Commission waiting to decide position on aquifer designation
By Sam Bari

The Conservation Commission discussed their mixed feelings about supporting the proposed island Sole Source Aquifer designation at their Feb. 12 meeting. Commission Chairman Chris Powell said, "The town is doing a good job of water conservation and at this time I don't think the designation of Sole Source Aquifer is necessary." He went on to say that the designation presented another layer of bureaucracy to contend with if any projects requiring federal funds are considered in the future. He also pointed out that the designation gives no tangible benefit.

Powell said he would attend the public Environmental Protection Agency hearing and listen to the presentation with an open mind. The other members of the commission had mixed feelings and said they wanted to attend the meeting before making a decision on the commission's position.

In other business, the commissioners discussed the involvement of the commission in the formbased zoning and comprehensive plan. Commissioner Mark Baker met with Town Planner Lisa Bryer to discuss the subject and studied the form-based zoning plan and smart code documents at length. A sub-committee chaired by Baker was formed with Commissioners Kate Smith and Pat Driscoll to define the commission's role and participation in the form based zoning.

A letter from Town Clerk Arlene Petit was read confirming the re-appointment of Chris Powell and Cathy Roheim. Their terms will run to Dec. 31, 2010. Powell has been the commission chairman for more than 20 years. Roheim's re-appointment marks the beginning of her second term.

Commissioner Jennifer Talancy researched the Mackerel Cove planting project to repair the damage suffered during the November storm that eroded much of the beach and destroyed most of the dunes. Talancy said replanting the east and west ends and the dunes would cost approximately $2,000. She also said the planting should be done no later than the end of March.

Chairman Powell said that the Girl Scouts had agreed to be involved in the planting. He also told the commissioners he would talk to Town Administrator Bruce Keiser about funding the project.

Commissioner Carol Trocki led the discussion on the Round Marsh restoration monitoring project located at the Conanicut Island Sanctuary off Conanicus Avenue. Trocki distributed a timetable and comprehensive description of the monitoring to the commissioners that also outlined the requirements for the project to be successful.

The document listed the monitoring protocol to include vegetation, groundwater, soil salinity, soil sulfides, larval mosquito, fish and birds. Trocki said that the monitoring would take place over a three year period and would be funded by the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

Trocki said that WHIP would provide $68,000 or 75 percent of the funding with the town's contribution of 25 percent to be in services.

Chairman Powell also updated the commissioners on the osprey observation platform on North Main Road. Powell said that the construction of the water treatment plant was probably going to delay the project until next year.