Commission on Conservation & Agriculture

Commission on Conservation and Agriculture MINUTES Regular Meeting of February 19, 2019 Present Absent Public Staff Elisabeth Holder Jon Morris Josh Eddinger None Brian Gartner Katharine Owens Ellen Lukens David Bauer Kate Miller Larry Owens Barbara Schukoske Jane Braverman Mike Thomas Bob Daniels A. Call to Order a. 7:11 meeting called to order B. Accept the Agenda a. Elisabeth moves, Brian seconds C. Approval of Minutes a. Barbara moves, Brian seconds D. Public Forum – Josh – No comment other than he wanted to hear outcome of Farm Market and Stand Ordinance E. Chairman’s Report a. Christine Raczka hired as Environmental Specialist b. The Planning Director would like to ask that the Commission on Conservation and Agriculture Chair Elisabeth Holder be appointed to the Plan of Conservation and Development Steering Committee c. The Commission on Conservation and Agriculture endorses the proposed Middletown ordinance to eliminate single-use plastic bags F. Trails Sub-Committee a. No major spring project, will work on Hubbard property b. Trails Day will be June 1st and 2nd. Since no one else volunteered, Liz agreed to ask Jon Morris if he would agree to lead a hike on one of those days.  c. Saturday, May 18th, with rain date of 19th set for Wilcox event. Part of Ambassadors program at UConn with outreach to MHS and Vo-Ag. Focus on garbage clean-up and removal of invasive plants species G. Agricultural Sub Committee a. Looking to get support from new planner and Planning & Zoning for Farm Market/Farm Stand Ordinance Revisions. Recommended that we also include language for Wineries/Breweries and Cideries, but not for Medical Marijuana. Jane made motion and Jim seconded the recommendation to use Tolland’s language for Breweries, Wineries and Cideries was unanimous b. Liz will take the document with the changes to Joe Samolis and follow-up with Stephen Devoto and Mark Devoe H. Outreach Sub-Committee a. Source to Sea – Need to remove b. Red Maple Swamp – Move to old business c. Seasonal Walks – Spoke about Trail Days in previous agenda topic d. Agricultural Event – Possible events at Gabe’s farm or associated with new horse rescue I. Open Space Acquisition Sub Committee a. Joe, Liz and Ellen viewed 3 properties under consideration. The properties are being evaluated and some additional questions are being pursued by Joe Samolis. b. Ellen’s original list of possible acquisitions also being addressed with Joe J. Old Business a. Kleen Energy Property – Nothing to Report b. Landfill Trail – Nothing to report c. Open Space Regulations – Kate and Jim working on draft revision of code based on Joe’s original request and Amanda’s report d. Water Tower near Guida Property – Will start in spring K. New Business – Liz working on updating and providing goals. Commission reviewed many of goals we accomplished over past year during the meeting. Jane mentioned that Gabe would be at next meeting with his annual report. L. Member Forum – Jane discussed the North End Farmers Market and some difficulties with sustaining the market. Questions raised about how city could support this more and need for leadership, particularly, with grant applications. They need funding M. Adjournment – Motion to adjourn at 8:57. Barb moved, Ellen seconded.