Approved Minutes - January 8, 2008
Meeting called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chairman, Alberto Mimo.
Members Present: A. Mimo, Lois Chicano, John Kaufman, Chris Moffo, Theresa Graveline, Ann Stein, Gary Baldowski (7:35).
Theresa Graveline agreed to serve as temporary recording secretary for this meeting in the absence of the regular secretary, Gary Baldowski.
There was a lengthy discussion and sharing of ideas regarding the "Paintball Property. It was noted that Region 16 was not awarded the bid on the property to be used for the building of a new elementary school. Members agreed that a school would the best use of the parcel. No definitive information was known by members regarding the intent of the investors who were awarded the bid for the property. John Kaufman related that there have been no proposals submitted to P&Z as yet and that there may be issues with watershed on that property. The "front section" of the property along Rt. 69 may be zoned commercial which is of concern to this subcommittee.
Motion made by Ann Stein to draft a letter of recommendation of use from the Open Space Planning SubCommittee to the Town Council, all Land Use Boards, Assessor and Council of Governments stating this subcommittee's opinion that the use of the property as a school site would be compatible with the Open Space Plan that will be proposed for adoption. Motion seconded by A. Mimo. Discussion ensued regarding wording in the letter, concerns about commercial development, compromising the natural resources of this proper and various points of information. Vote: All in favor except T. Graveline who opposed, citing lack of information and uncertainty of letter's purpose. Motion carried. Ann Stein will prepare a draft letter which will be emailed to subcommittee members for review at the next meeting, Thursday, January 17, 2008. Chris Moffo will speak with Bill Donovan to obtain information regarding current zoning of the property, sewer & water issues and any proposals for development that may have been discussed or submitted to the Town.
Motion made by Gary Baldowski to approve minutes of the 11/29/07 meeting, seconded by Theresa Graveline with amendments. All in favor. Motion carried.
Gary has almost completed compiling a package of all agendas, unapproved minutes and approved minutes of this subcommittee since its inception. When complete, Theresa will deliver all to the Town Clerk's office and oversee their filing into the correct folders, so that the permanent record of this subcommittee will be completely up to date.
John Kaufman presented his recommendations for the Open Space Plan. His reccomendations included: 1. hiring a consultant to help the committee bring the Plan to adoption; 2. development of a plan to "sell" the Plan to Town Officials; 3. inclusion of mechanisms of acquisition of Open Space; 4. discussion of innovative funding options for Town Landowners; 5. support of changes in P&Z regulations to include 2 acre zoning in specific areas, promoting neighborhood buffers and linkages, increasing the minimum builder's square and expansion of its definition to protect "fragile lands"; 6. supporting "Low and Smart Growth Initiatives". His priority properties include: Paintball, Cheshire Ridge line, Waterbury Res #2, Aquifer at Rt. 68, Summit Road and Baker/Matthew Street. John also encouraged subcommittee members to attendthe next Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) meeting to support Slow Growth Initiatives.
For the next meeting, Theresa will work on pulling together all ideas presented by subcommittee members over the past few meetings in the form of a "Draft List" to be included in the written plan.
Motion by Ann Stein to adjourn meeting; second by Lois Chicano. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 9:10.
Respectfully Submitted,
Theresa C. Graveline
Temporary Recording Secretary