Meeting called to order at 7 P.M. by Jean Meehan chairperson in the Meeting Room at the Fire House. Meeting was turned over to Mayor Robert Chatfield who introduced the newly appointed members to the Room and then turned it over to Prospect Conservation Commission. He asked each to introduce themselves: William Andrews, Kenneth Cabral, Jeff Lamontagne and Lois Chicano.
At this time they were sworn in by the Mayor and welcomed to our commission and added to the roll along with Jean Meehan, Sheri Cocchiola, Harrie Semaskvich, Gary Baldowski, and Alberto Mimo. Michael Holley will be an honorary member as he is presently incapacitated.
Scott Poryanda, the Town Engineer was introduced by Mayor Chatfield as the guest speaker for the evening. Scott spoke about the Storm Water Phase II Project that may or may not be mandated by the State. Mayor Chatfield asked that the Prospect Conservation Commission get involved with making suggestions on how to implement this project and Scott explained that we really need to educate the public and asked that we think of ways.
Scott also suggested that the Conservation Commission get involved in inspected construction sites in town as a "second pair of eyes" and report anything to the Land Use Commissioner that may be questionable.
He also suggested we inventory where all the storm drains are in Town and create a program for the inspection of them for signs of toxic dumping. A suggestion of painting on each catch basin a warning not to dump oils and toxic fluids in the drains.
Questions of fines and enforcement came up. Scott said we would be more of a Watchdog rather than a law enforcement. Scott suggested we get ideas, look at maps, find groups to help and how we can inform the public of the danger of dumping waste in storm drains.
Scott was thanked for his presentation and he said he would attend the next meeting with more information.
Harrie Semaskvich spoke about the planned Hike. No one showed up. It was well advertised but still no one showed up. Sheri spoke about a large sign to be put on the Green in front of the Town Hall of future events. Gwenn Fischer could make it up. Sheri will follow up on this. Harrie would like to have another hike but also suggested cross country skiing. A date would have to be announced depending on the weather.
The plaque to be put on the bookshelf at the Prospect Public Library came in. We will have to set a date to put it on the shelf.
New Projects: Sheri Cocchiola spoke about the idea of putting a Nature Trail behind Long River School as an educational aid to the teachers. We will have to look into this a little more.
Harrie Semaskvich and Bill Andrews will see about getting maps of the stotm drains from Gene McCarthy, Public Works Director.
Copies of the Conservation Commission By Laws and Ordiance will be available at the next meeting for all members. Jean will see that copies of the information about the Storm Drains Project will be available to all members at the next meeting.
A motion was made by Sheri and seconded by Harrie to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 P.M. So voted.
Jean Meehan, Chairman