November 29, 2011, Meeting

WINTONBURY LAND TRUST , 52 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield

Present: Vic Herson, John Stout, Wendy Wolcott, Patrick Sullivan, Kevin Gough, Chip Caton, Dale Bertoldi, Vikki Reski, Paula Jones

1) Special Projects - Regarding the CCLC challenge grant, Chip reported that some revisions had been made to the consultant contract template (to contract with Sharon Danofsky.) The Organizational Assessment Board Retreat is set for December 4^th at Hannah Roditi’s.

2) Fundraising Projects

a. Stout Fields update: Chip reported that a fundraising letter (as a reminder for pledges made) was sent out. A total of $160,000 in pledges has been made. The closing for this property will likely be in the first six months of 2012, so we need to have the pledge dollars in hand. Rich McDermott will appraise the property by early January, which will then give us the amount of the NRCS grant.

b. Lisa Lane update: We have a $10,000 check in hand from an anonymous donor. The DEEP grant amount is $195,000; the NRCS grant amount is $89,000. As reported in October, there are a couple of areas of minor encroachment that need to be addressed. This will delay the close on this property. NRCS has asked for an environmental study; DEEP records are being checked. Generally, farming practices have been organic, with mild pesticides used on pest outbreaks. Since WLT will hold a conservation easement on this property, we will need to be proactive with any issues. The concept of a management committee consisting of members from various interested stakeholders (e.g., Community representatives, CEEC subcommittee, DEEP, WLT) was discussed.

c. Thrall property update: The CT Trust for Historic Preservation “pre-application” for the 2012 Barn Grants has been submitted. We will be advised on whether or not to proceed with the full application based on the merits of our pre-application. The potato barn has been cleaned out – a contractor did the work with payment being the scrap metal he removed. The oak tree that fell on the roof during the October storm has been removed, and the roof has been repaired (again.) The meeting we had planned with the farmer, Jiff Martin, and Kip Kolesinskas for early November was cancelled due to the October snowstorm. It will be rescheduled for January.

3) Committee Reports

a. Events: Regarding the holiday celebration at the Golf Course, we agreed that a weekend night would be preferable for scheduling. Diane Mack has offered to help with planning. There will be an ongoing slide show at the celebration to highlight the work WLT has done this year. WLT received a $300 donation to help defray costs of the event.

b. Stewardship: CL&P - Capewell Greene planting is finished (6 Shrubs.) Downed trees from the October snowstorm reported at Tunxis, Capewell Greene and Cohen.

d. Financial: Kevin Gough and Pat Sullivan both agreed to serve on the Financial Committee. WLT is looking to purchase a new laptop; Jay is researching the model we are considering.

4) New Business: D&O Insurance – Tami is getting a quote from Chubb. Bike Tour – Vic Herson will chair the bike tour committee.

5) Next Meeting Date: Tentative date February 9^th, 7:00 pm at 52 Duncaster Road.