TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the January 11, 2006 Meeting

Chairman Jim Schumaker called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Ingrid Boelhouwer, Gene Grayson, Robert Pulford, Rebecca Zaliznock, Royce Vehslage, Christoph Geiss, and Ralph Moyer. Also in attendance was Kathy Bagley, Staff Liaison.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

   The December 14, 2005 Minutes were approved with minor spelling corrections (Motion by J. Schumaker, Seconded by I. Boelhouwer).

2. COMMUNICATIONS

   J. Schumaker presented an email received by the Great Meadows Trust with information related to the June 3, 2006 National Trails Day events. This day should be the target date for opening the second Phase of the Heritage Way Recreational Trail, and its connection through the Meadows to link with the Rocky Hill recreational trail. K. Bagley stated that the date appears attainable by the Engineering Department for the installation of road signs.

3. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

   Kathy Bagley Report:

   Ms. Bagley met with the Town engineer to discuss the details of the construction of the Phase II portion of the Heritage Way Recreational Trail, which includes two sections, one extending from Mill Woods to the 1860 Reservoir and the other from the Community Center to Cove Park. The latter area will be worked on first by the Town, likely in August of this year. The construction of the Mill Woods / 1860 Reservoir section is scheduled for the summer of 2007, which will need Inland Wetlands approvals. The Grant received in June 2005 must be used within 3 years.

   A map of the Meadows will be prepared for the HWT system and will delineate the proposed locations of the road signs. A draft map will be prepared for review by the Conservation Commission for approval, with the intent to have the signs ready by the June 3rd National Trails Day event.

   Open Space Update:

   C. Geiss discussed the completion of the GIS / GPS mapping project of the open space and has prepared a CD for review by interested Commission members. The Town Manager would like the Commission to select five parcels considered to be priority for Town acquisition.

   Miscellaneous:

   • Joe Hamner, the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to attend the March Conservation Commission meeting.
   • The Commission decided not to participate in the Clean Energy project as requested by the Town Manager and will notify her of that decision.

Chairman Schumaker adjourned the meeting at 8:25 PM (Motion by I. Boelhouwer, Seconded by R. Moyer).

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca M. Zaliznock
Commission Secretary