Essex Conservation Commission

MINUTES

*Portions of this recorded meeting were lost due to a tape/equipment malfunction.

1. Call to Order

The Essex Conservation Commission conducted their regularly scheduled meeting on November 8, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Selectman's Office, Essex Town Hall. Chairperson Kay Tucker called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Members in attendance were: Douglas Demarest, MaryAnn Pleva, Goody LeLash and Richard Helmecki. Two guests in attendance included Dennis Robida and Pam Bernadini.

2. Review and Approve Minutes of October 2007 Meeting

Ms. Tucker noted item #6 under correspondence which was a letter from Carla Feroni, Chair of the Essex Planning Commission. Ms. Tucker clarified that there was a letter sent from Ms. Tucker to Ms. Feroni designating Mr. Douglas Demarest as the Planning Commission representative on the newly created Planning Subcommittee for the Study of Ivoryton Center.

Mr. Demarest commented on the portion of the Minutes which stated; Mr. Demarest indicated that he would like to look at all of the easements within the Town. Mr. Demarest clarified that he personally will not undertake this task.

Ms. Tucker noted that it has been a task of the Conservation Commission to compile a professional inventory of all of the easements.

Ms. Pleva noted under section C, third paragraph; there was a mention of the monitoring of well water and Ms. Pleva wished to have clarified that she did not intend the Minutes to reflect that the Conservation Commission will monitor the use of well water.

Mr. Helmecki noted under Old Business: There was a reference to an invoice for a chain at a cost of $45.88. Mr. Helmecki stated that it should be noted that this cost included the hardware as well as the chain.

Ms. LeLash noted page two, the spelling of the word phragmaties.

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Conservation Commission
November 8, 2007

Motion made by MaryAnn Pleva to approve the October 2007 meeting Minutes.

Motion seconded by Doug Demarest and passed unanimously.

3. Old Business
a. Habitat Management Workshop Report

Doug Demarest indicated that one of the topics discussed at this workshop was how do other Town's manage their public open spaces, including the definition of the boundaries. Mr. Demarest noted that GPS is largely relied upon and he suggested the Commission look at the boundaries of Viney Brook and see how they check out with GPS.

Ms. Pleva commented on the invasive plants topic of the workshop and Ms. Pleva noted that there was an extensive discussion on how to dispose of these plants.

Ms. Tucker noted that the Commission might wish to invest in a weed wrench.

Ms. Tucker indicated that a Management Plan Outline was distributed at the Habitat Management Workshop and participants were asked for an introduction to include the size, the site, and the number of acres along with the purpose of the preserve, the natural characteristics, the geology and soils, the natural habitats, the wildlife, the plants, cultural resources, existing activities and special management problems. Ms. Tucker stated that participants were encouraged to begin the process by having an overview of the property. Ms. Tucker asked the members to return and refer to this study that was done for the Conservation Commission by an environmentalist. Ms. Tucker suggested that the different parts of the preserve be studied to include the nesting area of the Turtle Trail. At the workshop, it was noted that forestry and ecology students are required to do internships and perhaps these students might serve as volunteers to conduct a study of the preserve.

b. Trail Reports and Projects
1. Bushy Hill Preserve

Mr. Helmecki indicated that he raised the timbers on the water diverters.

Mr. Helmecki stated that he had some changes for the new map on Bushy Hill Preserve. Trail #1 is Easy Walk and Trail #2 is Steep Walk. Mr. Helmecki stated that there are currently no maps available at Bushy Hill and Mr. Helmecki suggested that copies be made for distribution of the map on hand.

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Conservation Commission
November 8, 2007

2. Canfield Woods

3. Viney Hill

c. Mission Statement and Goals

Ms. Pleva distributed the rules and responsibilities of local land use officials published by the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Service. Ms. Pleva specifically copied those sections dealing with Conservation Commissions in order to assist the members with the determination of the mission statement. Ms. Pleva also reviewed the Town of Essex annual report. Ms. Pleva obtained a copy of the open space plan through the Essex Building Department. Ms. Pleva created a draft which included a mission statement. A brief discussion among the Commission members ensued. Ms. Pleva asked Commission members to read over the information distributed and discussed this evening and to plan on revisiting this discussion at an upcoming meeting at which time members will discuss redefining those goals of the Conservation Commission.

Ms. Pleva inquired about the finished GIS maps Ms. Arnold has been working on. Ms. Tucker stated that Ms. Arnold has completed the map and it can be accessed on the Town Website. Ms. Tucker will ask Ms. Arnold to present at the December 2007 Conservation Commission meeting.

d. Other

Ms. Pleva stated that the replacement of trees within Town was discussed at the October 2007 meeting. Ms. LeLash will check that status with the Tree Commission.

4. New Business
a. Review and Approve 2008 Schedule of Meetings

Motion made by Doug Demarest to approve the 2008 schedule of meetings.

Motion seconded by Goody LeLash and passed unanimously

c. Other

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Conservation Commission
November 8, 2007

Ms. Tucker introduced Pam Bernadini who was in the audience. Ms. Bernadini has been appointed as a Conservation Commission member.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007, CRERPA will conduct a discussion on protected lands and potential vacant properties for the lower eight gateway towns. Ms. Tucker will attend this discussion and she suggested that members who are interested in attending this discussion meet at 5:30 at Pizza Works in Old Saybrook. The CRERPA meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

5. IWWC Liaison Report

6. Correspondence

Ms. Tucker reminded members of a few items she would like to discuss at the December 2007 meeting: Look over the Conservation Commission goals and mission statements; find the ECOS booklet; meet at the trail head at Bushy Hill on Sunday November 18, 2007 at 10 a.m.; meet at Pizza Works for the CRERPA meeting on November 14, 2007 at 5:30 p.m.; Ms. Tucker will contact Wendy Arnold and request that Ms. Arnold be available to attend the December 2007 meeting.

7. Adjournment

Motion made by Doug Demarest to adjourn.

Motion seconded by Goody LeLash and passed unanimously.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Essex Conservation Commission adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Stella C. Beaudoin
Recording Secretary

Record of the Vote

The Essex Conservation Commission conducted their regularly scheduled meeting on November 8, 200 at 7:30 p.m. in the First Selectman's Office, Essex Town Hall. Chairperson Kay Tucker called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Members in attendance were: Douglas Demarest, MaryAnn Pleva, Goody LeLash and Richard Helmecki.

Motion made by MaryAnn Pleva to approve as amended the October 2007 meeting Minutes.

Motion seconded by Doug Demarest and passed unanimously.

Motion made by Doug Demarest to approve the 2008 schedule of meetings.

Motion seconded by Goody LeLash and passed unanimously

Motion made by Doug Demarest to adjourn.

Motion seconded by Goody LeLash and passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Stella C. Beaudoin
Recording Secretary

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