Wallingford Conservation Commission Minutes*

*These are unofficial Minutes subject to the approval at the next regular meeting.

June 1, 2009

Call to order: 7:13

Attendees:  Ralph Nimtz, Carol Macleod, Kim Blodgett, Shannon Pytlik, David Klock, Debbie Scranton, Anne Miller, Tim Chila

Guest:  Anna Tally  

Old Business

(1)   Walking Brochure:  David brought the copy paper for the walking brochures to Joyce. Shannon emailed electronic copies of the brochure to both Julie and Joyce for the town webpage and printing.  Tim will check the old minutes to find out if the WCC developed a comprehensive distribution list. If not, he will build on what was brainstormed and expand to sites outside of Wallingford.  David is planning to attend the Gilbert Hart Library board meeting to propose that the library (with support/help of the WCC) construct and erect  a kiosk and picnic table beside the library (a self serve Wallingford welcome center). He will offer the services of the WCC to help design the kiosk.  Kim will take pictures of state kiosks so we can copy the design if appropriate.

(2)   Green Up Day: Fairly low attendance but all bags were distributed.  We may need to beef up the advertising next year and request more bags.  Advertising is difficult because there are very few locations to distribute posters.  Next year include posters at the locker and the transfer station a couple weeks before Green Up day.

(3)   Town Plan:  Tim went to a planning commission meeting to offer our help with the town plan. They asked that the WCC help in manning the booth at the Wallingford Fun Days (July 18^th) to promote a town plan survey.  Tim also offered to host an informational meeting at the library facilitated by Jens Hilke (wildlife planner).  The Conservation Commission would also be interested in helping draft the natural resources section of the plan.  Tim will email the planning commission and find out what dates might work for the informational meeting.  He will also offer our assistance in writing the NR section of the plan. 

(4)   Energy Committee (Rutland Regional):  Tim attended the meeting but arrived late. Although he missed the presentation, he was able to invite the speaker to come to Wallingford to speak.  The WCC is also interested in hosting a workshop on personal solar (cost/benefits, subsidies, designs, options etc)

(5)   Website Teaser:  We need something on the home page to entice folks to click on the WCC page.  We’ll check out the Hartford Conservation Commission Website to see if there is anything we can borrow from them. 

(6)   Summer/Fall presentations:  June: bats;  July: Anna’s carbon footprint reading/working group;  August/September/October/November:  Options include: Efficiency Vermont; Jens Hilke (planning workshop); Personal Solar; and Alan Betz (akbetts@aol.com) on global warming. Other presentation option: Bernd Hienrich on his book Summer World (we could sponsor a cooperative presentation with other towns/Rutland Audubon and host it in the Rutland Library)

(7)   Pit Workdays/foot bridge/reclamation:  We have the go-ahead from the Selectboard to work on trails. The pilings for the bridge are being set on either side of otter creek. The town has permits and they seem to be adequately protecting the otter creek.  Ralph has been walking the trails and has developed a map.  He is going to try to write a grant for trail development, a boardwalk, and bridge between the two marshy areas. We need to create markers for the trails.  Right now, trail bikes are using the area pretty consistently.  Ralph will schedule via email, an evening for commission members to walk the trails. Ralph asked Peter if he would check with Tom Phillips regarding the goals of the recreation committee so we can address our common interests.  Ralph may also try to call Keith from the recreation committee.      

(8)   Strategic Plan:  We may devote a meeting next fall to strategically set goals and objectives for the committee so that we can focus our efforts in a more systematic way.  

New business:

(1) Anna Tally-Lowering your Carbon Footprint:   Anna would like support from the WCC to establish a reading/working group to meet and discuss options for lowering our carbon footprint using the workbook Low Calorie Carbon Diet to loose 5000 pounds. The group meets monthly (in a book club format) and works from a workbook to reduce each person’s carbon footprint (ultimately becoming a carbon reduction support group).  Jim Merkel is speaking about reducing your carbon footprint at the Unitarian Church Friday night.  The WCC agreed to help Anna host an informational meeting at the library.  Anna will contact the library to see if Thursday, July 16^th or 23^rd are available for the meeting.  She will also send something to Julie for the newsletter, and develop a poster for distribution. The workbook  website is: www.empowermentinstitute.net.    Anna’s email is atally@rssu.org.  We will communicate via email to finalize dates etc.  We will send an announcement via email to all folks who signed up on Green Up day as well as other specific residents we think might be interested.     

(2) Bat Presentation:  Debbie made posters and emailed them around to committee members.  She sent info to Rutland Herald, Mountain Times, and the New Guide.  Posters need to be distributed.  Tim will put a bunch up in Manchester, Carol will distribute in Wallingford, Shannon in Tinmouth, Kim will put one at Over Easy’s in Shrewsbury, Ralph will put some up at the Coop and Library in Rutland.  Carol will check with the library about a screen.  If we need one, Kim will bring one.

(3) Hydro:  Dave and Ron Evans conducted a site visit regarding the applicability of Ron’s undershot water wheel (for power production) in the Otter Creek. There used to be a dam and a big Mill Pond close to where Roaring Brook enters the Otter Creek. Rather than try to replicate the dam, Ron looks for areas where the river narrows and water flows faster (venturi effect). It potentially minimizes the need for major dam construction with all its potential environmental impacts. Ron has been investigating opportunities for applying his water wheel at these venturi sites.  If the wheels generate electricity, it can be sold back to the grid.      

(3) Next meeting Monday, June 29^th

(4) Adjourn at 9:00.

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