[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Conservation Commission acceptance.]

Wethersfield Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes - February 11, 2004

The meeting was called to order by Jim Schumaker (substituting for late arriving Chairman Andy Wizner) at 8:00 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room. Attended by Jim Schumaker, Tracy Gionfriddo, Rebecca Zaliznock, Ingrid Boehouwer, Ralph Moyer, and Peter Gardow. Kathy Bagley of the Parks and Recreation Department was also present, along with Matthew Forrest, Town Council Liaison. Town Councilor Julie Montinieri attended as a representative of the Open Space Committee.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DECEMBER 10, 2003 MEETING
   • December 10, 2003 Meeting: No changes and moved for approval by P. Gardow, seconded by I. Boehouwer.
   • January 14, 2004 Meeting: Correction for Paul Woodworth representing the Great Meadows Trust.
2. COMMUNICATIONS
   • Several Planning & Zoning Commission documents were distributed for review including notices for Public Hearings and Meeting (8/19, 9/3, 9/18, 10/8, 11/5, & 11/18, 12/2, 12/16, 2003; and 1/6/04).
   • A copy of the Trust for Public Land publication Protecting Land to Safeguard Connecticut's Drinking Water.
   • Notice of a public meeting announced by the Wethersfield Advisory Recreation & Parks Board for 1/29/04 to present and discuss the Mill Woods proposed Master Plan, with a copy of the Plan attached.
   • 2004 CAWS Annual Meeting announcement for 2/25/04 regarding Wetland Buffers: Scientific and Regulatory Issues.
   • A copy of the Draft Conservation and Development Policies Plan for Connecticut for 2004-2009 was passed around for review.
3. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
   Kathy Bagley:
   • A draft map of the Heritage Way recreational trail to be installed on the trail near Wintergreen Woods was presented for comments from the Commission. Ms. Bagley also presented copies of digital photographs of the trail, and suggested the Commission consider the digital options when updating the Open Space Inventory.
   • The schedule to implement the Phase II portion of the trail construction using the DEP grant is in the preliminary stages with the Physical Services and Engineering Departments. The Grant conditions require completion within 3 years of the award.
   • The Town has hired a Grant writer that is researching options for future grant applications to obtain money for trail construction.
   Matthew Forrest:
   • Mr. Forrest mentioned that there is no resistance from the Town Council regarding the award of $10,000 to fund the recreational trail Grant.
   • Meetings between the Town and the MDC are continuing and "successful". Monthly updates are published in the Wethersfield Life tabloid.
   Julie Montinieri:
   • The Open Space Committee is actively pursuing acquisitions of privately held properties and would like the Conservation Commission to develop criteria for such acquisitions, as empowered by the Wethersfield Code, Article II, Section 10-7. The Commission will consider forming a committed for this purpose.
   General Topics:
   • The proposed changes to the Planning and Zoning Regulations were discussed, primarily regarding the proposed change of an Industrial zone near the Goff Road and Prospect Street intersection to Residential. P. Gardow and T. Gionfriddo will arrange to meet with the Town Planner (Mr. Gillespi) to obtain details of the land and the reason for the proposed change.
   • Other Planning and Zoning proposed changes include the combination of smaller parcels at the southeast quadrant of the Nott Street and Silas Deane Highway intersection into a larger parcel slated for redevelopment with a retail complex.
   • T. Gionfriddo discussed the Northeast Utilities properties in Town that may be available for acquisition, and the possibility of developing a trail / path beneath existing high-tension utility lines.
   • The need for road signage in the Meadow was discussed, and for the Bicycle Committee (I. Boehouwer, J. Schumaker, R. Moyer) to meet with the Town Manager to discuss this issue before the March 10th meeting.

I. Boehouwer moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM, seconded by T. Gionfriddo.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca M. Zaliznock
Commission Secretary