MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday October 4, 2007
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Middlesex Town Offices
Middlesex, VT

MINUTES
 
Commissioners Present
x Barry Goodman
x Judy Keyes
  Duncan Nichols
x Rick Paradis
x Dave Shepard
x Scott Gurley

 
Guest:


Administrative Operations
The meeting started at 7:05, Rick motioned to approve the minutes, Scott seconded. The minutes passed.

Treasurer’s Report
• Operating Budget: $1000.00 as of , July 1
2006-2007 operating budget spent down to $52.90
• Conservation Fund: $17451.27
• Special Projects fund: $1287.98

Correspondence
AVCC note of Autumn Celebration Sat. Oct 27 at Vermont Technical College, Old Dorm Lounge
The Raymonds received conditional use determination from the agency of Natural Resources for the permit to put in a pond on their property at Daniels farm road. Their land borders a class 2 wetland. 

Vacancies on the MCC
3 Current Vacancies.
Dave tried to contact Kathy Chabot, and Steve Hagenbuch, possible Chip Darmstadt. Possible Mike Kline.
Possible high school student? Possible Brian Redmond

Committee Reports
a. Middlesex Energy Team
MCC being copied on their minutes. 
 They are interested in issues for the proposed fire station.

b. Water Quality Committee: Town did work on lower McCullough Hill Rd. The slope is steep. David suggested that the MCC or the boy scouts or the Youth Conservation Corps might want to look into tree planting uphill on the slope.

c. Resource Planning Committee \ Recreation Trials Committee
Ancient Roads Research and Planning Effort Update:
Work is underway on the Research piece.
Dave said that a first meeting as the Ancient Roads Review Committee for the planning overview piece, has taken place. Dave talked mostly about the legislation and impact on Ancient Roads. Judy and Scott may be interested in joining the committee for the overview Planning Effort.

Wrightsville trail proposal update and work day:
Scott drafted a letter to the State Forester about working on the trail network, proposing 3 stages of development and spelling out the challenges of working on these stages. The MCC signed this letter and sent it to Diana Fredericks at Forest and Parks. The letter was sent in mid September.

d. Conservation Program:
Ott/Steed update
Appraisal done. $343,000. Bill has been in contact with VHCB (Vermont Housing Conservation Board) River Conservancy, Middlesex Conservation Fund. Possible funding to make deal happen. Nov. 19th deadline to get an application into the VHCB for funding. Dave looking to get on the SelectBoard meeting for Oct 23 to see how the town would like to see the property used if it can be purchased and conserved.

Enhanced Democratization Project
Idea to address issues for Town Meeting. Look to improve discourse in town about Town issues.
i.e. “how land conservation can affect tax rate”

e. Village Action Committee
Morse Property
MCC will contact the new “to be formed” building committee to make sure there is green space consideration. 
A suggestion was made that someone from the Village should be on this ‘Fire House Building Committee’.
f. Friends of the Worcester Range Update
Annual meeting October, 6th. 10am-2pm. Rick and Dave hope to attend.

g. Wildlife Monitoring Committee
Bill has the camera, Judy or Scott may be interested in using it.

Other Business
a. Monthly Articles
  Conservation Fund Discussion
   Currently conserved lands
   Value of conserved lands to Middlesex residents
  Friends of the Worcester Range annual meeting

Adjournment 
Scott moved to close the meeting, Judy seconded at 8:48

Respectfully Submitted
Barry Goodman
Secretary