Conservation Commission

Meeting Minutes of the Montpelier Conservation Commission May 31, 2012 (Special Joint Meeting Regarding Berlin Pond) Attendees: Montpelier Conservation Commission: Geoff Beyer, Chris Hilke, Kris Hammer, Erik Escelstyn, Roy Schiff Berlin Conservation Commission: Andrea Chandler, Phil Gentile, Ellen Sulek, Tom Willard  Joint approach to safeguarding drinking water and for protecting conservation values o Water supply for both municipalities o Need decision-making based on science and history o Consider adoption of Draft Berlin Pond Conservation Plan  Key Issues o Water supply protection o Water quality protection and prevention of invasive species o Habitat protection o Preserve natural water body  1 of some 850 lakes in state where access restricted  Worthwhile to preserve for conservation and unique habitat, in addition to safeguarding water supply  Possible courses of action o Allow recreation o Post shoreline by both Towns o Bring to ANR and before Environmental Board o Bring to legislature to change Charter to protect water supply  Important to be mindful of sportsman community interested in fishing and boating on Pond. o Many alternatives nearby.  Important history that may be unknown to current City Council in Montpelier and Berlin Select Board. o Slide show on website. o Maps and reports exist.  View is to keep pond as future conservation asset including fish populations while protecting water supply. o Do not rely on backup plans that are mostly unknown and hard to get running. o Perhaps recreation in future?  Most of press to date has been accusing Berlin residents near pond for protecting their own interests, while the reality is that this is an important issue for the City and Town as a whole.  Question of access and property limit on South end by City. Parking is limited at pond.  Long history of MCC and BCC conserving lands to safeguard water quality seems lost. Some re- education may be needed.  May need short and long-term plan o Short: Support efforts of local officials o Long: Testify at Environmental Board or Legislature  Is injunction of stay possible until legislature or ANR consider issue?  TO DO LIST o Contact City Officials to get idea or where the issue is at now and offer assistance of the MCC and BCC given our extensive history at Berlin Pond.  Roy to touch base with Mayor Hollar, City Manager Frasier, and DPW head Law.  Chris to talk with City Councilor Jarvis. o Erik to meet with ANR Secretary Markowitz to discuss Pond. o Erik and Kris to draft commentary for submission to Times Argus to broaden views.  Send to MCC and BCC for review prior to submission. o Kris  Create map of Hill Street parcel.  Send Roy GIS parks data.  Create CD of past Commission files for Roy.  Drop off two invasive species booklets with Elise for Roy. o Geoff  Contact Hill Street parcel owner to explore conservation project.  Represent the Commission financial needs to the City at a meeting this month. o Chris  Dig up instructions on posting to the City website and send to Bill.  Final post minutes from last three months. o Alex  Go before City Council for appointment confirmation. o Bill  Website update.