UNAPPROVED
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 $700 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 that abuts Northrup Road on
our watch list, as Mr. Woodward has given up the access to it, and it adjoins
the part of the property designated as open space. This parcel would be 16.1
acres. The possibility of putting the former Uniroyal property on the watch
list for agricultural or recreational space was 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
