January 22, 2011 Meeting Notes

Present: David Sullivan, Chip Caton, Catherine Lyons, Dale Bertoldi, Vikki Reski, Jay Stoccatore, Himali Shah, Tamara Hochmann, Vic Herson, Paula Jones and Kevin Gough

1. Discussion on a donation of 35 acres of higher elevation land with stipulation of being maintained as a public park in a similar manner to McLean Refuge. Dale will begin discussions about the layout and materials used in proposed park with owner representative and for additional background information with Mclean staff. Existing structures are a concern.

2. Fundraising Project.

a) Lisa Lane- Open Space Sub-committee has started discussions with Hartford Foundation for Giving and State Representatives to obtain additional $105,000 needed to finish the grant funding.

b) Stout Fields- Grasslands grant and New England Trails Grants are submitted.

c) Hawk Hill- Chip has contacted the owners through Lois and is waiting for an answer on a proposed meeting.

3. Garden & Art Tour Committee members, Catherine Lyons, Sharon Mann and Cheryl Fox met and have scheduled the tour for Saturday, June 18^th. Proposed gardens to be included are 59 Duncaster Road, 1 Adams Road, 35 Burr Road, and Stone Hill Drive ending the day with a reception at 27 Duncaster Rd. They are looking for an additional garden possibly in eastern Bloomfield. An informational stop at the bottom of Stout's fields will be highlighted. The five garden tour and garden reception costs are being worked out by the committee. Discount for membership is being discussed. David Sullivan will donate the wine. Himali Shah has volunteered for the garden committee. Additional volunteers to call Catherine Lyons at 860-726-9434.

4. Bike Tour Committee of Vic Herson, Dale Bertoldi, Val Mendizabal, Cary Henderson and Jay Stoccatore is being formed to plan a summer bike tour.

5. The Ct. Forest and Park Trails Day is scheduled for June 4 and 5. Paula Jones and Kevin Gough will lead a 9:30 Farmington River Park Hike which will be followed by an 11:30 Speer Preserve to Heublein Tower hike lead by Jay Stoccatore. Kevin and Jay will coordinate the submission to Ct. Forest and Park. Ct. Forest and Park will advertise the event.

6. Treasurer’s Report: Checking and Savings: $21,839.58.Renewed Membership for Rivers Alliance, $35 and Land Trust Alliance, $250 are renewed.Land Trust Alliance Chubb Insurance renews on October 31^st for $1576 covering general Liability and an umbrella policy.PO.Box has been paid for $96 through October 2011.Acquisition cost of Privilege Road: December 2009, Ct. Home Builder donated $1000 to cover $488.88 in taxes and $902 in legal fees.Acquisition cost on additional Speer Property: February 2010 Elisabeth Speer Donated $1,555.61 to cover $938.31 in taxes and $1,049 in legal fees.Acquisition cost on 26 Terry Plains: February Michael and Naomi Cohen donated $1000 to cover 1,009 in legal fees, taxes are not yet due.WLT has a $1000 short fall on these acquisitions.Robinson and Cole has made a donation of $1000 and should be invited to join at the corporate level.

7. Membership:New and renewing members are Wendy Wolcott, Chip Caton, Catherin Lyons, Claudia and Walter Gwardyak, Patrick Sullivan, Richard and Jane Pierce, Linda Pagani, Tim Wolf, Jane and Skip House.

8. A metal detector has requested access to the property. Vikki will review guidelines and report next meeting.

9. Next meeting February 27, 3-4 at 52 Duncaster Road. Adjourn