Commission on Conservation & Agriculture

Chairperson Brian Gartner Commission Vice-Chair Members Bob Daniels Michael Thomas Michael Maier Kate Miller on Jane Brawerman David Bauer Conservation & Agriculture Barbara Schukoske Kristen Rzasa Alternates Ellen Lukens Staff James Sipperly, Environmental Planner REGULAR MEETING Minutes DATE: Tuesday, June 20, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. Meeting was held online and in person in Room 208, Municipal Building. The public had access to the meeting by: 1. Going to https://webex.com and joining the meeting using the appropriate meeting number and password 2. Launching the WebEx application and joining the meeting using the appropriate meeting number and password Via telephone at 1-408-418-9388 and the appropriate access code Webinar Number/Access Code: 2331 577 9589 Webinar Password: Middletown Panelist Password: openspace In attendance: Commissioners: Brian Gartner, Bob Daniels, Mike Thomas, Barbara Schukoske, Kate Miller, Kristen Rzasa Staff in Attendance. James Sipperly, Environmental Planner. Public In attendance: Dave Schroder, Blue Moon A. Call to Order Chairperson B. Gartner called the meeting to order at 7:15pm B. Accept the Agenda Motion: To add the election of officers to the agenda made by Kristen Rzasa, passed unanimously. B. Gartner opens nominations. Chairman B. Gartner & B Daniels are both nominated for Chairman. B. Daniels wins the nomination. Vice Chairman B. Gartner & Mike Thomas are both nominated for Vice Chairman. B. Gartner wins the nomination. Vice Chairman Gartner excuses himself from the meeting at 7:30pm. Motion: to continue with hybrid meetings, made by Kristen Rzasa, seconded by Mike Thomas, motion passed. F. Officers and Committee Reports 1. Trails Committee ATV activity should be addressed with Middletown Police 2. Agriculture Committee i. Ag Program/Grant Discussion held regarding monies still available for distribution for Ag grant. Team believes that $25,000 still available. Suggestion by Jane and Kate is to parcel out by up to $5,000 increments to provide more opportunities to people. Will discuss If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the ADA Coordinator at (860) 638-4540, (voice) or (860) 638-4812 (TDD/TTY), or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting. Page 1 of 2 process further with Marek and Jim and add to agenda for next meeting. Commission would like to review RFP language for possible feedback. Need RFP language from Marek/Jim. 3. Outreach Committee i. Conservation Corner update Bob to check with Judy to see where this was left. 4. Open Space Management Committee Eric Hansen no longer involved in original capacity. Committee to reach out to Jim on submitting proposal for assessments. Mike M. was contact with Eric. G. Old Business 1. Trail Mapping Update Trail Mapping on hold for now. Review proposal for electronic files for trail guides. Pat Rush, Graphic Designer. 2. Proposed Eagle Scout Projects Will discuss Eagle Scout projects with Jim when he is back at next meeting. H. New Business 1. Proposed right to Farm Ordinance Kristen asked that Right to Farm Ordinance be tabled to next meeting. 2. Proposed Livestock and Poultry Ordinance Livestock and Poultry Ordinance also tabled until next meeting. No one familiar with it. 3. Future Maintenance of Open Space Parcels Really need to push BOE/City on VoAg land lab. No movement. This should be top of list priority for this commission. Jane also wants us to focus/pursue promoting more agriculture activities in urban areas. Only one active community garden. Commission should prioritize items of most importance. 4. Other Need to add committee assignments to next agenda – New members, members leaving, etc. Also, add topic for clarification on what activities/items are eligible for bond money. I. Member Forum Suggestion that minutes and documents be sent earlier prior to meetings J. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:44. Kristen made motion to approve. Mike M. seconded. Page 2 of 2