These minutes are for information purposes only. For official minutes please contact the Town Clerk's office.

SPECIAL MEETING

JANUARY 18,2000

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Howard Beach called the January 18, 2000 special meeting of the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Simsbury High School Auditorium. The following members were present: John Yocum, Richard Miller, William Nowak, R. Pierce Clayberger and alternate Andrew Bucknam. Also present was Laurie Whitten, Conservation Officer and Staff Liaison.

II. APPOINTMEENT OF ALTERNATES

Chairman Beach appointed Commissioner Bucknam to serve for Commissioner Wade.

III. PUBLIC HEARING - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE VOTE

Application of Simsbury Land Conservation Trust, Inc. requesting a permit to conduct regulated activities associated with the construction of an elevated walkway and observation deck to the rear of properties between North Saddle Ridge Drive and Old Farms Road, North of Lenora Drive and South of Town Open Space.

Chairman Beach questioned this item being listed as a public hearing.

Ms. Whitten explained that this was put on the agenda as a public hearing in error.

Mr. Dick Davis, President of the Simsbury Land Trust, spoke of their request to build an elevated walkway 150 feet into the bog.

Commissioner Nowak asked if everything they intend to do is in the wetlands itself.

Mr. Davis responded yes and showed the Commission members a map of what they plan to do. He feels this is an opportunity to get more people into the wetlands so they can have a better understanding and appreciation of it.

Commissioner Bucknam asked about the basic construction.

Mr. Davis said the posts would be approximately 8' apart. The walkway will rest on angle irons between the posts. Mr. Davis said they plan to do the construction during the wintertime and also explained the construction procedure.

Commissioner Clayberger asked how high above the bog this would be.

Mr. Davis said about 2 feet with a railing above that.

Commissioner Miller asked if the wood is preserved or pressurized.

Mr. Davis said that this is pressurized wood.

Chairman Beach asked what source did the Audubon Society use.

Mr. Davis said they used galvanized steel.

Commissioner Clayberger said that he thought wood was being used in the Great Pond Area walkways and asked if Mr. Davis knows how long they have lasted.

Mr. Davis said pressurized wood lasts a long time.

Commissioner Nowak asked if there is water in the bog at all times.

Mr. Davis responded this does not vary much from season to season because of the culverts, and also as this is being fed by underground springs.

Commissioner Miller said that the galvanized metal (zinc) could be an issue in terms of runoffs.

Mr. Karl Pech said this is a quiet area and would be accommodating to people who will appreciate the bog, nature and the existing wildlife. There are 39 acres and even though surrounded by houses, they cannot be seen because of the denseness of the trees. Mr. Pech feels that this is a nice way for people to see the unusual features of Simsbury.

Mr. Nowak asked Mr. Pech if he endorses the plan.

Mr. Pech responded yes.

Commissioner Yokum moved that this is a regulated activity since it involves a structure within the wetlands. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Yokum moved that this is not a significant impact as it does not involve any digging or moving of soil. Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Yokum moved to grant a permit as there appears to be very minor, if any, impact at all. Commissioner Clayberger seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Beach told the applicant to give the standard three days notice to the Conservation Officer before work is started.

IV. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Beach adjourned this special meeting at 7:25 p.m. This motion passed unanimously.