Essex Conservation Commission

MINUTES

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Essex Conservation Commission was conducted on Thursday, August 9, 2007 at 7:50 p.m. in Room B of the Essex Town Hall.

1. Call to order

Ms. Tucker called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. Those members present were Kay Tucker, Richard Helmecki, MaryAnn Pleva, Bob Graulich, and Doug Demarest.

2. Review and Approve Minutes for July 10, 2007 Meeting

Motion made by Doug Demarest to approve the July 10, 2007 meeting Minutes.

Motion seconded by Bob Graulich and passed unanimously.

3. Old Business
a. Pending Projects

1. Report on Surveyor for Viney Hill Brook Park
Rich Helmecki indicated that he has spoken with Don Carlson who has not yet surveyed the property.

Ms. Tucker commented on Minutes from the October 16, 2002 Board of Selectmen meeting. At that meeting Ms. Tucker "voiced concern to the Board of Selectmen regarding access to Bushy Hill Nature Preserve informing the Board that the neighbors have planted hedges which obscured the access way and that other obstructions also exist." The Minutes also indicated that "Selectman Peter Webster stated that he would look at this area and get back to the Commission."

2. Proposed Correspondence to Zoning Enforcement Officer for Clapp Subdivision Tree Buffer
Ms. Pleva stated that when she walked Bushy Hill to look at the two interior homes, one of the two homes was badly burned.

Ms. Tucker noted that it was stated in a letter addressed to the owner of the property, George McGlaughlin, that twenty evergreen trees will be planted on each lot adjoining the Nature Center. The plants are to be five to six foot white pine firs or a species chosen by the Zoning Enforcement Agent or the Tree Warden, to be planted approximately 15 feet across, determined by the species.

Ms. Tucker will create a letter to Ms. Staye, reminding her of the stipulation of the planting of trees and further requesting that Ms. Staye follow up with the developer.

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Essex Conservation Commission
August 9, 2007

3. Follow-up DEP Request for Signage

The DEP wrote in May 2007 to the Board of Selectmen (who passed that letter onto the Conservation Commission) that signage needed to be placed at the entrances of Canfield Woods and Bushy Hill.

Mr. Graulich confirmed that eight uniform signs will be created. Ms. Pleva will request that the DEP forward the artwork to Mr. Graulich via email attachment.

b. Review and Approve Conservation Commission Submittal for Town Report

c. Other
Mr. Demarest noted that there was an article in the Hartford Courant stating that the Essex Land Trust is planning to acquire 31 acres adjacent to Bushy Hill park. It was determined that the location of this property is on Pond Meadow Road and situated in Essex as well as in Westbrook. This is a purchase that was previously endorsed by the Essex Conservation Commission.

Rich Helmecki will be repositioning the Boy Scout foot bridges with Carl Kaufmann. Mr. Helmecki stated that there is some trail erosion and Mr. Helmecki suggested that he and Mr. Kaufmann make a plan to repair those trails. Ms. Tucker stated that the Commission will pay for Mr. Kaufmann's heavy equipment, the timbers and the gravel.

Ms. Tucker asked Mr. Demarest to contact Bill Grover and find out how to access the Platt property on Pond Meadow (the 31 acre Land Trust acquisition). The Conservation Commission members would like to inspect the property. The members will meet on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. At that time, they will also inspect Clark's Pond. Members will meet at the Ivoryton Library at 9:00 a.m.

Ms. Pleva indicated that it might be a good idea for the members to get together and decide on projects, expenditures and goals for the year. Ms. Pleva noted that she would like to find out specifically what it is that the Conservation Commission oversees.

Mr. Demarest noted that the job description for the Conservation Commission is written in the State of Connecticut Statutes. One of the roles of the Conservation Commission
is to scout out properties for acquisition, which is something the Land Trust currently handles.

Ms. Tucker asked that the members give some consideration to specific goals for the Commission.

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Essex Conservation Commission
August 9, 2007

Mr. Helmecki suggested that contact be made with Rob Rock to schedule a date to get together to look at the invasive plant species. Ms. Tucker indicated that the Commission would schedule that date at the September 13, 2007 meeting. Mr. Helmecki will contact Mr. Rock to check on his availability.

4. New Business
a. Schedule Trail Maintenance

b. Other
Mr. Helmecki noted that sonar and a chemicals are being utilized at the Tiley Pratt Pond to eradicate the invasive plant species.

5. IWWC Report

No report.

6. Correspondence

Ms. Tucker stated that there is a notification to the DEP for a Permit for a Dock at 161 Saybrook Road, Essex.

7. Adjournment

Motion made by Bob Graulich to adjourn.

Motion seconded by Doug Demarest and passed unanimously.

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Essex Conservation Commission adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Stella C. Beaudoin
Recording Secretary

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