RCC Minutes of September 24, 2001
A meeting of the Ridgefield Conservation Commission was held at the Town Hall Annex, 66 Prospect Street Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877 on Monday, September 24, 2001 at approximately 7:45 p.m.
The following members were present:
Carroll Brewster
Karen Howes
Terry Keller
Edith Meffley
Ben Oko
George Orlan
Pat Sesto
Beth Yanity
Henry Knizeski arrived 8:05 p.m.
Mr. Orlan chaired the meeting.
Minutes:
The minutes of the September 10, 2001 meeting were reviewed. There were no changes. Upon motion made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the minutes were ordered filed in the minute book of the Committee and the Town Hall Minute Book.
Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer reported two bills, one for $70.00 for Evelyn Dametta for transcription of the minutes of September 10, 2001 and one for $350.00 for Diana Van Ness for the period of August 23, 2001 to September 13, 2001.
Upon motion made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the above-mentioned invoices be approved for payment.
In addition, John Pinchbeck reported that a dead ash tree on our open space at Branchville was dangerous and needed to be removed.
Upon motion made, seconded and carried, it was
RESOLVED that the commission pays one-half of the cost of removal up to $375.00.
George Orlan reported that Peter Keeler has offered to do some additional mowing needed at the McKeon Open Space for no charge. Parks and Recreation has agreed to allow him to use their brush hog.
George Orlan will attend the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of September 25, 2001, Edith Meffley will attend the October 2, 2001 meeting and Karen Howes will attend the November 9, 2001 meeting.
The members discussed the Town of Ridgefield application to add to the Ridgefield High School and decided to make the following comments at the public hearing.
The members were concerned about the direct discharge of surface water into the Titicus wetland. Pat Sesto will write a memo with suggestions to improve surface water management which will be attached to the Chairmans letter to Planning and Zoning.
There appears to be an inordinate amount of parking on the site including the lower school under construction. We would like to know how the total number of spaces for the combined school sites was determined.
The applicant is expanding the parking lot at the easterly side of the site. Most of the 260 plus spaces are pre-existing. Only four trees are proposed for the entire area. This does not appear to be in compliance with Section 326 A (I) of the zoning regulations. The commission feels that more trees should be added. In general, if there is a cost factor involved it would be better to have more trees of a smaller caliper.
We wonder if it would be possible to reduce the overwhelming impact of all the parking spaces by the use of berms.
Use of massed perennials seems inappropriate due to their high maintenance requirements.
The report from the tree committee will be submitted.
A walk was scheduled for Sunday, September 30, at 9:30 a.m. to walk the Barlow Mountain site and the Main Street rezone area. We will meet at the annex parking lot.
The Chairman proposed that the members appoint a nominating committee for the upcoming election of officers. Accordingly, Karen Howes, Carroll Brewster and Edith Meffley agreed to serve.
Beth Yanity reported on the hazardous Waste Day meeting. Volunteers are needed.
Meetings:
The next Conservation Commission meeting will October 1, 2001.
Executive Session:
A motion was made to move into Executive Session at 9:45 PM; the motion was seconded and unanimously carried.
A motion was made and unanimously carried, that the meeting be adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Van Ness
Administrator
Conservation Commission