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Essex
Conservation Commission
7:30 p.m.
Ms. Tucker opened the meeting at 7:34 p.m. 1. Review and Approve February 2008 Minutes Ms. Tucker noted the following changes in italics: Page 2 under D: name is Jim Ventres Page 3 third paragraph: if the commission members knew enough about the process they could make recommendations to the planning commission Page 5 under paragraph 5: Mr. Robida has stated that the Planning Commission has set a precedent on the Essex Glen property Page 5: Dennis and Susan Robida Page 7 second paragraph to read: Mr. Lomme was in attendance at the Harbor Management Commission Meeting and plans depicting the property were shown and the property will be graded to a height equal to the retaining wall on that property. Mr. Lomme did not present the plans, but plans were presented. Motion made by Doug Demarest to accept the Minutes from the February 14, 2008 regularly scheduled meeting as amended. Motion seconded by Pam Bernardini and passed unanimously.
a.
Recent Tree Damage and Repair b. Maintenance Issues Mr. Helmecki indicated that someone had carved their initials in a tree on the little blue trail. Mr. Helmecki indicated that a sugar maple tree fell over from the neighbor's property onto the entrance of Bushy Hill and hit the power line and blew out a transformer. There was some damage done by the power company trucks to the road entrance leaving ruts that ranged between 6-8". Materials will be needed to bring the road back to grade. In order to get their trucks to the affected area, CL&P did place a good deal of stone on some of the road entrance in the area where it was very wet. There was some discussion among the members as to the legal obligation on the part of CL&P to repair the portion of the road that they damaged. Ms. Tucker will contact CL&P to discuss this issue. Mr. Helmecki met with Selectman Phil Miller and Dave Caroline, supervisor of the Public Works Department and discussed placing a pipe underground in an area where the water runs across the road. Mr. Helmecki noted that a 40' Hickory fell across a section of the blue trail. Mr. Helmecki and Mr. Miller cut back portions of that tree so that the trail would be accessible. There was some discussion about hiring a tree service to handle the removal of the remainder of the tree. Mr. Helmecki will contact few tree services and obtain prices for this job.
There was discussion about the placement of a kiosk at the swimming hole at Viney Hill Brook and the possibility of a similar kiosk placement at Bushy Hill. The Commission members were in agreement that the Conservation Commission is responsible for the signage along the trails of the nature preserves within Essex.
Mr. Helmecki met with Selectman Phil Miller, Dave Caroline and Dennis Robida to discuss the placement of stone on the trail, as the area is very wet. Ms. Staye, Town of Essex Zoning Enforcement Officer suggested the placement of wood chips, which is also less harmful to the environment. Ms. Tucker noted that Mr. Caroline has placed a drainage pipe under ground so that excess water may be drained to the pond.
Mr. Helmecki met with Kay Tucker and Don Carlson who has surveyed the property in the area around Viney Hill Brook Preserve. Mr. Helemcki suggested the placement of signage on the trees in that area. Ms. Tucker noted that the Essex ZEO has 4 x 4 metal signs which read "Public Access Town of Essex Open Space", which the Commission would like to utilize.
Ms. Pleva noted that the Commission needs additional people to assist with trail blazing. 3.
Canfield Woods Ms. Tucker discussed the possibility of a proposed parking area which would be installed on the Dennison Road side of the property. Ms. Tucker suggested that members drive by and view the area.
Two people were accosted by two Doberman pinscher dogs in the area of Eagle Ridge. As there were no cars in the area, it is the assumption that those dogs belonged to nearby property owners. Ms. Tucker noted that signage in that area is necessary and she suggested that those signs include the following language: Dogs Must Be Leashed Or At Heel At All Times.
Mr. Demarest noted that the Ivoryton Center Subcommittee was not aware that a grant had been obtain to fund the sidewalks. MaryAnn noted that new fliers have been placed in the boxes at Viney Hill Brook 3.
New Business: Ms. Tucker commented a the new property that abuts Bushy Hill nature preserve which was purchased by the Essex Land Trust with moneys funded by the Town of Essex. Page 4 - Essex Conservation Commission Minutes - April 10, 2008 Commission members agreed to meet at this property on Sunday April 20, 2008. Members will meet at the Bushy Hill parking area where the old sign is. Ms. Tucker will contact members to confirm the meet at they will meet. Determine if CL&P has remediated the damage any further.
Ms Pleva noted that 12 acres of property on Bushy Hill Road has been clear cut and the felled trees remain on that property. Ms. Pleva questioned the Essex Zoning Regulations which speaks of subdivisions and the cutting of trees. Ms. Pleva contacted Al Wolfgram, Chair of the Zoning Commission. Mr. Wolfgram will provide Ms. Pleva with information surrounding the Zoning Regulations with regard to this issue. As per Augie Pampel, the Essex Tree Warden, because the trees were on private property, the owner may cut them down. However, it was noted that landmark trees fall under another category. There is no way to know if any of those trees were landmark trees as they were cut down before there was an opportunity to look over the land. Ms. Bernardini will visit Viney Hill Brook and fill the boxes with trail maps.
The Essex Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission will conduct a Public Hearing on May 13, 2008 on behalf of application #2-08, property of Edward Cook, Hunter's Trail proposed subdivision.
A letter from Dennis Robida addressed to Thomas Danyliw, Chair of the Essex Planning Commission regarding the 50 foot right-of-way, EST Trust on Cedar Grove Terrace. Ms. Tucker commented on a two-day Stormwater Treatment seminar in Seattle, Washington. The Minutes of the IWWC reflect that they received correspondence from Kay Tucker dated March 7, 2008 regarding the Hunter's Trail subdivision. Ms. Tucker noted that she did not submit this letter in her capacity as the Chair of the Conservation Commission, but as a resident of the Town.
Motion seconded by Pam Bernardini and passed unanimously. The regularly scheduled meeting of the Essex Conservation Commission adjourned at 9:37 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stella
C. Beaudoin
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