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

TOWN OF WETHERSFIELD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Minutes of the March 8, 2006 Meeting

Commissioner Jim Schumaker called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Christoph Geiss, Ingrid Boelhouwer, Gene Grayson, Rebecca Zaliznock, Royce Vehslage, Tracy Gionfriddo, and Ralph Moyer. Also in attendance was Chris Shepard (on behalf of Kathy Bagley, Staff Liaison) and Joe Hammer, Chairman of the Town Planning and Zoning Commission.

1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

   The February 8, 2006 Minutes were approved (Motion by G. Grayson, Seconded by R. Moyer).

2. COMMUNICATIONS
   • March 22, 2006 notice for a 7 PM presentation by the Great Meadow Trust for State Funds to be held at the CT Audubon Society at 1361 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT.
   • Robinson & Cole Memo (03-08-06) regarding the 2006 Bills related to Greenways.
   • A notice that Richard Louv, author of "Last Child in The Woods" book will speak at the CT Environmental Education Conference on March 31st at Quinnipiac University campus in Hamden.
3. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS

   Discussion with Joe Hammer:

   Mr. Hammer presented information of Open Space issues and how they relate to Zoning regulations; noting that most farms and even the public parks in Town are zoned residential. Mr. Hammer stated that the most "viable option" to designated properties as Open Space would be for the Town to purchase particular properties and then designated their status as Open Space. The Conservation Commission can get involved with P&Z projects by supporting and helping the Town find funding programs for property acquisitions; and by reviewing the current Subdivision Regulations for possible changes to the open space set aside requirements, and by making any appropriate recommendations for change. Commissioner Vehslage volunteered to review the regulations. Mr. Hammer left the meeting at 8 PM.

   Open Space Discussion:

   • C. Geiss completed the GIS / GPS mapping project of the open space and will send copies of the CD to the Town Manager for distribution to the Town Planner, Town Engineer, Inland Wetlands and Water Courses Commission, and the Planning and Zoning Commission, and any other interested parties.
   • The Commission will invite the Town Manager to the April meeting to discuss how the Commission can get more involved in land acquisition projects and updates on such projects.

   Heritage Way Recreational Trail Report:

   J. Schumaker mentioned that the signs in the Meadows (Phase III area of the trail) will be installed by the June 3rd Trail Days celebration with the Town of Rocky Hill. A decision is needed for the final wording to be placed on the bulletin board to be constructed at the trail. Announcements of the trail celebration will be submitted to various local publications.

Commissioner Schumaker adjourned the meeting at 8:40 PM (Motion by C. Geiss, Seconded by I. Boelhouwer).

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca M. Zaliznock
Commission Secretary