ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010
A Regular Meeting of the Enfield Conservation Commission was called to order by Chairman LaPlante in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.
ROLL-CALL – Present were Commissioners Michael Dynia, Natalie George, Joanne Kneiss, Karen LaPlante, Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, and Kathleen Vose. Commissioner Timothy McGuire entered at 7:10 p.m. Commissioner Richard Szewczak was absent. Also present was Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Planner.
Guests present included Alexandra Bozzuto and Nancy Witzke from the Enfield Garden Club and William Searle, Professor from the Asnuntuck Community College.
PUBLIC INPUT
There were no public comments
A motion was made by Commissioner George, seconded by Commissioner Dynia to adjust the agenda to discuss “Tree Inventory & Associated Topics”.
Tree Inventory & Associated Topics
Present for this discussion was Chris Donnelly, Urban Forestry Coordinator for the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.
Mr. Donnelly stated much is going on with the assessment and analysis of urban trees. He noted he administers the America the Beautiful grant program, which Enfield has applied for and received at various times in the past. He stated he’s also involved in the outreach side of things.
He reviewed a program that was put together by the Meskwaka Tree Project. He noted this is a program done through the cooperative extension, which is run from the UCONN West Hartford campus. He explained this is a three-day workshop and goes into a lot of detail. He pointed out there is no cost to this program, which is funded by federal funds.
Mr. Donnelly stated when he refers to urban forestry, he’s referring to public and private forests. He then reviewed the management program of an urban forest. He stated they would start with the inventory, which will establish a base line. He noted in an inventory, each item is specifically counted, and a survey would be based only on a sample. He stated data points in an inventory are tied back to a real tree vs. a sample is representative of a whole, and they wouldn’t necessarily be referring to any individual tree.
He stated a “windshield survey” is the simplest type of survey whereby they drive around and make observations. He noted partial surveys would be of a specific area, and a 100% inventory involves everything. He stated there are software approaches which make it possible to continuously update the inventory.
Mr. Donnelly distributed a spreadsheet which shows a basic inventory sheet and shows what type of information is typically captured, i.e., type, size, location, condition of trees.
Mr. Alsbaugh questioned whether there’s any statute requiring towns to innumerate their street trees to be declared as part of their assets. Mr. Donnelly responded he’s not familiar with anything like that.
Commissioner George stated perhaps this related to when the State came in to widen streets and take down all the street trees, and there was concern about losing the value of those trees to the community. She noted perhaps there was some basis in that in attempting to establish an inventory. Mr. Donnelly stated the professionals in the field have developed a valuation methodology for trees, however, it has never been established in Connecticut’s legal system as a basis for valuating a tree. He noted at this point, Connecticut accepts only two means of valuating a tree – the timber value and how it effects property value. He pointed out the whole method of valuation is actually in the tree ordinance statute.
Mr. Donnelly stated a good thing about a tree inventory is that it can be tied into a geographic information system (GIS).
Chairman LaPlante questioned whether communities actually tag trees, and Mr. Donnelly responded some communities do this, i.e., New Haven.
Commissioner George questioned the definition of a “street” tree. Mr. Donnelly noted State Statute 2359 states the Tree Warden has care and control of all trees that are in the public right-of-way in whole or in part. He stated State Statute 2360 talks about the ability of towns to plant in a setback area, which is ten feet out of the public right-of-way, and the town would be responsible for taking care of those trees.
Chairman LaPlante questioned whether the Town of Milford inventoried all the trees on town and state roads. Mr. Donnelly stated Milford inventoried the state roads as well. He noted the rules are different for the state, whereby the state isn’t required to post trees for removal.
Mr. Donnelly then referred to a sample inventory plan. He noted an inventory plan would be based on strategic thinking, establishment of goals, definition of objectives to achieve those goals, and a determination of steps needed to meet objectives and goals.
Mr. Donnelly referred to other concepts related to inventories and noted a community could set up a training program and pull together volunteers. He noted volunteer-based inventories can work and produce accurate information. He stated consultant-based inventories can be done as well. He noted hand-helds and GPS have become a big part of doing inventories.
Commissioner George pointed out hand-helds and GPS are expensive.
Mr. Donnelly stated the big problem with inventories, in general, is that the people who have done inventories have not done a great job in terms of putting them to use. He noted it’s a great process to go through in the creation of the inventory and being able to look at the information. He stated they have a lot of good information, but it doesn’t move forward.
He then spoke about the i-Tree Tools. He explained this is a software suite that’s been developed by the Forest Service. He noted it’s all free on a CD. He stated this would provide a couple tools that would be very pertinent in a tree inventory. He noted this would allow for analysis based on information that’s been provided, i.e., how much are trees removing pollution from the air, how much are they reducing storm water, etc.
Mr. Donnelly stated a new direction with inventories involves aerial photography and doing analysis based on that photography.
Mr. Alsbaugh questioned whether the i-Tree tool takes into consideration the health of the trees, and Mr. Donnelly responded yes and explained there are two different approaches to doing an inventory. He noted one is the urban tree canopy type studies which are based on aerial photography, and that’s very helpful in figuring out canopy cover, however, it doesn’t tell much about individual trees. He stated the other inventory would be taken from the ground up, and a lot of specific information is gathered on individual trees.
Mr. Donnelly stated i-Tree hydro would assess how much trees can reduce storm flow.
Chairman LaPlante questioned whether there’s a distinction between a bush and a tree, and Mr. Donnelly stated there are various efforts to define that and generally, if it’s a plant with a single stem more than 15 feet tall, it’s considered a tree.
Chairman LaPlante questioned whether Milford inventoried just their street trees, or did they inventory all public trees. Mr. Donnelly stated his belief they probably did only street trees with a couple forays into public trees. He noted Milford is a good example in terms of what’s the value of an inventory. He pointed out Milford worked hard for three years to collect their information. He noted they gave the data to the Public Works Department, the Mayor and everyone interested in that data. He stated except for that, not much came of it, and that was ten years ago. He pointed out Milford Trees, Inc. is still very active. He noted yesterday, he spoke with the former chair and learned they started a tree nursery and took delivery of $7,000 worth of trees that were gifted to them from a local nursery because they’re very active in terms of planting trees around that town. He stated they never really made use of the inventory, but that was the experience that became the springboard to the creation of the Milford Tree Commission.
Commissioner Kneiss stated the Garden Club is working on a project at the Barnes Boat Launch, and several trees in that area need to be looked at and decided whether they should be taken down. She stated her belief this may be a good location to start an inventory. She went on to question whether Norwich did a tree inventory. Mr. Donnelly responded they did begin talking about this, however, there has not been a consistent effort. He noted the Garden Club of Norwich became very interested this past year because Norwich and Torrington were chosen as two focus communities in a search for Asian Longhorned Beetles. He stated a fairly intensive survey was done in a couple neighborhoods where they looked for susceptible trees and found no signs of the beetle.
Chairman LaPlante questioned whether this beetle has been found in Connecticut yet, and Mr. Donnelly responded no, it has not been found in Connecticut.
Mr. Donnelly stated if there is to be an inventory at the Barnes Boat Launch, he and his colleagues would be happy to help with training, etc. to get started. He noted they should also consider the grant program, i.e., if they needed equipment to do a GPS-based inventory.
Chairman LaPlante questioned how many licensed arborists are there in Connecticut. Mr. Donnelly responded roughly 900. Chairman LaPlante questioned whether a listing of arborists is available on the internet. Mr. Donnelly stated information can be found on the Connecticut Tree Protection Association website, and their website is www.ctpa.org. He noted there is a directory of arborists on that website, and it’s sorted by town or zip code. He went on to note there’s a more official full list located on a commercial site that DEP uses, and that website is www.kellysolutions.com/ct.
Mr. Alsbaugh questioned whether Mr. Donnelly recommends coordinating with the Meskwaka Tree Project for training volunteers. Mr. Donnelly responded yes, and noted Meskwaka has programs in June. He noted most of the good tree programs in Connecticut have had a core group go to Meskwaka for training.
Discussion followed regarding the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
Mr. Donnelly stated Worcester, Mass. was able to get a lot of money through the stimulus package, and they’re hiring 40 seasonals to replant trees in that town. He noted there have not been any finds in Connecticut. He went on to note he’s not sure if regulations have been passed as yet. He explained without State regulations, should this beetle be found anywhere in Connecticut, they would only have the authority to quarantine the whole state whereby nothing could leave Connecticut that is of a susceptible species. He noted this would be very draconian. He pointed out if State regulations are in place, they’d be able to isolate where the quarantine is.
Councilman Kneiss stated an inventory takes a lot of work, and if people don’t have an ultimate use for it in the end, it might be difficult to get people to volunteer. She stated her belief they need to have a discussion about what values can be gained from doing an inventory.
Mr. Alsbaugh noted this could be placed on the next agenda for discussion. He agreed they need to have reasons to justify using volunteers, resources and time for an inventory.
Councilman Kneiss questioned Mr. Searles’s thoughts on this. Mr. Searles stated students have a concern about their environment. He stated his belief it would be easy to recruit students to volunteer if this was a focused inventory with some clear benefit. He added this would also be a good science project for sixth grade students.
Mr. Alsbaugh questioned whether they would need to get access to speak with Asnuntuck professors in an effort to coordinate with terms and classes. Mr. Searles stated it would be best to have a clear focus and clear benefit outcome of a survey.
Chairman LaPlante questioned if the State has a database of large trees. Mr. Donnelly stated there is a group that keeps track of those trees.
Commissioner Vose questioned the status regarding the disease on hemlocks. Mr. Donnelly stated the cold weather plays a part in knocking back this disease.
Commissioner Kneiss questioned if there’s some brief training the Commission could get regarding tree identification. Mr. Donnelly responded he could provide more information.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
Commissioner George pointed out she was not present at the last meeting although the minutes state she made the motion to adjourn.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kneiss, seconded by Commissioner Vose to accept the minutes of the December 8, 2009 meeting.
Chairman LaPlante referred to Page 2 of the minutes and noted Commissioner Kneiss was going to draft a letter regarding the Asian Longhorned Beetle State statute. Mr. Alsbaugh noted that letter went out.
The minutes were approved 6-0-1, with Commissioner George abstaining.
Enfield Plan of Conservation & Development
Chairman LaPlante questioned when the public hearing is to take place. Mr. Alsbaugh stated a public hearing date hasn’t been scheduled.
Chairman LaPlante questioned where drafts of the POCD are supposed to be available. Commissioner Dynia stated his understanding they’re supposed to be available at the library and on-line.
Mr. Alsbaugh indicated he’d try to make hard copies of the POCD and the new executive summary for Commission members’ packets.
Chairman LaPlante stated her understanding there will be a joint session of the Town Council and Planning & Zoning for the public hearing. She noted this will be the last opportunity for the Commission to submit its comments, therefore, the Conservation Commission may have to call a special meeting to gather its comments concerning the POCD. She noted they also need to spread the word to the public that the POCD is a guidance tool for the future, therefore, if certain items are included in the POCD, there’s nothing to say Zoning isn’t going to follow that when they make their decisions on future development.
Commissioner Kneiss suggested sending a copy of the POCD to William Searles since he is interested in this topic.
Continuing Discussion of Goals for 2010 and Beyond
Chairman LaPlante stated she, Commissioner Kneiss and Mr. Alsbaugh formulated some ideas. She noted she would like to break down this list so something can be accomplished.
Commissioner George indicated she’d like to work on the farmland goal. Mr. Alsbaugh suggested perhaps Commissioner George could put together a plan, and maybe they can assign that plan to student volunteers.
Mr. Alsbaugh offered to pull out the top six goals they’ve been talking about.
Commissioner Kneiss stated they invited the farmers to a meeting in the past and asked some questions. She stated her belief they need to ask the same questions again because a year has gone by. She noted she would like to know if the farmers gained anything from the last meeting.
It was agreed to invite the farmers to the March meeting.
Commissioner McGuire stated he has a couple ideas regarding farmland preservation. He noted all the farms have a product, and perhaps there’s some way to tie them into Town events. Commissioner George suggested erecting a big farmer’s tent and ask the farmers to bring some of their products.
Mr. Alsbaugh suggested Commissioner McGuire work up his list of ideas, e-mail those to him, and he will print them out so they can have it for their meeting.
Commissioner McGuire stated farmers need help economically, and they should look at what can be done to help all of them.
It was agreed this will be a February agenda item.
A motion was made by Commissioner Kneiss, seconded by Commissioner Dynia to go into Executive Session to discuss real estate matters. The vote was unanimous, and the meeting stood recessed at 9:10 p.m.
Chairman LaPlante stated real estate matters were discussed in Executive Session, and no votes or action were taken. She reconvened the Regular Meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Correspondence
Mr. Alsbaugh stated all documents that members passed in at the last meeting have been scanned and are in the resource folder and available whenever needed.
Commissioner Kneiss suggested sending a letter of appreciation to Chris Donnelly.
There was a brief discussion about the South Maple Street bridge design.
Commissioner Dynia stated the Hartford Courant had an article about the Conservation Commission in Glastonbury proposing new regulations which would expand the commissions review area. Discussion followed regarding the buffer zone in wetland areas.
Unfinished Business
Subdivision/Development Referrals from Planning & Zoning Commission-South Road Project
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the first Inland/Wetlands public hearing is scheduled for February19th.
Chairman LaPlante questioned whether there are any utilities under Barrett Road, which is to be abandoned. Mr. Alsbaugh stated it’s being requested the Town abandon Barrett Road so they can maintain a right-of-way through that area for utilities.
Commissioner George stated she sent several questions to Mr. Alsbaugh. She noted she was interested in the relationship between the residential and the commercial as concerns responsibility for maintenance of the site. She stated another questioned related to the expansion and retraction between all of the mats and blacktop. She noted there would be a definite problem if those mats were not anchored.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated currently, the fire department isn’t having anything to do with running emergency vehicles through a parking lot to get to residential structures.
Chairman LaPlante questioned if the Commission can get a set of plans for review. Mr. Alsbaugh responded there are plans in the wetlands file.
Commissioner George questioned the viability of the project if emergency vehicles don’t have proper access.
Mr. Alsbaugh noted in the residential section alone, there are a few buildings within five or ten feet of the flagged wetland areas. He noted there’s already a preliminary opinion by a few professionals that the number and location of buildings is perhaps unrealistic.
Chairman LaPlante stated two public hearings are scheduled before the next meeting of the Conservation Commission. She questioned whether members wish to have a special meeting to discuss these plans and formulate some comments, or shall a couple members review the plans, formulate some comments and e-mail the rest of the Commission.
Commissioner George stated she has a lot of questions about some of the materials being mixed on this site.
Chairman LaPlante will call Jose Giner tomorrow to request copies for review.
Chairman LaPlante suggested a Conservation Commission member attend the first public hearing.
Open Space Acquisition
There was no discussion on this item.
Farmland Preservation
This item was discussed earlier.
Aquifer Protection
Chairman LaPlante stated there’s a new zone in the north end. She noted this can be found on the state map on the DEP website.
Archaeological Protection
Mr. Alsbaugh stated the Conservation and Historic Commissions are hosting the Connecticut Trust Barn Survey workshop on March 31st. He noted they’ll be hosting five towns.
Chairman LaPlante questioned who can attend this workshop, and was told anyone can attend this.
Mr. Alsbaugh stated Todd Levine is sending out the invitations, and he’s planning for between 40 and 50 people. He noted press releases will go out, and the meeting will be recorded and broadcast on E-TV. Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall suggested they also do an ad on E-TV to inform people about this upcoming workshop.
Special Projects
Commissioner George stated Arbor Day is coming up. She suggested for the next meeting Commissioners can bring in some ideas as to where they could appropriately plant a tree. She noted they can start trying to get a little more information out in the press to generate some tree planting.
Regarding the website they’ve been working on, Chairman LaPlante noted they discussed actually having a list similar to the Q-notification system so that people can sign up for Conservation Commission minutes.
Staff Liaison Report
No items were raised.
Liaison Report – Enfield Plan of Conservation & Development/Steering Committee
Chairman LaPlante stated this will be handled in a special meeting.
Liaison Report – Northern CT Land Trust
Commissioner Dynia stated they had a New Year’s Day hike. Chairman LaPlante stated the Northern CT Land Trust is having a program on coyotes in Connecticut.
Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association
Commissioner Dynia stated they had a meeting last night, and they’re having their annual Superbowl hike on Bailey Road on February 7th. He noted they’ll send out a press release for that hike. He stated there’s a bushwhacking hike planned on February 24th in East Windsor. He noted two races are planned for March 27th. He stated the duck race is off for the Spring Splash. He went on to note they’re putting in for a greenway designation for East Windsor from the Enfield line to South Windsor line.
Chairman LaPlante questioned when they’ll hear from the EPA concerning the program that Kirsten applied for, and Commissioner Dynia stated she heard they received it, but it will be awhile.
Chairman LaPlante stated the next official meeting date is scheduled for February 9, 2010. She noted there may be a notice for a special meeting.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Vose, seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to adjourn. The vote was unanimous, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall
Secretary |