Public Input:
No members of the public were present.
Approval of Meeting Minutes – January 13, 2009
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Kneiss to approve the minutes as amended by email and the addition of the following: “Scantic River Watershed Update: 97 people participated in a recent hike and donated 165 lbs. of food for the Enfield Food Shelf. The Spring Splash is scheduled for March 28, 2009.” Vote was 6-0-1(McGuire)
Correspondence:
Commissioner George noted a recent article in the Enfield Press relating to a barn grant.
Commissioner LaPlante reported that a presentation on solar energy will take place at Asnuntuck Community College on February 14, 2009.
Chairman Dynia showed a photo published in the Journal Inquirer showing the February 1, 2009 hike hosted by the Scantic River Watershed Association.
Discussions:
Enfield Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD)/Steering Committee:
Chairman Dynia reported that he attended meetings last week.
At the public forum on Wednesday, discussion took place on open space and the inability of residents to use it for non-organized or sanctioned group activities. Approximately 45 people were present at that meeting.
At the meeting held on Tuesday, 4 drafts were distributed to committee members: housing, culture, population, and open space & recreation.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall reported that the afternoon session of the focus group meeting that she attended discussed the things that are important to Enfield residents. The Scantic and Connecticut Rivers, boat launch, and parcels of land that in previous POCDs had been targeted for open space but are now targeted for development.
She also noted that the consensus of those at the forum was that the proposed train station in Thompsonville is acceptable but other transportation hub types (such as bus station), are not necessary.
It was also noted that better access is needed to the Scantic and Connecticut Rivers for recreation purposes. Currently, there are few ways to access the Connecticut River, due to the railroad tracks that run along it.
Those at the forum were also in favor of the farmland and open space preservation document drafted by the Conservation Commission.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall mentioned the properties near the river that are owned by Northeast Utilities and that it would be beneficial if the Town could purchase them for open space, if they come up for sale.
Commissioner Kneiss noted that a gentleman that attended the forum, Mr. Bill Serle, retired professor at Asnuntuck, would be a good choice in filling the open position on the Conservation Commission.
Commissioner George reported that she attended the agricultural focus group. Several members of the public attended, although she noted that not many farmers were in attendance.
The need to separate agriculture from recreation was brought up.
It was suggested that an overlay map be created to help farmers obtain loans. Some zones that are currently industrial should be changed to agricultural or agriculture business so that farmers can qualify for certain types of loans not currently available to those in industrial zones.
Also, a second fund to provide loans to farmers with less than 30 acres in size was suggested. The loans could be used for short term, emergency loans that the farm bank does not cover.
Mr. Alsbaugh asked if a portion of the Open Space funds can be earmarked to go toward such loans.
Commissioner George replied that no details were discussed.
It was also brought up that the North Central Health District’s rules are obstructive for local farmers to have farm stands.
Also suggested was the need for a farmer ombudsman to help farmers get through the permit process for various types of permits. This position could potentially be regionalized.
Commissioner LaPlante reported that she attended an evening forum where commissioners from various boards and commissions, and members for the Town Council came, but few members of the public were in attendance.
Areas considered most important to be addressed in the POCD were use of the rivers, farmland preservation and transportation at her focus group table.
Commissioner Kneiss added that she attended also and the most important items were farms, opens space, and recreation at her focus group table.
Commissioner George noted the need to determine the type of agricultural use that should be promoted, since Enfield relies on aquifers.
She also noted that at her meeting, the potential for wind to power individual farms.
After discussing the results of the various focus group and steering committee meetings that members attended, members expressed concern that the focus groups were not as productive as they should have been for the following reasons:
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They were held in winter, when not many, especially older citizens, could attend;
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Most were not held at night, when more citizens might be available to attend;
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No follow-up is being provided
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Not enough questionnaires are being mailed to residents.
Mr. Alsbaugh noted the need to compare the new POCD with the previous plans to be sure nothing is left out.
Chairman Dynia noted that the next Steering Committee meeting will be held on 04/24/09.
Commissioner George noted that Governor Rell has put a freeze on all bonding, including some grants that have already been approved. She wondered if this would affect any open space acquisitions already being processed.
Due to the nature of this discussion, it was decided to enter executive session at this time.
Executive Session:
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Kneiss to enter executive session at 8:19 p.m. Vote was 7-0-0. Executive session ended at 8:30 p.m. No votes were taken and no decisions were made.
Unfinished Business:
ERT, Village at Scantic:
Commission members asked if the IWWA application has been extended, since the last meeting was canceled due to the weather.
Members also asked who hired the professional for the Town and why can’t the Conservation Commission members have the information and plans submitted to staff, prior to the meeting scheduled for February 17, 2009.
During further discussion, Mr. Alsbaugh explained that the information is in the file in the Planning Office, if members want to look at it. There are still some engineering concerns that have not yet been addressed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner LaPlante that all new IWWA information regarding this application, and the revised maps, be emailed to members prior to the IWWA meeting of 2/17/09. Vote was 7-0-0.
Chairman Dynia reported that he and Mr. Jaffrey met at the site with Mr. Tallarita. Mr. Tallarita had mentioned at that time that new plans would be submitted.
Open Space & Farmland Preservation:
The document is to be discussed at the Town Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Several Conservation Commission members and Mr. Alsbaugh agreed to attend in support of the document, and to answer any questions that the Council may have.
Special Projects:
Commissioner George asked if the Commission will be able to plant a tree for Arbor Day, due to the current budget restraints.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated that he is not positive, but noted that the Historic Commission anticipates being able to use their funds for tree planting. The Conservation Commission should be able to do the same and possibly the Historic Commission might be willing to help in funding tree planting, especially of it were done in the historic district. The planting would need to be done so that the trees are away from power lines.
Commissioner George noted that the Commission will need a plan in March for a proposed location from the Historic Commission.
Mr. Alsbaugh will provide a Conservation Commission budget update for members at the next meeting.
Commissioner Kneiss suggested that the Conservation Commission plant a tree on North Main Street, along the side of Town Hall, to replace a tree that fell last year.
Commissioner George agreed to research the type and price of a replacement tree.
Commissioner Kneiss left the meeting for the evening at this time, 9:02 p.m.
Earth Day:
Members discussed an email regarding a local business’s offer to sponsor Earth Day activities.
It was the consensus of the members that the idea is an excellent one, but Conservation Commission members are unable to participate due to other responsibilities.
Liaison Report – Northern CT Land Trust:
The Conservation Commission has a membership that is due to be renewed. A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to renew the membership as a sponsoring member for $50.00. Vote was 6-0-0.
Chairman Dynia reported that there will be a hike sponsored by the Northern CT Land Trust in early June, during the CT Trails weekend.
Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association:
Chairman Dynia reported that the Association met on February 9, 2009 with a representative of the Town’s Recreation Department. Based on that meeting, the Association may coordinate with the Town to advertise hikes.
The next hike is scheduled for June 6, 2009 at Powder Hollow.
The Spring Splash is set for March 28, 2009; rain/snow date is April 4, 2009.
Chairman Dynia also mentioned that he will be instructing at the upcoming fishing derby. The date is to be announced soon.
The Association is submitting applications for greenway grants for both Somers and Enfield.
There was a small cleanup gathering on the Powder Hollow Trail on Martin Luther King Day.
The Association held a hike on “Super Bowl Sunday”, February 1, 2009. It was attended by 45 people. The weather was cold, but sunny.
Next Meeting Date: March 10, 2009
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner George and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to adjourn the meeting at 9:19 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary
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