Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency
Minutes
March 5, 2007
Attendance:
Chester: Steve Williams
Clinton:
Deep River: Bruce Edgerton, Rob Wylie
Essex: Sharyn Nelson
Killingworth: Jere Adametz, Pat Smulders
Lyme: Frank Skwarek, Ning Rich
Old Lyme: Jane Marsh
Old Saybrook:
Westbrook:
Staff: Linda Krause, Torrance Downes, Janice Ehle-Meyer, Margot
Burns, Wini Olson
Guest: Judy Preston, Tidewater Institute
I. Chairman Bruce Edgerton called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM in the CRERPA Conference Space at 455 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT. 06475. Round table introductions were made. Chairman Edgerton asked
that the agenda be amended so that the meeting could begin with the
Presentation from Margot and Judy.
Judy Preston served as principal narrator for the power point presentation on Riparian Buffers. She explained the process whereby, on behalf of CRERPA
and the Tidewater Institute. She and Margot mapped and photographed vegetation along the entire coast of the Connecticut River in the Gateway Conservation Zone.
The project was funded by a grant from the EPA. The accompanying books
of maps, photos and text were available for inspection. Rob Wylie asked how the information was related to the work of Inland Wetland Commissions. Judy explained that the principals of riparian buffers are the same and relate to all streams. Inland Wetland Commissions are responsible for fresh water ecosystems. The Connecticut River is tidal.
Jere Adametz asked about the anticipated effect on water quality of the new
DOT policy to use all chemicals instead of sand. It is believed that the salt
Being used is Calcium Carbonate which is less harmful than Sodium
Chloride. Judy noted that sand clogs streams and destroys habitats.
Steve Williams asked if the buffer recommendations are enforceable.
Linda replied that they become enforceable through the Gateway
Regulations. Gateway requires a fifty foot buffer. Undergrowth can be
replaced. Trees are more difficult. Steve asked about the problem of geese.
Jane Marsh asked if the parcel by parcel information is available to the
general public. Margot explained that GIS material cannot be downloaded
by the general public. She added that the text and photos can be translated into access.
Tor suggested that board members go to the CRERPA website and use the
list of links to other websites.
II. Minutes
Wini Olson noted that on page 3, III Old Business should be V Old Business. Steve Williams moved that the minutes of the February 2007 meeting be approved as amended. The motion was seconded by Jere Adametz and unanimously approved.
III. Correspondence
Linda introduced Janice Ehle-Meyer as the editor of the recently distributed CRERPA Forum. Neither Ning nor Sharyn had received a copy. After reviewing the issue, Ning was most complimentary.
Linda noted that she has been in contact with OPM Undersecretary W. David LeVasseur who now is responsible for the Office of Responsible Growth. Dave is attempting to monitor proposed legislation and send out early warning signals. There is a proposal to require cluster regulations for all towns. Another proposal would link open space funding to cluster regulations. A “carrot” is being offered for affordable housing. A conservation and Open Space group known as the Face of Connecticut is proposing legislation that relies heavily on regions.
IV. Reports
A. Staff
1. Linda reported that staff members attended two planning workshops in
Chester. Jean video taped the sessions from the balcony. The tapes have
been shared with the commission.
2. Linda reported that Tor is serving as temporary ZEO for Westbrook.
3. Tor also serves as ZEO is Old Saybrook on issues that could involve a
conflict of interest for the ZEO who lives in a beach area of the town. Tor
reported that a recent decision of his is being appealed in Old Saybrook.
B. Treasurer
The Treasurer’s report was distributed.
Linda noted that we are half way through the year and have spent less
money than budgeted. Janice is being paid from the tipping fee money.
Ning Rich moved that the Treasurer’s report be accepted as presented.
The motion was seconded by Jere Adametz and unanimously approved.
C. Transportation
Linda reported that John Forbis has taken a leave of absence from the
ETD.
D. Referrals
Tor distributed the Referral Summary Sheet.
In Clinton, Lynn Pinder is petitioning for a change of language regarding the “Approval of Location” to make the Clinton language consistent with the state statutes. Clinton now uses the term “automotive repair” where the state uses “motor vehicle repair”. The hearing is tonight. Tor has written to the Commission asking that the hearing be kept open to receive the CRERPA comments. It was agreed that it is logical for the language to be amended to be consistent with the enabling statute.
The Essex Zoning Commission is proposing several changes. The first refers to Limited Industrial Uses. No Limited Industrial Zones are within 500 feet of another town. The Commission is proposing language to allow Site Plan Reviews. A new proposal would require the posting of a sign on property that is subject to a public hearing. The length of time for completing a Special Exception was extended. It is proposed that the Zoning Commission have the authority to impose a bond on Special Exceptions. It is also proposed that the bonding Authority be extended the ZEO.
Torrance suggested that the Essex proposals are primarily “housekeeping”. It was agreed that none of the proposals from either town should affect other communities. Steve Williams moved that the report be approved as presented. The motion was seconded by Jane Marsh and unanimously approved.
E. Gateway
The Gateway did not meet due to inclement weather.
V. Old Business
There was no Old business.
VI. New Business
There was no new business.
VII. Other Business
Jane Marsh asked for a review of the status of the membership.
Linda reported that Chester has a vacancy due to the death of Natalie Williams. Clinton has delegates who do not attend. Deep River, Essex, Killingworth and Lyme are fully represented. Old Lyme has a vacancy from the Planning commission due to the death of Alan Bayreuther. Old Saybrook has Dick Tietjen and Stu Fairbank. Since Stu has no intention of attending, it seems appropriate to speak to Mike Pace about a replacement. Westbrook has a vacancy caused by the resignation of Doris Sanstrom.
Jere Adametz moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Sharyn Nelson. The meeting was adjourned a 9:02 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Wini Olson, Staff