Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes

7:00    Christopher Pratt, Chairman, opened the meeting.

Commissioner Mizanoglu made a motion to accept the minutes of 07/18/16 as amended. Vice Chairman Kellogg seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

7:10 41 & 51 John Mason Road – Disc golf facility (continued)

Mr. Randy Brown

Ms. Freda Brown

Mr. John Goddard, R Levesque Associates

Andrew Gardner

Coordinator Clark stated that the fees for the brook crossing have been calculated and paid.  The plan was designed with a 650 square foot entrance area with none of the vegetation being disturbed on either side of the curb cut.  An alternative location would require crossing a water source.  The facility encompasses approximately 65 acres with only a minimal disturbance of the natural landscape.  The stream crossings will be two poles laid across the stream with planks.  Coordinator Clark stated that the Order of Conditions will be filed with the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.  The Conservation Commission members agreed that there was no need for a bond as the changes in wetlands and forested areas was very limited.  Mr. Gardner listed the many disc golf courses in the area including a 6 hole youth course in Westfield.  The sport is becoming very popular with adults and youths.  

Commissioner MacWilliams made a motion to close the public hearing.  Commissioner Mizanoglu seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.

Hearing Closed 7:22

Chairman Pratt made a motion to approve the project as submitted with the specified conditions.  Commissioner MacWilliams seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.  

Mr. Brian Pranka attended the meeting as an interested party in becoming a member of the Conservation Commission.  Mr. Pranka is a Title 5 inspector, and currently a member of the Sewer Implementation Committee.  

Goals & Objectives  Coordinator Clark composed a list for future plans as well as a listing of the accomplishments from fiscal year 2016.  Commissioner MacWilliams will contact the school to obtain information on a possible candidate as an intern for the Conservation Commission.

Local Permitting Program Coordinator Clark composed a letter to the Connecticut residents of Congamond Lake.  Mr. Bill Hawkins, Suffield Town Planner, issued an email stating that the participation of the Suffield residents was voluntary.  The fees collected are used exclusively for the betterment of the lakes.  A current list of the lake front abutters in Suffield will be obtained from their Assessor’s Office.  

North Pond Land Grant   Coordinator Clark has scheduled a tour of the area with Melissa Cryan, a representative of the State on August 22^nd.

51 Lakemont Street  Commissioner Clark will contact our biologist to determine what type of vegetation is present.

5 Dewitt  Commissioner Kellogg and Commissioner Mizanoglu conducted a site visit on the property.  Mr. Goddard presented a map showing the location of 5 wooden posts with sgins designating the area as a “buffer zone”.  The signs will be 6" X 12" or 8" X 12".  The Commissioners agreed that in the future all buffer zone signs should be standardized.   The signs will be permanent and the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain.  Commissioner Kellogg made a motion to release the bond once the signs have been installed.  Commissioner MacWilliams seconded the motion.  None opposed, motion passed unanimously.  

Island Pond Complaint  Coordinator Clark stated that the permit issued for cleaning the canal has expired.  The original Order of Conditions will be located in the event the homeowners would request to dredge the area again because of the odor caused by decaying vegetation and insect reduction.  The canal was originally built for ice transportation.

148 Hillside Road  Coordinator Clark received a call from a neighbor of the property complaining of a disturbance in the wetland.  Coordinator Clark conducted a site visit and determined that a mower went through an intermittent stream that was essentially dry due to the recent drought.  However, the area was wet enough for the mower to get stuck.  The homeowner is clearing an area in the rear of the property that has many evasive species.  There is a previously established crossing for the mower that will always be used in the future.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

____________________________    

Jean Nilsson, Secretary