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Essex
Conservation Commission MINUTES The Essex Conservation Commission conducted the regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 13, 2007 in Room A of the Essex Town Hall. Those members in attendance were Chair, Kay Tucker, MaryAnn Pleva, Doug Demarest and Rich Helmecki. Bob Graulich arrived at 7:36 p.m. 1. Call to order Ms. Tucker called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Ms. Tucker asked to have the following amendments to the August Minutes:
Motion made by Doug Demarest to approve the August 2007 meeting Minutes, as amended. Motion seconded by MaryAnn Pleva and passed unanimously.
a. Discuss and Recommend Type of Evergreen Tree Buffer for Clapp Subdivision In
a telephone discussion which took place between Ms. Tucker and Marian
Staye, the Essex Zoning Enforcement Officer, Ms. Staye suggested that
Ms. Tucker and the Conservation Commission make recommendations to Ms.
Staye concerning the type of tree buffer the Commission would like to see in this location. Ms. Tucker contacted August Pampel, the Essex Tree Warden who suggested Douglas firs as well as a balsam fur species of trees. It was determined that these trees should be placed on the owner's property and maintained as a buffer. Ms. Tucker asked if any of the Commission members had an opportunity to look into other species of trees that would serve as a buffer. Mr. Demarest spoke with Riggio's and they suggested the planting of white pine trees. Riggio's indicated that trees such as fir or hemlock or arborvitae will be eaten by the deer. Pine is the only tree that is deer tolerant. Mr. Graulich suggested the Leyland Spruce which is a hearty variety that grows quickly. This tree will grow 8-12 feet around and 21-35 feet high. Mr. Demarest commented on a line of trees which protect the Colonial Market from the adjoining property. Mr. Demarest noted that if you stand in front of Riggio's, these trees may be seen if you look across the street and to the left. Mr. Demarest suggested that the Commission take a look at these trees along with the Leyland Spruce species. Ms. Tucker noted that because of the slope of the land, the area requires a tree which would grow quite high. Ms. Tucker stated that she will contact Ms. Staye and suggest the Leyland spruce intermixed with balsam species of trees, Douglas fir and white pine or any other deer resistant variety that will offer maximum coverage and good foliage.
On September 1, 2007 the Conservation Commission conducted a site walk from Pond Meadow Road north through the Platt property. Mr. Demarest noted that the property was beautiful and in good shape and the river was dry. Mr. Helmecki stated that there is a connection to Bushy Hill Road from this property. Ms. Tucker indicated that without a compass, and keeping the sun on their right shoulders, there appeared to be a natural route just to the hill that led down to the old logging trail on Bushy Hill Preserve. Ms. Tucker noted that during the Platt property site walk, she noticed that there was very little underbrush. Ms. Tucker indicated that the Commission should urge people to turn out for the Town meeting which will address the purchase of this property as it would be a worthwhile piece of acreage for the Town to purchase. Page
3 c. Discuss Maintenance of Preserve Mr. Graulich reported on Viney Hill. Mr. Graulich noted that although there has been a lack of manpower, the area is not in bad shape. Mr. Helmecki has done work on the Red Trail and Observation Rock. Mr. Graulich stated that the parking area, the fence and the Orange Trail was overgrown and that he and Mr. Helmecki has worked to clear the area. They cleared the parking area and all the overgrowth past Dennis Robida's house and toward the meadow. The Blue Trail has been totally cleared and half of the Orange Trail has been cleared along with the first section of the Red Trail. Mr. Graulich indicated that the Blue Trail has been re-marked as well. Mr. Graulich indicated that those areas left to clear are the Turtle Trail (Red Trail) and the trail to Observation Rock. Signs also need to be added to that area. The Old Quarry Trail (Yellow Trail) needs additional signage. The Broadwalk Trail (Orange Trail) needs to be cleared by way of weed-whacking. The Upland Woods Trail (White Trail) needs to have arrow signs and trail markers in place. The Green Trail needs to be marked with flags, blazed and trail marked. Mr. Helmecki reported on Bushy Hill. Mr. Helmecki stated that he has done some work in that area with Carl Kaufmann relocating and re-anchoring the two Boy Scout bridges that were washed away last spring. They utilized five tons of stone and put in two additional water diversions and laid-out the stone with Mr. Kaufmann's backhoe and filled in a large gulley. Once the trails are marked, Mr. Helmecki will arrange to have the map of the area re-created. Ms. Tucker asked for the expenditures for the rock, stone, etc. Mr. Helmecki noted that the stone was $120. The timber and wood chips were left remaining from the last job, so Mr. Helmecki utilized those materials. Mr. Kaufmann will submit a bill to the Commission. Ms. Pleva reported on Canfield Woods. Ms. Pleva commented on an article in the paper which commended the Commission for working with the Land Trusts of Deep River and Essex. This group is working together to colorize the trails on a map.
Goody LeLash is looking for another surveyor. Mr. Helmecki has left voice mail messages for Don Carlson, LS, however Mr. Carlson has not returned his calls. The Commission would like a survey on Viney Hill Park and Oak Ledge Drive into Bushy Hill.
a.
Assign Liaison to Economic Development Commission for Ivoryton Center
Mr. Demarest volunteered to represent the Conservation Commission on this subcommittee. Mr. Demarest stated that he is very interested in the development of Ivoryton and he currently serves on the Historical Society Historic Preservation Committee. The Commission members were unanimous to endorse Mr. Demarest's request to serve as the liaison to this subcommittee. Ms. Tucker stated that she would be willing to serve as a back up if Mr. Demarest was unable to attend a meeting. b. Discuss Possible Eagle Scout Project Ms. Tucker stated that Mrs. Phyllis Pagano of Bushy Hill Road indicated that her son Anthony will be an Eagle Scout next year and he is looking for some projects. Mr. Helmecki stated that the trail around Viney Hill Brook may be in need for some foot bridges. Mr. Helmecki also commented on Viney Hill Brook across from the power lines which need to be cleaned up. It has been utilized as a dump site. Ms. Tucker suggested that a little kiosk will need to be built at Dennison and Book Hill Woods Road in conjunction with Canfield Woods.
Ms. Tucker stated that she is unable to attend the regularly scheduled meeting of October 11, 2007. The Commission members agreed to conduct the October 11, 2007 meeting and Mr. Demarest will chair that meeting. Mr.
Graulich suggested the following items for that Agenda:
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Ms. Tucker asked the members to contact her regarding agenda items for New Business. Mr. Helmecki asked for the status on the GIS mapping project with Wendy Arnold. Ms. Tucker stated that she will schedule Ms. Arnold to present at the December 2007 meeting.
The Essex Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission did not conduct their September 2007 meeting.
State of Connecticut notice of tentative determination and Intent to renew and modify a State permit and underground injection control permit for discharges of waters of the State of Connecticut. This is an application submitted by Essex Meadows for a permit to discharge into the waters of the State (Mud River). Mr. Graulich stated that they intend to discharge 36,000 gallons per day of domestic waste water into the ground waters of the watershed of the Mud River from the proposed thirteen new two- bedroom residential dwelling units, which are proposed to be built. At this time, the audio tape of the proceedings from the September 13, 2007 Conservation Commission meeting ended.
Stella
C. Beaudoin
RECORD OF THE VOTE
Motion seconded by MaryAnn Pleva and passed unanimously.
Stella
C. Beaudoin
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