REGULAR MEETING
ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, July 14, 2009
A regular meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was held on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 in the Enfield Room, Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut. Chairman Michael Dynia called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dynia, Chairman
Natalie George
Karen LaPlante,
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Kathleen Vose
Richard Szewczak
MEMBERS ABSENT: Joanne Kneiss, Alternate Member
Tim McGuire
ALSO PRESENT: Roger Alsbaugh, Staff Liaison
Susan Berube, Recording Secretary
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dynia at 7:04 p.m.
Public Input:
No members of the public were present.
Approval of Meeting Minutes: June 9, 2009
A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Vose to approve the minutes of the meeting of June 9, 2009 with one correction: page 1, last paragraph, remove “launce” and insert “launch”. Vote was 6-0-0.
Correspondence:
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall provided an article from the 06/16/09 issue of the Journal Inquirer regarding the moving of tiger beetles from a location on Ellington Road in South Windsor to a new location. She asked that the article be kept for future reference.
Also received was the summer, 2009 issue of The Habitat.
Mr. Alsbaugh briefly reviewed an email received regarding hoop houses and whether or not they are considered permanent structures in local towns. The email noted the importance of this type of building to agricultural uses.
Members held brief discussion on various Planning & Zoning issues in relation to hoop houses and accessory structures. The Planning and Zoning Commission will be discussing the issue of accessory structures in the near future. It was the consensus of the members that Mr. Alsbaugh keeps the Commission informed on Planning & Zoning comments regarding this issue so that the ECC can provide input regarding agricultural use of hoop house structures.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall received an email from Attorney Amy Blaymore Patterson of the Trust for Public Land. Ms. Patterson would like to come to the Commission’s September, 2009 meeting to discuss a possible conservation easement on CT Water Company land as well as other items of interest to the Commission. It was the consensus of the Commission to invite Ms. Patterson to the September, 2009 ECC meeting.
Discussions:
· CL&P Greater Springfield Reliability Project – Review of Council Intervener Packet:
Commissioners briefly discussed the letter drafted by Mr. Alsbaugh on behalf of the Commission, dated 07/02/09 from the ECC to Mayor Kaupin regarding the Commission’s observations and comments on the Connecticut portion of the Massachusetts Southern Route Alternative proposed by the CT Siting Council.
Commissioner George stated that she is in support of the letter and requested that the record reflect that her comments noted in the minutes of the meeting of June 9, 2009 were not intended in the way they were stated. She had meant that the overhead lines were preferable to the option of lines running under Brainard Road or in a totally new area but she does not feel that either proposal is to Enfield’s advantage. She was not approving any aspect of the alternative route and concurs with the Town Council that the North route is preferable.
The underground route is unacceptable to her and the overhead route, within its’ current right of way is the lesser of two evils, but not supported.
· Enfield Plan of Conservation and Development(POCD)/Steering Committee:
Chairman Dynia stated that he was out of town on the date of the POCD’s last meeting, June 30, 2009 and he has not yet received the minutes of that meeting. He did note that he received a call from the company that is working on the POCD regarding the Scantic River Watershed’s activities.
Mr. Alsbaugh reported that the Committee hopes to have a final draft by the end of July, 2009.
He also noted that he is working by phone with the company’s representative, Ms. Hernandez-Balzac, to discuss open space, Historic District Commission, and other items.
Commissioners briefly held discussion regarding possible future development of the land along the Connecticut River in Thompsonville. It was the consensus of the commissioners that this area remains as open space, as reflected in the current and past Plans of Conservation & Development. It is the residents’ only access to the Connecticut River.
· Other
Commissioner LaPlante asked why two separate public hearings are being held on The Villages application through Planning & Zoning.
Mr. Alsbaugh explained that two hearings are required for open space subdivisions; one is for a special use permit and the other is for the actual subdivision.
Commissioner LaPlante asked when the ECC’s comments should come in – during the 1st or second public hearing. The ECC will need to formulate comments to submit to P&Z. She noted that the Commission’s previous comments were directed to the IWWA and did not include zoning issues.
Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall noted that the IWWA changed the configuration of the subdivision, removing the open space area along the escarpment slopes.
Mr. Alsbaugh asked that Commission members provide comments to him by July 17, 2009, if possible, so that they can be included in the P&Z members’ packets.
Commission members stated that their concerns were the escarpments and the lack of upland open space for access to the river.
Mr. Alsbaugh will provide a copy of the final plans approved by the IWWA.
Members also discussed the Spazzarini project on Powder Hill Road. At this time it doesn’t seem to be a viable project with the current number of proposed lots. If the proposal returns to the ECC for comment, commissioners will have the opportunity for further comments, especially since the Connecticut Water Company’s well in that area is now being pumped at full capacity.
Commissioner George reported that she reviewed the permit renewal application for Hazardville Water Company. She stated that the company currently pumps 2.4 million gallons per day and includes the Brady Well aquifer.
She found the permit application to be very complete.
The company is in the process of replacing their older pipes.
The renewal application is for pumping 2.4 million gallons per day, for a period of 10 years. She stated that she sees no reason to question the data or challenge the documents included in the application.
Executive Session: Real Estate Matters
A motion was made by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner George to enter into executive session at 8:07 p.m. to discuss real estate matters. Vote was 6-0-0.
Executive session ended at 8:46 p.m. No votes were taken and no decisions were made.
Unfinished Business:
· Archaeological Protection:
Mr. Alsbaugh reported that he is working with the Cemetery Association in the preservation of the Shaker Monuments. They are made of marble and are disintegrating. Options to preserve or protect the monument were discussed.
· Special Projects:
Commissioner George reported that students from the town’s two high schools are priming and painting the pump station at the boat launch area. The building is primed and the 1st coat of paint has been applied.
Liaison Report – Northern CT Land Trust:
Chairman Dynia again noted that the Trust held a successful hike in June.
Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association:
The Association also held a successful hike in June and a canoe trip was held the following week. The 10-mile canoe trip had approximately 30 boats and was enjoyed by those who participated.
Chairman Dynia thanked Commissioner LaPlante for her help at the Association’s tent at the recent Fourth of July celebration. The Association is holding a “name the turtle” contest, which was a big success at the celebration. A winning name has not yet been chosen.
The Association is holding a “full moon paddle” on September 4, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Alsbaugh noted that some members of the Town Council would like the Association to take ownership of the Grange building.
Chairman Dynia stated that some members of the Association and the Northern CT Land Trust would prefer not to have ownership, but would be in favor of a 99 year lease. Others prefer ownership. There is not a consensus at this time.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated that he was told that the Trust is not interested in ownership but would be willing to help the Watershed Association with maintenance expenses and obtain grants.
Next Meeting Date: September 8, 2009
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner LaPlante and seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 p.m. Vote was 6-0-0.
Respectfully Submitted,
________________________________
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary
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