Wethersfield Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes - April 14, 2004

In the absence of Chairman Andy Wizner, the meeting was called to order by Ingrid Boehouwer at 8:00 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room. Attended by Commissioners Jim Schumaker, Tracy Gionfriddo, Rebecca Zaliznock, Ralph Moyer, Christoph Geiss, and Peter Gardow. Kathy Bagley of the Parks and Recreation Department and Matthew Forrest, Town Council Liaison were also present. Mr. Jim Woodworth attended as a representative of the Great Meadows Conservation Trust.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MARCH 10, 2004 MEETING

   The Minutes were approved unanimously after corrections to the spelling for I. Boehouwer and R. Moyer.

2. COMMUNICATIONS
   • A DEP letter to David Anderson for Approval of Authorization to construct a hoop house pursuant to the General Permit for Minor Structures.
   • A copy of the Draft Conservation Chapter Implementation Activities, revised March 4, 2003 received by the Parks and Recreation Department.
3. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

   Kathy Bagley:
   The DEP grant award for the Phase 11 construction of Heritage Way was discussed. The budget for the installation of street Signs in the Meadows ($1200) was denied.

   Matthew Forrest:
   Both proposed budgets presented to the Town Council by the Town Manger include the $10,000 funds needed to meet the requirements of the $40,000 DEP Grant for the continuation of Heritage Way.

   Sub-Committee to Develop Open Space Acquisition Criteria:
   The Conservation Commission has formed a sub-commiffee to develop criteria for the acquisition of open space, which currently includes A. Wizner, C. Gelss, and P. Gardow.

   Recommendations Presented to Planning and Zoning Commission:
   A. Wizner and P. Gardow spoke before the Planning and Zoning Commission with recommendations for zoning changes, including the formulation of a new "Open Space and Parks Zone"; and the re-zoning of undeveloped land in Zones A and AA to a less dense development zone.

   Open Space Grant Application:
   The DEP Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program that provides funds to acquire open space was discussed, which holds a deadline of June 1st for application submittals. The Commission discussed the grant criteria and locations of available land, which resulted in two motions:

   • Motion by T. Gionfriddo (seconded by R. Moyer) to reject consideration of certain land for the Grant application program (to open the floor for discussion purposes). Discussion of availability of Town funds resulted in the withdrawal of the Motion by R. Moyer.
   • Motion by P. Gardow (seconded by C. Geiss) to consider land for Town acquisition. Motion carried (5 ayes and 2 abstain). K. Bagley suggested we talk to the Town Manager before submitting the recommendation to the Town Council.

T. Gionfriddo moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 PM, seconded by P. Gelss.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca M. Zaliznock
Commission Secretary