Conservation Commission Meeting Mazza Room –Town Hall Greenwich, ct may 2, 2013 Minutes Attendance: Members present

Conservation Commission Meeting

Mazza Room –Town Hall

Greenwich, CT
May 2, 2013
Minutes
Attendance:
Members present: William Rutherford, Christopher Franco, Nancy Dickinson, Eric Brower, Gary Silberberg, Gayle Hagegard, and Nancy Chapin.
Staff: Denise Savageau and Aleksandra Moch
Audience Present: Cathy Weisenburger, Parks and Recreation
Commission Discussion Session – 7:00 p.m.
Called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Rutherford.

1. 
   Seating of Alternates: Chapin was seated for Baker and Hagegard was seated for Henrey.
   
   
   
2. 
   Review and approval of minutes for the April 4, 2013 meeting: A motion was made by Silberberg and seconded by Chapin to approve the minutes as presented.
   
   
   
3. 
   Review of Correspondence:
   
   1. 
      Savageau distributed a copy of Connecticut Wildlife pointing out an article entitled “Conservation Partnership Works to Protect Connecticut’s Coastal Birds”
      
      
      
4. 
   Chairman’s Report: Rutherford stated that all the current members were reappointed. He mentioned that there are a couple of candidates for the seat that was vacated by Karen Sadik-Khan. Chapin and Silberberg shared the main discussion points from the training offered by the Selectmen’s Nominating Advisory Committee.
   

5. 
   Staff Report
   
   
   
   1. 
      Administration
      
      1. 
         Budget FY 2013-2014: Savageau stated that the RTM Land Use Committee is meeting on May 6 to discuss the budget. On May 13 the budget will be brought to the regular RTM meeting.
         
         
         
   2. 
      Emergency Operations/Climate Change Adaptations
      
      1. 
         Coastal Resiliency Plan/Hazard Mitigation Plans: Savageau stated that FEMA brought several changes to their programs that have to be addressed at the local level. South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) is looking to update the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to meet the new standards.
         
      2. 
         Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Savageau reported that this program was created for property owners. However they must apply for this grant through the Town. The Town has to file for each individual. Repairs and renovations covered under the grant program have to fully comply with new FEMA requirements and local code. Michael Rosen was designated to oversee the grant application program with Conservation providing technical assistance. Savageau was a speaker at the Old Greenwich Association Annual Meeting and presented on Hurricane Sandy and what actually happened during the storm. She informed the Commission that there are still residents who were not able to move back to their homes because of their struggle to rebuild/repair them.
         
         
         
      3. 
         Greenwich Point Dune Restoration: Savageau stated that the planted area was fenced in and the newly planted beach grass was doing well.
         

3. 
   Fisheries and Wildlife
   
   1. 
      Fishway: Savageau stated that both open house events were well attended. Over 60,000 fish have migrated to the Mianus Pond since the beginning of the 2013 season.
      
   2. 
      Goose Management: Savageau stated that Cassone visited all the islands and oiled eggs in at least 60 nests.
      
   3. 
      Heron Rookery: Savageau reported that Cassone went to Grate Captain’s Island and observed severely damaged vegetative cover caused by Hurricane Sandy. Even though the condition at the island had changed, the birds are back for their nesting season. Savageau is planning to visit the island for more detailed evaluation.
      
   4. 
      IBA (Important Bird Area) at Greenwich Point: Franco was concerned about debris storage at the site. The stored material includes tree logs and branches picked up after the hurricane. Savageau stated that the Tree Conservancy will host a walk at the end of the month. Friends of Greenwich Point and Parks and Recreation are looking to do some restoration planting because the Town is not going to be reimbursed for damaged vegetative cover. The first step before any restoration can occur is to develop a plan.
      

4. 
   Storm Water Management
   
   1. 
      Tree Filter BMP (Best Management Practice) grant: Savageau stated that the Tree Conservancy applied for a $100,000 grant to enhance the beach ferry parking lot with trees. They would be installed in between parking spots, using the Silva Cell technology. Total cost of project is $150,000. Greenwich Tree Conservancy and the Town will provide the $50K match for the grant.
      

5. 
   Other: Savageau stated that she was very concerned about the lack of rain and is watching reservoir water level closely.
   

6. 
   Committee/Liaison Reports
   

1. 
   Parks and Recreation Board: Chapin stated that there was a long discussion about Greenwich Point and repairs taking place. The supporters of the dog park at Grass Island would like to expand the run area. The 911 memorial at Cos Cob Power Plant was approved under the condition that adequate funding is secured prior to project initiation.
   

2. 
   GRAB: Hagegard reported that the recent paper shredding event was very successful. GRAB is also kicking off single stream recycling at Greenwich public schools. Four elementary schools will be involved as a start.
   

1. 
   Education/Outreach:
   
   1. 
      Earth Day Month: Chapin reported that the proclamation day was very exciting. She met with great cooperation and coordination from a wide spectrum of environmental groups in Town. Most important was the recognition of the many partners that contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of Greenwich Point.
      
   2. 
      Project WET workshop: Savageau held a training program for PTAC members, teachers, and other environmental educators at the Innis Arden Cottage. This program provides hands-on multi-disciplinary activities designed to meet core curriculum objectives.
      
   3. 
      BOE (Board of Education) - Green Leaf School program: Savageau stated that Parkway School is interested and may be the pioneer in a Green Leaf Program.
      
      
2. 
   Harbor Management Advisory Committee: Silberberg reported that Wayne Keeney was chosen to establish a working group to draft Harbor Management ordinance for the Board of Selectmen for further deliberation on a Harbor Management Commission. Silberberg reported on safety issues being addressed by the Harbor Master.
   
   
   
3. 
   Energy Committee – CT Clean Community:
   
   1. 
      C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy): Savageau stated that the resolution that would allow commercial properties to take advantage of this new energy opportunity was passed by the RTM.
      
4. 
   REC (Renewable Energy Certificate) purchase: New bids came in on this which are very favorable to the Town. This will allow us to continue as a Clean Energy Community.
   
   
   
1. 
   Old Business:
   

1. 
   Greenwich Community Garden: Savageau reported that the project is moving forward. The law department is working with the group on a lease.
   
   
   
2. 
   POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development) - Open Space Plan – Savageau stated that they are getting closer to finishing all the maps. Rutherford applauded Cassone for all his hard work on this mapping project.
   
   
   
1. 
   New Business
   
   
   
   1. 
      Greenwich Point Fencing and Sanctuary/Eagle Pond: Savageau reported that the site walk was conducted last week. Brower recognized the area as a favorite bird roosting place, but also a space that may have some potential for passive recreation. Most of the members voiced the importance of this area and its need for protection. Savageau concluded that further discussion is needed with the Audubon and the Department of Parks and Recreation before a final decision is made.
      
      
      

9. 
   Other/Announcements
   
   
   
   1. 
      Franco updated the Commission on the status of the north concession project at Greenwich Point.
      
   2. 
      Silberberg announced another blood drive at Temple Sholom on May 13, 2013 from 1:30 p.m. to 6: 15 p.m.
      
   3. 
      Rutherford spoke about the new State of Connecticut’s proposal for the Old Greenwich station. He noticed that the plans do not include green areas and space for trees.
      
   4. 
      The May Gardener’s Farmers Market will be open on May 5, 2013 at the Garden Education
      
   5. 
      The shellfish Commission is hosting a program at Greenwich Point on May 4, 2013.
      
   6. 
      On May 4, 2013 the Friends of Greenwich Point will have an invasive species walk and demonstration of how to make food with invasive species.
      

A motion was made by Silberberg and seconded by Franco to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Submitted by,

Aleksandra Moch

Page of Conservation Commission Minutes 5/2/2013