TOWN OF GRANBY
CONSERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES
January 15, 2009
Present: Michael Lengvarsky, Victoria Mazzei-Stepanov, Carolyn Flint, Neil Hornish, and Charles Katan
Absent: Susan Dwyer
Chairman Lengvarsky confirmed a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
MINUTES
The meeting minutes of December 18, 2008 were reviewed.
ON A MOTION by V. Mazzei-Stepanov, seconded by C. Katan, the Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 18, 2008.
Chairman Lengvarsky noted there will be an article in the February Drummer regarding the vacancy on this commission.
Regarding the Ridgeline package, Chairman Lengvarsky will speak with F. Armentano to see if he has any suggestions or comments regarding changes.
Ideas for upcoming projects were discussed and included:
- C. Flint suggested looking into Natural Resource Inventory. There is some old data available, but new data should be obtained. The Internet, including the DEP website, could be helpful. Statistics regarding farmland, forests, and development areas could be obtained. Bio-diversity studies provide data too. Inventory plants, insects, frogs, etc. All members are encouraged to obtain information to share at a later date.
- C. Katan has a list he started in 1997, listing the projects this commission has done.
- Eliminating the use of foam and plastic products by businesses, restaurants, and stores – some towns are pushing for this.
Chairman Lengvarsky will generate a project list to be reviewed by commission members.
20% BY 2010 CAMPAIGN
The Conservation Commission plan needs to be presented to the Board of Selectmen. Approximately 75 people are enrolled now and 100 are needed to qualify for the first solar system. Some towns have achieved the goal of 100 people and hopefully Granby can too. Schools could become active in this program, from an environmental aspect.
DISCUSSION OF PLANS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT ZONE
Chairman Lengvarsky reported the latest packet from F. Armentano is before the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review at this time.
He asked if the commission has any questions, comments, or statements for the Planning and Zoning Commission. Discussion included:
- N. Hornish commented he would like to see more attention to bicycles. Like bike paths and bike racks in the center.
- Questions referencing roof mounted mechanical equipment and if they will be placed out of view were asked. Would there be an exception for solar panels? Or, a push to use solar energy?
- Has environmentally friendly criteria been considered?
- Signs – it talks about use of wood construction, but could a simulated wood be used?
- Lighting – any reference to this besides its relation to signs?
- Could a water retention system be set up and used for landscaping?
- Add the three comments from the December minutes, which are: (a) will the proposed changes enhance pedestrian traffic in the commercial area (b) has a rational parking scheme been proposed? (c) does the proposed guidelines relate to the Town of Granby’s Plan of Conservation and Development in regard to the town’s conservation practices?
Chairman Lengvarsky will create an umbrella statement and email it to members for their feedback. Once the comments are finalized, he will give it to F. Armentano.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business was discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
ON A MOTION by N. Hornish, seconded by C. Flint, the Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Christian
Acting Recording Secretary
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