Environmental Commission Minutes

December  5, 2008

Attendance: Cathy Harvey (Chair a.i), Ellen Emr (Council liaison), Doug Morrison, Murray Robertson, Tom Carr, Corey Nachshen, Oliver Turner.  Total: 7

Not present: Todd Terhune, Mary Roseland (League of Women Voters), Khizar Sheikh, Judy Edwards (Woodlands liaison).

Start: 7.40pm

Approval of October 1 and November 5 minutes.:

Proposed by Murray,  seconded by Corey

‘Environmental-summit’ -   ‘Invasive Management of our Gardens and Natural Environment’

When: November 15. 9.00am to Noon. MLHS

Feedback:

Tom: Very positive

Doug: Very good

.

Goal Updates

1. Well Head Protection (WHP)

Cory has started work on the ordinance. He will give feedback at the next meeting

2. Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI)

Rick Radis will be been paid $2000 and has started the work. He will do the fauna inventory only.

ANJEC ERI conference

Cory attended: We have to opt in or out of the Highlands Council – by Dec 28 2008. There are $21 million and $1.5 million (initial assessment) grants available. A ‘fill-in-the blanks’ ERI template will be provided which will then need to be filled in by Dec 2009. Discussion on whether Mountain Lakes should be in or out? No conclusion.

3. Riparian Buffer Ordinance

No comment.

2009 Goals – for consideration

• ERI – completed – proposed a $10,000 grant.
• Water purity
• Invasives – residential – update the website and education
• Geese removal
• Poop-scoops on Boulevard
• Hess and Gulf gas station feedback
• Spend the money to get the gas station water contamination data
• ‘Gardening Guide’ – proposed by Murray
• Check with the gardening club

2009 Responsibilities

Cathy: We should work in committees to get things done - general agreement with this plan.

General comments

• Solar panels on the high school roof – Cathy – Board of education is in negotiations with Solar Panels - companies
• Bear – A 400 pound plus bear was at Tom’s house. People need to take care.
• Ellen – Do the ERI
• LWV – no comment
• Woodlands – no comment
• Lakes Committee – No comment

Public Comment

None

The meeting was adjourned at 8.43pm

Next meeting: January 7 at 7.30pm