East Lyme Conservation Commission Backs Climate Superfund Resolution, Reviews Pesticide Use

EAST LYME, CT — The East Lyme Commission for the Conservation of Natural Resources voted unanimously Aug. 12 to send a proposed Climate Superfund Local Resolution to the Board of Selectmen and began discussing the town's use of rodenticides and other pesticides.

The commission also continued discussions about the legal status of town open space, reviewed energy-use data and received updates on Pollinator Pathway East Lyme projects.

Chair Penny Heller called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Members Don Danila, Harvey Beeman and Mark Christensen attended, along with alternate Marjorie Meekhoff, who was seated for absent member Laura Ashburn. Meghan Moore was also present.

Climate resolution headed to selectmen

The commission reviewed a second draft of a Climate Superfund Local Resolution and provided Moore with suggested changes.

Danila then moved to approve the resolution as modified at the meeting and present it to the Board of Selectmen. Beeman seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.

The commission also plans to send the selectmen a cover letter with the updated resolution.

Commission discusses alternatives to rodenticides

Under new business, Meekhoff led a discussion about how other municipalities are addressing rodenticides.

She said Lisa Stark of Newtown was willing to address the East Lyme commission by Zoom about Newtown's use of rodent birth control as an alternative to rodenticides, including the costs of the program. According to the minutes, Meekhoff said the approach is reducing Newtown's rodent population.

Meekhoff plans to invite Stark to the commission's Oct. 14 meeting.

Heller said the commission should also research state Department of Public Health regulations governing rodenticides. Christensen reported that the health department has banned pesticide use inside schools.

The commission did not take a vote on town pesticide or rodenticide policies.

Open-space protections remain under discussion

Members also continued examining the legal status of designated open space.

Christensen reported attending the Planning Commission's Aug. 12 meeting, where he discussed whether the Planning Commission should consider having open space conveyed to the town.

Danila cited a section of Connecticut law outlining the powers and responsibilities of local conservation commissions. Heller said she would discuss the Conservation Commission's concerns with First Selectman Dan Cunningham.

A separate open-space issue involved town-owned property on Roxbury Road.

Meekhoff reported meeting with East Lyme Zoning Official William Mulholland about zoning for the property. Christensen suggested asking the Board of Selectmen to consider changing deed language designating the land as open space for recreational purposes to specify passive recreation only.

Members agreed zoning regulations should be researched before approaching the selectmen to determine whether such a change would be appropriate. Meekhoff plans further discussions with Mulholland, while Heller will contact Rose Ann Hardy to determine whether Hardy has discussed the issue with Cunningham.

Pollinator Pathway reports grant

Meekhoff reported that Pollinator Pathway East Lyme had been accepted for a grant from the Dominion Grant Foundation to improve an area behind the Community Center.

The group has also submitted a $2,000 nonprofit grant application to the town's finance director and was awaiting a response as of the meeting.

Meekhoff also reported meeting with Police Chief Kevin Glenn about establishing a fundraiser for the Betty Murphy Memorial Garden. She is scheduled to give an educational presentation at the Chester Fair on Aug. 29, with Pollinator Pathway East Lyme receiving a donation for the presentation.

Energy database work continues

Beeman reported that GIS information had been posted on the town website as part of a building energy-use database he developed.

He said high school meters are not aligned with Eversource records, making it difficult to accurately review utility bills.

Christensen reported that the Agribusiness Subcommittee did not meet in August. He also said he was working on a winter program concerning backyard chickens.

Heller reported that Ben North would provide her with data on salt levels in town well water for the previous two years.

East Lyme's conservation panel backed a climate resolution and discussed rodenticides, open space and local environmental projects.

The commission approved its July 8 minutes, with Christensen abstaining, and adjourned at 8:25 p.m. on a unanimous vote.