Conservation Commission / IWWA Minutes 03/06/2018
CONSERVATION COMMISSION/INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018
SIMSBURY TOWN OFFICES – 7:00 P.M.
933 HOPMEADOW STREET, SIMSBURY, CONNECTICUT
I. CALL TO ORDER – The meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Winters at 7:30 pm.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Regular Members: Margery Winters, Jason Levy, James Morrison, Jill Powilatis, Donald Rieger; Alternate Member: Charles Haldeman
Absent: Chad Thompson
Staff Present: James D. Rabbitt, Director of Planning and Community Development.
1. Appointment of Alternates: Mr. Haldeman was seated for one of the Commission’s vacancies.
III. Public Hearings
1. None
IV. OLD BUSINESS
1. Applications
a. None
V. NEW BUSINESS
1. Receipt of New Applications
b. None
VI. GENERAL COMMISSION BUSINESS
1. Approval of Minutes (February 20, 2018 Regular Meeting)
Mrs. Powilatis suggested that language be added to line 44 stating that: “The proposed fire pond was proposed to be constructed at an early timeframe in order to take advantage of scheduling, which would result in a price reduction.” A motion was made by Mr. Rieger, seconded by Mr. Levy, to approve the minutes as amended; all members voted in favor of the motion.
2. Simsbury Meadows
Mr. Rabbitt informed the Commission that he had the opportunity to brief the new Town Manager, Maria Capriola, early this afternoon on regulatory matters associated with Simsbury Meadows. Mr. Rabbitt mentioned that Maria has only been with us for six weeks and a day. Based on the meeting, the Town Manager wanted to continue the discussion with Town Counsel at our scheduled legal meeting on March 29, 2018. Mr. Rabbitt stated that he hopes to have an update for the April 3rd meeting.
Mr. Rabbitt also gave a brief update on projects in town that have been permitted and/or are under construction.
3. Forestry Management Public Discussion and Workshop
The Commission began to review and discuss the draft letter prepared by Mr. Haldeman regarding Forestry Management until Helen Peterson came into the room and was recognized by the Chair. Mrs. Peterson announced an upcoming Forum on April 26th. The Commission discussed the ultimate goal of their correspondence to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) regarding Forestry Management. The members discussed the wording and the actual task/request before them. Mrs. Peterson reviewed the timeline associated with the Onion Mountain Plan, starting in 2013 to 2016, and thought that, given some new science, the plan may need to be revised. Mr. Rabbitt asked the Commission to focus on two key issues: 1) Proceed with the Onion Mountain Plan; 2) Recommend not to proceed. But if the recommendation is not to proceed, the Commission should have a clear and distinct list of reasons why the BOS should not proceed. Additional discussion took place on the overall goal(s) of the management of multiple properties versus individual properties. The Commission discussed taking a more holistic approach to managing all of the Town’s property, as it relates to forestry management.
Mr. Haldeman made a motion to vote on whether the Commission believes it should recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the plan be executed: a yes or no. There was no second to the motion.
Mr. Rieger made a motion to communicate to the Board of Selectmen that it recommends that the implementation of the Onion Mountain Management Plan be resuscitated and that the forester be encouraged to revise and review, as necessary, the markings that have been made in the forest. In doing so, the forester should be encouraged to look for opportunities to foster old growth characteristics. Additionally, the forester should be encouraged to avoid soil impacts, whether by timing of the operation or by the use of equipment (i.e. forwarder verses skidder) or other techniques that would reduce impact. The Board of Selectmen should be encouraged to evaluate weekend work that has been potentially problematic at this site, with regards to project economics. Motion was seconded by Mr. Haldeman. Discussion: Understanding that the motion can be part of a letter to be sent to the Board of Selectmen that will provide more detail/clarification on the motion, as well as the Commission’s concerns as projects move forward. Mr. Levy, Mr. Morrison, Mrs. Powilatis and Mr. Rieger voted in favor of the motion. Mrs. Winters and Mr. Haldeman voted against the motion. Motion passed 4-2.
Mrs. Winters suggested that the Commission form a sub-committee to draft the letter. Mr. Rabbitt advised the Commission on the procedures governing the sub-committee. A motion was made by Mr. Haldeman, seconded by Mr. Levy, to establish a sub-committee (Mr. Rieger and Mr. Haldeman) of the Commission to draft a letter. All members voted in favor of the motion; motion passed 6-0.
The Chairwoman recognized Susan Masino, and allowed her to speak to the Commission regarding Forestry Management. Mrs. Masino discussed the economics associated with the amount of money generated from a timber harvest and suggested that, over a 20-year cycle, only $12 to $15 per acre is generated. Mrs. Masino recommended getting people to donate money versus cutting down our forests. With regards to Onion Mountain, she is concerned about the trees that were marked and figuring out what is going on. Mrs. Masino stated that it is the only ridge without a trail. She believes what is missing from the studies/plans is a major east west wildlife corridor. She contacted a forest group and got a peer review of the plan, but didn’t bring a copy. She stated that Mr. Hanson has a good reputation; the question is what we really want to do with the land. She could turn over the peer review, if the Commission wanted to take a look at it. Mrs. Masino handed a copy to Staff. She believes there needs to be more public input into the process.
Mr. Rieger had a question regarding who is responsible for open space management. Mr. Rabbitt stated that it could be moved to the Town Manager. Traditionally, it has resided with Parks and Culture. Mr. Rabbitt reminded the Commission that the Town Manager has just started and a number of items are being evaluated.
Under correspondence – Mr. Rieger disagreed with Mr. Ryan’s letter regarding authority of a licensed applicator. Mr. Rabbitt informed the Commission that it is on his list to review with the Town Manager and Legal Counsel at the next meeting.
VII. Mr. Haldeman made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Rieger; all members voted in favor of the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.