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

Wethersfield Conservation Commission
Meeting Minutes - May 12, 2004

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Andy Wizner at 8:05 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room. Attended by Commissioners Jim Schumaker, Tracy Gionfriddo, Rebecca Zaliznock, Ingrid Boehouwer, and Peter Gardow. Kathy Bagley of the Parks and Recreation Department and Matthew Forrest, Town Council Liaison were also present.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES APRIL 14, 2004 MEETING

   The Minutes were approved unanimously with no changes or corrections (Motion to approve by I. Boehouwer, Seconded by T. Gionfirddo).

2. COMMUNICATIONS
   • None presented.
3. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
   
   Kathy Bagley:
   • The plans for the renovations to the Moeller Home have been approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
   • The proposed skate park is moving forward, with funding received through grants and fund raisers. The skate park will be located at Mill Woods in the area of the two tennis courts.
   
   Matthew Forrest:
   • The Budget was passed by the Town Council, with the $10,000 funds needed to meet the requirements of the $40,000 DEP Grant for the continuation of Heritage Way included in the budget of the Physical Services Department. P. Gardow requested Matt Forrest to obtain a letter from the Town Manager explaining the process for the distribution of the money during trail construction.
   • The budget includes approval for $75,000 to repair the roof of the Moeller House.
   • The Town Council is interested in the criteria for the acquisition of open space to be developed by the Conservation Commission.
   • The private lawsuit against the MDC for the pollution of the Wethersfield Cove was settled; but the Town's lawsuit threat remains open. The MDC has recently submitted a plan for CSO abatement to the Town Council and needs to review it.
   • The Town Council would like to review various options for the acquisition of land for open space.

   Sub-Committee to Develop Open Space Acquisition Criteria:
   P. Gardow reported that Jim Woodworth prepared a 2-page draft summary for project selection and criterion for the acquisition of open space, which is to be reviewed by the Conservation Commission sub-committee (A. Wizner, C. Geiss, and P. Gardow).

   Open Space Acquisition:
   Discussion of potential properties to be considered for acquisition. M. Forrest was requested to obtain a letter from the Town Manager regarding the initiatives taken to approach owners of properties of interest; and an update on the status of the Northeast Utilities properties. Currently, the Town has $329,938.00 available in the Agricultural Fund, and $203,522.00 available in the Acquisition Fund.

   Planning and Zoning Commission Regulations:
   P. Gardow reported that no information is currently available regarding a public hearing for the proposed changes to the Zoning Regulations.

T. Gionfriddo moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM, seconded by P. Gardow.

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca M. Zaliznock
Commission Secretary