Bethany
Conservation Commission
March
12, 2015
The
meeting was called to order at 8:20 by Bruce Loomis. Also in attendance were Brian Eitzer and Cathy
Rives. Bruce welcomed Matthew Popp to
the meeting as a prospective new member.
The
minutes of the February meeting were reviewed. Bruce moved to accept them as written, Cathy
seconded and the minutes were accepted unanimously. The only correspondence came from the Aquarion
water company which was discussed later in the meeting.
Conservator
of the Year discussion was tabled. Further discussion is needed regarding a
candidate and to confirm criteria proposed earlier.
Regarding
the Community Garden: the IWC has not made any decisions yet. P&Z will not act until IWC does.
The
Woodward subdivision was discussed. In a
preliminary review, the map comes in low in the area designated for Open Space.
Unless we hear from the applicant,
P&Z will be notified that the applicant has not complied, nor contacted us
to discuss this issue.
The
Aquarion Water Company is seeking "Environmental Champions" to be
recognized for outstanding volunteer efforts to protect or restore
Connecticut's natural resources. The
committee discussed possible candidates but will need further discussion. The deadline for offering candidates is May 6.
Regarding
the Carrington Preserve: the Board of Selectmen has set a Board meeting for
March 26 for approval.
Ash
trees in Bethany have been significantly damaged by the Ash Borer. Ray Pantalone (tree warden) has a list of
roadside trees around town that need to be removed as they pose a potential
hazard. The power company will remove
some if the town will haul them away. Ray has tentatively agreed to attend the
Commission's April meeting to discuss a maintenance and planting program. The Commission should be ready to apply for
grants to assist with this program.
Finally,
Bruce reminded the Commission of our initial effort to clean out and reorganize
the closet with Conservation Commission documents. This needs to be completed so that concise
records can be maintained.
Brian
moved to adjourn the meeting, Cathy seconded and the meeting adjourned at 9:00.
Respectfully
submitted,
Cathy Rives, Secretary pro-tempore
