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ENFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2009

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, December 8, 2009.  The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m.

ROLL-CALL – Present were Commissioners Michael Dynia, Timothy McGuire, Joanne Kneiss, Karen LaPlante, Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, and Kathleen Vose.  Commissioners Szewczak and George were absent.  Also present was Roger Alsbaugh, Assistant Planner. Recording Secretary Jeanette Lamontagne was engaged at the Town Council meeting.

PUBLIC INPUT

 

There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Kneiss, seconded by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall to accept the minutes of the November 10, 2009 meeting.  The vote was 5-0-1, with Commissioner McGuire abstaining.

CORRESPONDENCE

 

Note from Susan Berube, former recording secretary

 

Chairman LaPlante explained this note was in thanks for the commission’s farewell gift and card.

 

Letter from State DEP re: OSWLA Grant

 

Chairman LaPlante read a letter from Allyson Clarke, Property Agent at the DEP. The letter remarked on the grant to Enfield for open space acquisition received in 2008. It went on to note acquisitions are anticipated to be completed within two years. A potential loss of the funding was mentioned if a sales agreement has not been reached with the property owners by March 31, 2010.

Notice of Public Hearing

 

Chairman LaPlante read a news clipping advertising a public hearing for the replacement of the bridge over the Scantic River at South Maple Street. The meeting will be in the Hazardville Memorial School cafeteria at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. The commission reviewed the archaeological issues connected with the area, most notably the drainage tunnel on the south side of the river and Powder Hill Road. It was decided members should attend the meeting to ask questions and to determine what if any provisions have been made to protect in-ground resources.

Communications (Commissioners & others)

Chairman LaPlante conveyed information from Rex Joffrey of the Scantic River Watershed Association regarding the SRWA’s application for an EPA Environmental Education Grant for 2010. The program the SRWA is proposing for funding is called Watching Our Watershed (WOW).

The following program summary was read into the record by Ms. LaPlante:

“Summary: The Watching Our Watershed (WOW) program’s purpose is to train volunteers to conduct biological, chemical, and physical stream assessments of the Scantic River. This program will provide a citizen science stream monitoring manual and training program for the communities in the Scantic River Watershed that will teach local citizens and conservation groups how to identify areas of environmental concern within the watershed, and survey and monitor the selected areas, and eventually incorporate the information into a database. The objective is to utilize the local community to map the physical characteristics of the watershed and use this information to promote conservation stewardship.” (It was noted that the application given to Chairman LaPlante was still in draft form, not a final version.)

The commission reviewed the grant ‘work plan’ document; they are being asked to partner with the SRWA to facilitate implementation of the project. Members agreed that this was a worthwhile project on which to partner with the SRWA. A motion was made by Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall and seconded by Commissioner Dynia to partner with the SRWA to aid in the implementation of the SRWA WOW project, and to send a letter of support to the SRWA to include as a part of their EPA Environmental Education Grant application. The vote was unanimous, 6-0-0; Commissioner Kneiss will compose the draft letter and commissioners Pfeifer-Hall and Vose will help with follow up review and editing, if necessary.

Also submitted by Chairman LaPlante was a 3-page draft of the 12/1/09 proposed final wording of the new State Statute section covering the Asian long horned beetle and the Emerald ash borer and the efforts to “suppress, control or eradicate infestations” of both. See discussion under Special Projects / Asian long horned beetle

Commissioner Pfeifer-Hall:

1.      Passed along a supply of Asian Long Horned Beetle identification cards to Mr. Dynia for the Scantic River Watershed Associations kiosk on the river.

2.      Briefly discussed the CACIWC legal class she attended at the annual meeting.

a)      Specific note was taken of a past legal case that determined Wetland Agencies can not consider wildlife in wetland permit hearings; a more recent case as allowed wildlife to be considered but only if the agency requests an inventory of wildlife and how they do or may affect the wetlands (IE frogs – they eat leaves; if there are none the leaves fill the wetlands).

b)      Commissioner conflict of interest was discussed. The seminar pointed out a member may not step down, identify himself as an expert, and testify at a hearing. Any personal knowledge a member has on a relevant subject is properly used as a member of the commission in reviewing an application. The only time a member should step down is if one has a personal interest or conflict. In that case, one can testify for or against a particular application with one’s interest clearly declared, but not as a member of the commission.

3.      Submitted a 2-page flier from the CACIWC meeting on a biodiversity inventory and recommendations for a wetlands master plan done for Provincetown, MA by Stearns &Wheler, GHD (Cazenovia, NY). Some of the issues included can be applied to the natural diversity database project and open space management project that the commission will be partnering on for Enfield.

4.      Submitted an informational article describing the new Connecticut DEP proposed revisions to the State Stream Flow Standards. The stated purpose is to better manage and balance the stream flows for all users in times of abundance and drought.

5.      Initiated a discussion on the definition of agriculture (as another subject from the seminar), noting that it should not be restricted (defined) by size. It was pointed out that many new farming or growing production is done on a surprisingly small scale – and are considered agricultural activity. Minimum acreage farm requirements are no longer representative of all legitimate agricultural activities.

6.      And lastly, passed out invasive plant information sheets, a guidelines pamphlet for Backyard Streams & Pond Buffers, and a list of plants recommended for wildlife. The last three items, the items on Asian long horn beetles & Emerald ash borers and the Stearns & Wheler flier will all be scanned and included in the ECC resource inventory.

Commissioner Kneiss discussed an article on tree identification and considered whether it will be useful for our inventory project. She went on to discuss having State Forester Chris Donnelly (Chris Donnelly, Urban Forestry Coordinator CT DEP Forestry 79 Elm Street Hartford, CT 06106 (860) 424-3178 chris.donnelly@ct.gov) speak at the January 2010 meeting; the commission asked he be placed early on the agenda should he be able to come and discuss matters. Ms. Kneiss also suggested contacting appropriate persons at Asnuntuck College, and also volunteered to contact people in the Enfield Garden Club who are interested in the inventory project. She also offered to contact Piya Hawks as he is the Town Tree Warden. The commission discussed the subject some more at which point Commissioner Dynia said he would invite Kirsten Martin the SRWA Biologist to participate in a meeting, also. Items such as inventory forms, inventory software, and hand held GPS equipment were also noted for discussion in a meeting or by subcommittee. It was noted the GPS equipment might be sought under a grant process and even shared with other agencies to save money and prevent redundancy.

Commissioner Kneiss also submitted the December 2009 issue, Volume 72, Number 10 of The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., NEWS containing an article on the Asian Longhorned beetle. The commission asked to have the document scanned and maintained as resource material.

Liaison Report – Enfield Plan of Conservation & Development/Steering Committee

Commissioner Dynia (Member, POCD Steering Committee) noted the committee last met two weeks ago from 8 to 9 AM in the morning, at which time the draft POCD was reviewed for the last time. From there it will go from the consultants (final revisions) to the PZC for a public hearing. No date has yet been set for that hearing.

Copies will also go out to other concerned agencies for deletion or addition recommendations; it’s uncertain whether there would then be another public hearing. A decision would be made jointly by the Council and the PZC. The commission asked to have a copy scanned and sent to the members when it becomes available.

The commission discussed the location in the subdivision regulations of the definition of ‘open space’. Staff was asked to verify reference within the POCD of the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Study document that was recently adopted by the Town Council. The commission would like to have the main points or issues contained in the study document re-formatted and available as discussion points for future POCD public hearings.

DISCUSSIONS

Agriculture definition

See comments under Commissioner Communications, above (Pfeifer-Hall, #5). False farming status claims were also discussed in general.

ECC Sponsorship of Safe Boating Class

 

Chairman LaPlante explained she had spoken with the DEP; their safe boating class will be held at the Fire Academy this year on the same weekend as the Scantic River Spring Splash (March 27, 2010). It is aka the ‘cold water boot camp’ and doesn’t seem to fit the needs for a certain curriculum as discussed by the commission previously. It was decided to pass along the information for the DEP class to those who might have an interest.

Preliminary discussion of goals for 2010 and beyond

 

A series of goals / subjects was considered, IE:

1.      A wildlife inventory (biodiversity database project);

2.      A tree inventory (associated with additional projects on invasive insects – Asian long horned beetles, Emerald Ash borer beetles, etc.);

3.      Update of the Source to Sea Program (who, if anyone, is overseeing it now? Check with Bill Sperrazza);

4.      Grants (IE kiosk at boat launch, re-submit for next round in spring);

5.      Next step in the OSFPS recommendations (invite Lori Longhi and Joey Bosco for January; follow-up in February with another meeting for the farmers – what are their recommendations for inclusion in program[s]?);

The subject of exempt properties on the Assessor’s website came up under these discussions. Members have noted that “no information is available” when town owned or other exempt properties are searched on property record information site. The commission asked for clarification on this matter.

The commission also asked for an update of the present status of the ECC website linked through the town website.

Chairman LaPlante went over a preliminary list of goals she created; all commission members were asked to list potential future goals for discussion and incorporation into a final list of commission goals.

Ms. LaPlante’s list is entered into the record here:

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

2010/2011 GOALS-DRAFT

  1. Identify, classify and map all town owned open space.
    1. Identify parcel, how obtained, pertinent historical use, use restrictions, value or cost at time of acquisition
    2. Classify by land type, size, future use possibilities
    3. Photograph of site
    4. Identify any immediate concern with property
    5. Document any specific natural resources existing on site
  2. Natural Resources Inventory – Scantic River Greenway
    1. Identify Natural Resources with use of GIS/GPS technology
    2. Create map identifying important features
    3. Determine what to map – historical, flora, fauna, land types, river bed location, unique features
  3. Identify and map existing farmland parcels by owner
    1. Identify current farmland parcels with owner, parcel size, (percent or area farmed & product farmed?)
    2. Create database for future farmland preservation tools
    3. Develop program based upon data obtained
  4. Training, Funding & Partnering
    1. Research existing training opportunities & schedule training sessions

1.       Natural Resource Inventory

2.       GIS/GPS technology

3.       Smart growth techniques

4.       Bring CLEAR/NEMO classes to Enfield

    1. Identify grant opportunities to further ECC 2010 Goals

1.       CL&P bi-annual Grant – Boat launch project/others

2.       DOA/DEP/EPA/NRCS grant opportunities

3.       Private groups & organizations

    1. Identify “Partner” organizations to work with towards our project goals

1.       Garden Club

2.       SRWA

  1. Website development
    1. Develop new website – more accessible
    2. Monthly website contest – best picture depicting Enfield natural resources – set guidelines
    3. Post important documents – Farmland Preservation & Open Space, and others
    4. Post volunteer opportunities- Source to Sea Cleanup, Tree Inventory, SRWA stream monitoring, open space research.
    5. Create email for public to correspond with ECC

6.   Special Projects – as they come up

a.       Mancuso Park – Farmer’s Market Facility?

1)      Obtain detailed information on Town Farm Parcel

2)      Obtain & Review park proposal “history”

3)      Make recommendations regarding future use of parcel.

4)      Identify any funding opportunities available to move project forward.

b.       Tree Inventory

1)      Research scope of project

2)      Determine scale – set goals for project

3)      Identify necessary funding, volunteer groups

c.       Boat Launch Educational Signage

1)      Northeast Utilities grant

2)      Order, permit & install message center

3)      Ongoing posting and updating of material

d.       Elm & Shaker parcel

1)      Identify possible uses & goals for the property

The next step is to combine, edit, and prioritize any potential goals. A preliminary list should be available for the next meeting for members to begin reviewing. In addition, Ms. LaPlante asked for copies of the addendums at the end of the OSFP Study document to be mailed to members.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

A motion to go into executive session to discuss real estate matters was made by Commissioner Kneiss and seconded by Commissioner Vose. The session was entered at 8:30 PM.

The commission exited executive session at 8:47 PM. No decisions were made and no votes taken.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Farmland Preservation

 

See above under 2010 goals discussions, next steps for OSFP program, at least two more public meetings inviting Lori Longhi, Joey Bosco and local farmers.

Aquifer Protection

 

Chairman LaPlante noted the latest level 'A' aquifer area has been formally designated in Enfield; the layer data will be added to our GIS as soon as the State sends the file.

Archaeological Protection

 

The Post Road / Town Farm Road improvements project was discussed. The Raber archaeological review document was reviewed and sensitive sub-surface sites are noted for protective boundary designation during construction. The commission also noted likely project drainage improvements that may impact wetlands on private properties.

Special Projects

Tree Inventory/Surveys/Asset Management

See discussion above under Commissioner Communications, Commissioner Kneiss

Asian Longhorn Beetle

Chairman LaPlante passed out copies of the proposed Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s (CAES) proposed final wording (12/1/09) for regulations concerning control and suppression of the Asian Long Horned Beetle and the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. A discussion followed; it was observed that if there is no local or state legislation regarding the control or management of such invasive species, any existing or subsequent federal mandates will rule. The commission also wants to know what, if anything remains to be done with the state legislation, and recommended contacting our legislators (Kissel and Tallarita). A motion was made by Commissioner Kneiss, seconded by Commissioner McGuire, to send a letter to the CAES in support of the amendment to the statute. The vote was 6-0-0.

Chairman LaPlante raised the question of writing a press release to remind people to check where purchased wood is coming from. Commissioner Kneiss suggested this be placed on the Town’s website. Mr. Alsbaugh suggested Commissioner Kneiss could approach Henry Dutcher to do a TV spot on this topic.  Commissioner Kneiss agreed this is a very good option and noted she could ask someone from the State to do this.

Staff Liaison Report

Any reporting is included under various sections and comments / footnotes

Liaison Report – Northern CT Land Trust

There was no discussion on this item.

Liaison Report – Scantic River Watershed Association

 

Commissioner Dynia stated the Association has received the Recreational Trails Grant.

Mr. Dynia also noted a recently held hike that was well attended.

There has also been progress installing benches along the greenway.

In addition, it appears the Town is ready to meet with the Grange to transfer the Grange property back to the Town, handle any outstanding tax liabilities, and then enter into an agreement with the Watershed Association. Upon completion of any agreement, the Grange members will be able to keep using the hall for any of their regular Grange functions or required Grange activities.

The next Conservation Commission meeting date is January 12, 2010.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Kneiss made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Dynia to adjourn the meeting.  The vote was 6-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 9:41 p.m.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted, 

                                                                        ______________________________

                                                                        Gretchen Pfeifer-Hall, Secretary