APPROVED MINUTES OF THE BETHANY
CONSERVATION COMMISSION, MARCH 9, 2017
Present were Bruce Loomis, Brian Eitzer
and Patricia Winer
Absent were Cathy Rives, Shaukat Khan and
Matthew Popp
The meeting was called to order at
8:08pm. The minutes of November 8th were tabled again as the necessary members
to approve them were not present. Winer moved to approve the minutes of
February16 with amendments as follows: the second sentence of the eighth
paragraph should read, "The Conservation Commission's interpretation is
that the town's regulations require that the Conservation Commission get the
opportunity to review and provide advice on open space prior to the Planning
and Zoning decision, even though that advice does not need to be heeded.
(Subdivision Regulations 11.4. c). Loomis seconded the motion, and the minutes
were approved.
As correspondence the Commission received
the Aquarion Champions of Conservation Awards entry form and information. Bruce
mentioned the possibility of nominating Barry Collins again. The discussion of
whether we have a candidate will be continued.
P&Z update as of their March meeting:
New regulations on LED lighting are still
under discussion. Kevin McSherry reported on two bills in the legislature, one
dealing with fees in lieu and the other with the conveyance tax. Both would
allow towns to use money derived from these sources to be dedicated to open
space. On the issue of communication between the Conservation Commission and
P&Z, Bruce will write a letter about it to P&Z, as he did not have the
opportunity to speak about the question at the meeting.
Budget
It was agreed that we should still
propose $100,000 for the LAF, but we shouldn't go for a 100% increase in our
own budget. We will ask for $750 instead, an increase over $500, which we have
had as a budget figure for many years.
The Commission went into executive
session at 8:31 to discuss Conservationist of the Year. We exited at 8:37.
Revision of the open space inventory:
The Commission reviewed additions to the
open space inventory. Bruce has sent the list of Land Trust acquisitions to
LInda François to check it with their records. Adjustments will need to be made
in the text of the Open Space Plan to bring it into conformity with the
additions to the tables.
Open space watch list:
We will put the northern part of the
Woodward property abutting Northrup Road on our watch list, as it adjoins the designated open space, and as
Mr. Woodward has given up the connection between the upper and lower parts of
the property that he retained, The possibility of putting the former Uniroyal
property on the watch list for agricultural or recreational space was also
discussed.
We will all check the amendments to the
tables in the Open Space Plan and confirm them at our next meeting.
Brian moved to adjourn at 9:07. Patsy
seconded. The motion was passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Winer
