February 27, 2013 Meeting Minutes

WINTONBURY LAND TRUST February 27, 2013, 52 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield  

Present:  Aimee Petras, Dale Bertoldi, Paula Jones, Vic Herson, Kevin Gough, Vikki Reski, Chip Caton, Doris Johnson

1.      Guest Aimee Petras presented us with a Bloomfield map that had been generated by modifying an existing map from the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild & Scenic (W&S) Study.  Aimee works for the Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA), and also serves as the Education and Outreach Subcommittee Chair for the W&S Study.  FRWA wants to work with Land Trusts in a useful way for the Trusts and Towns that will further some of the objectives of the W&S Study Management Plan.  Aimee offered us the opportunity to serve as “guinea pigs” in a project designed to provide Land Trusts and Towns interactive maps that will highlight valuable resources within towns, and also those resources that cross town lines.  We will use the W&S map that Aimee presented as the starting point to produce a customized map suited to our needs.  We agreed that the immediate next step would be to determine exactly how the base map was generated, including which specific conservation values were included and what weights were assigned to those values.  Vikki offered to be the point person for WLT working with Aimee.  Paula asked to be included in any meetings as well, given her dual roles on the WLT Board and on the W&S Management Plan Subcommittee.

2.      The January 20, 2013 minutes were approved as submitted.

3.      Special Projects/Announcements – there were no new announcements.

4.      Organizational Assessment and Strategic Plan

a) Anti-Discrimination and anti-Harassment Policy – The policy submitted by Chip Caton, as amended by Paula Jones, was adopted.  The amendment consisted of adding “vendors/consultants/contractors” wherever the words “employees” and “volunteers” occur in the policy.  (See below)

b) Hannah Roditi has written and submitted a grant proposal to Cigna for a $10,000 education grant for trail walks. Chip Caton and Vikki Reski assisted Hannah.

c) The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (HFPG) Grant proposal for $250,000 will be finalized on February 28^th.  The HFPG Board meets quarterly, so the proposal should be considered no later than the June meeting.

5.      Committee Reports

a) Acquisitions:  The Lisa Lane appraisal should be done by February 28^th.  Chip Caton will pick up the report and deliver a copy to the NRCS office.

b) Open Space: DEEP Trails Grant 2013 - 2014 grant round (submission deadline: March 29, 2013).  A proposal has been written for the Filley Park section of the LaSalette Trail in cooperation with the Town Of Bloomfield. The Town Engineer will be adding his detail to the grant proposal during the first two weeks in March.

c) Financial- end 2012 account balances: Checking $7,719.84; general savings $18,474.08 and restricted savings of $83,301.41. We also have two new Life Members, Robert and Lucille Morrisse. The Financial Subcommittee will meet on Thursday February 28, at 2:00. 

d)     The Stout Fields parcel has been returned to 490 status.

e) Upcoming Events:

§         Wintonbury Land Trust Wine and Dine- Fall 2013, 80-90 people at 10 host homes- (chair Patrick Sullivan)

§         Celebrate LaSalette Trail on April 27 1:00 to 4:00.  Doris Johnson and the other members of the planning subcommittee have arranged for a variety of educational, fun programs.

§         LaSalette Ski Hill Trail Maintenance March 30, 10 A.M.

§         Bike Tour on Saturday, June 22.

f)  Community Outreach:  We should partner with the Duncaster Retirement Community Trails Committee on Trails events. 

g) Stewardship: Thrall Farm – Our Farmland Restoration Grant application was approved.  WLT jointly applied with Newgate Farms for this grant, which will match 50% of funds/in-kind services, to a maximum match of $20,000.  Major activities covered by the grant are land clearing, application of soil amendments, and installation of two wells.   We are actively working on the Farm Lease, with an initial draft to UCONN advisors for suggestions.

6.      Upcoming Meeting Dates: March 24, 7:00 PM, April 21, 7:00 PM.

Adjourn

 

Recorded by Paula Jones

 

Wintonbury Land Trust

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policies

 

The Wintonbury Land Trust (WLT) is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which employees and volunteers continually show that they respect and value the attitudes, attributes, feelings and opinions of each other and anyone with whom they come in contact on behalf of the organization.  WLT strives to provide working conditions for its employees and volunteers that are free from all forms of improper discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment.  The word “employee” as used in the policies below is defined as paid staff and any hired vendor, consultant, or contractor.

 

Anti-Discrimination Policy

WLT will not discriminate and will take affirmative measures to ensure against discrimination in employment or volunteer activities, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee, volunteer, or job applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, past or present history of mental disorder, mental retardation, learning disability or physical disability. 

Anti-Harassment Policy

WLT is committed in all areas to providing a work and volunteer environment that is free from harassment. Harassment based upon an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristics will not be tolerated. All employees and volunteers, including supervisors and other management personnel, are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in employment with the organization as a result of bringing complaints of unlawful harassment. 

 

Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when (1) submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or volunteer activity; (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions about employment, promotion, transfer, election for training, performance evaluations, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment or volunteer activity; or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment or substantially interferes with an employee’s or volunteer’s work performance.

 

Reporting Harassment

If an employee or volunteer feels that he or she has been harassed on the basis of his or her sex, race, national origin, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation or any other legally protected characteristic he or she should immediately report the matter to his or her supervisor. If the supervisor is not available, or if the employee or volunteer feels it would be unproductive to inform that person, the employee or volunteer should immediately contact that supervisor’s superior. Once the matter has been reported it will be promptly investigated and any necessary corrective action will be taken where appropriate. All complaints of unlawful harassment will be handled in as discreet and confidential a manner as is possible under the circumstances.

 

Disciplinary Measures for Harassment

Any employee engaging in improper harassing behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, including the possible termination of employment. Any volunteer engaging in improper harassing behavior will be required to terminate activities on behalf of the organization.

 

Celebrate Bloomfield's Trails- April 27

January 20, 2013 Meeting Minutes

WINTONBURY LAND TRUST January 20, 2013, 52 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield   DRAFT

Present:  Dale Bertoldi, Paula Jones, Vic Herson, Kevin Gough, Vikki Reski, Chip Caton, Doris Johnson

1.      The November 25^th, 2012 Minutes were approved as submitted.  In the future, announcements included in meeting agendas will not be repeated in the meeting minutes since they have already been publicized to membership.  New announcements made at meetings will be reported in meeting minutes.

2.      Special Projects/Announcements – there were no new announcements.

3.      Organizational Assessment and Strategic Plan

CCLC grant update – – Chip, Vikki, and Hannah Roditi have been meeting with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (HFPG) to discuss WLT’s needs.  They have been focusing the needs discussion on money needed for acquisition of Hawk Hill and other properties required for the LaSalette Trail and for money to hire and support paid staff or a consultant who will manage the Trail's development.   WLT’s assigned HFPG Program Officer has advised them to present these needs in a single grant application. They also learned that grants typically cover a 3-year period, so if we were to receive a HFPG grant, we could not apply for another for 3 years.  This prompted the question that, given this new information (about optimally packaging needs, and the 3-year time frame) whether other needs packages should be considered.  Chip indicated that WLT was pretty far-along in conversations with HFPG to change the needs focus now, but he was going to ask Hannah’s opinion.  He will report back.  He also suggested that donor-directed funds (administered by HFPG) could be a possible source of grants for other WLT projects within the three-year period.  

4.      Committee Reports

a)    Acquisitions: The Stout Fields closed December 21. The Lisa Lane survey is done, and Marc Needleman is ordering a title report. A new appraisal for the NRCS portion of the funding will be done mid-February.  Hawk Hill has an NRCS grant and a DEEP open space grant.  (The Conservation Energy and Environment Committee, in the persons of Lois Hager and Diane Mack, updated the Bloomfield Town Council regarding this activity on January 14 at which time the town council applauded our efforts.)  The Acquisition Committee will meet prior to the next Board meeting.

b)    Open Space: DEEP Trails Grant 2013 - 2014 grant round - The deadline: March 29, 2013.  To facilitate the distribution of funds as soon as they become available, this solicitation will cover funds that may be available in federal fiscal year 2013 or 2014; funding levels are not guaranteed.  The Application can be found at Hyperlink "http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/outdoor_recreation/trails/recreational_trails_app.doc" \t "_blank" http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/outdoor_recreation/trails/recreational_trails_app.doc> Doris can provide guidance regarding this Grant.  She mentioned that people from DEEP could do assessments, suggested that the Town could contribute in-kind services (for trail building.) It was noted that we will be required to have trails at Lisa Lane.

c)   Financial- end 2012 account balances: Checking $7,719.84, general savings $18,474.08, and restricted savings of $83,301.41. Vikki is working on paper work for 490 status for The Stout Fields. She is coordinating with the assessor and John Stout.  She will set up a Financial Committee meeting.

d)       Events:

Wintonbury Trust Wine and Dine - April 2013, 80-90 people at 10 host homes- (chair Patrick Sullivan)

The Stout Fields Celebration/General Party – Catherine Lyons has offered to help work on a celebration.  Paula and Kevin offered to find out Back East Brewery’s capacity – they attended a holiday party here.  We would need space for 50 – 60 people.

Earth Day at Hawk Hill

Trails Day (June 1^{st &} 2^nd) – We will approach Seabury about leading a hike on their trail system.  Kevin and Paula will co-lead the hike.  Dale will initiate contact with Seabury.

e)   Community Outreach: The Early Learning Center at 73 Rockwell Ave. will by April have room for community offices and meeting space.  They would like to start a gardening program in the vicinity.  Vikki will facilitate setting up a meeting with Claudia Bell to obtain more details.

CNAAP – If we want to participate in this program in 2013, we need to approach businesses now so that we can get a sense of funds commitment (and whether program participation is worthwhile for us.) 

The Dunlandwood Garden Club and the library are each putting up $200 to bring in Margaret Roach later this year as a speaker. WLT was asked to consider putting in $200 and co-sponsoring.  We agreed that this would not further our Mission, so will decline.

f)    Stewardship: Thrall Farm - Potato Barn Roofing: $5000 Stewardship funds were received for the South Side Roof project from a private donor. (The new south-side roof is complete.)  We will receive the $500 holdback (of the original $5,000 award) from our 2012 CT Trust Barn Grant upon submission of the final project report to the CT Trust for Historic Preservation.  (Paula will submit that final report shortly.) We are still awaiting news on the two farming grants we applied for in 2012 from the CT Department of Agriculture.  We’ve heard from a reliable source that the funding for these (2012) programs survived the State Budget cuts.  The foreclosed property next door, 400 Old Day Hill Road, has a listing agent for FNMA.  Kevin has contacted the agent about WLT’s and Newgate Farms’ interest in acquiring the property (preferably through donation.)

g)   Membership: Vikki noted that the members and donors lists had been consolidated (and should not be.)  She will talk to Chip about re-separating those lists.  Doris suggested a postcard that WLT function attendees could pick up (with content related to membership, etc.)  Vikki will e-mail the membership form to Paula and to Chip.  Chip had some suggested changes; we should incorporate those, and get some updated materials printed courtesy of Konica.

h)      Board Positions and subcommittee positions – Paula mentioned she had thought of a candidate for the Board, and would approach him.

i) Other

a.       A field walk of the Malucci property is being scheduled.   This parcel connects LaSalette to Sharon Road.

5.      Next meeting Dates: Wednesday, February 27, 7:00 PM; Sunday, March 24, 7:00 PM. 

Adjourn

Recorded by Paula Jones

November 25, 2012 Meeting Minutes

WINTONBURY LAND TRUST November 25, 2012, 52 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield

Present:  Dale Bertoldi, Paula Jones, Vic Herson, Kevin Gough, Zellene Sandler, Chip Caton

 

1.      Special Projects/Announcements.  In addition to announcements a) to d) below that were listed in the agenda, there was one additional announcement.  See e) below.

a)      CLCC Regional Land Trust Round Table is Tuesday, December 11, 7-8:30pm, Granby Senior Center, 15 No. Granby Rd., Granby, CT. http://www.ctconservation.org/clcchostsregionaldirectorssummitseries

b)      Vita Nuova LLC announces the next in its Sustainability Series Webinars, "Moving RCRA Sites toward a Sustainable Future: A Case Study," on November 30. Webinar presenters include Mary Sanderson of the U.S. EPA, Office of Site Remediation Restoration; J. Monz, of Updike, Kelly  Spellacy, P.C.; and Russell Downey of Pfizer Inc. This webinar will focus on the approach used at the Pharmacia and Upjohn site in North Haven, now under remediation. Register at http://bit.ly/S2XrIX

c)      CLCC’s 2013 Land Conservation Conference scheduled for Saturday, March 23^rd at Wesleyan.  The theme is “Can Open Space Be Permanently Protected?”

d)     New England Trail Fellow: a new one-year National Park Service internship will be based in the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) New England Trail office in Amherst, Massachusetts. Student Conservation Association: http://www.thesca.org/, Internship Title: NPS RTCA Amherst - National Scenic Trail Fellow, Position # PO-00196202

e)      Other:  1. Zellene announced that the Connecticut Ornithological Association has $1500 available for small grant awards to improve bird habitat.  See http://www.ctbirding.org/minigrantguide.htm   2.  Dale announced that Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) had helped relocate a trail on Bloomfield Fish and Game Property so that it’s clear of the hunting area.  He reported CFPA had done a great job.

 

2.      Organizational Assessment and Strategic Plan- CCLC Challenge Grant

a)      Standards for Action – Paula reported no progress since last month.

b)      CCLC grant update – Chip reported he had one $1,000 contribution, and one $1,000 pledge. Vic reported he has made a number of contacts. 

 

3.      Committee Reports

a) Acquisitions: Stouts Fields was held up by NRCS’ computer program change.  Funds have been issued and the new closing date should be in the next couple weeks. DEEP is commenting on the Lisa Lane survey and the Land Trust is pricing a new appraisal for the NRCS portion of the funding.  Hawk Hill has NRCS grant and is awaiting DEEP announcement. 

b) Financial: Current account status: Checking $169.84; General Liability insurance paid in November, includes $50,000 on building at 490 Old Day Hill Road; general savings $16,852.89 and restricted savings of $168,028.56. Stout closing will use $81,250 for land purchase and $2000 for legal closing costs. Stout restricted funds are $93,000. Taxes due will be $3300 due in January 2012, again in July 2012, with final payment in January 2013. Vikki will start a letter requesting the fields be returned to 490 status and coordinate this with the assessor and John Stout.  

c) Events:  The Lisa Lane Farm celebration (hosted by farmer Desmond) was very good.  Relatives and friends of Desmond from Queens who help Desmond with the planting attended the celebration.  We agreed that we should also offer to help Desmond with the planting next spring.

Wintonbury Wine and Dine- Chip will check with Patrick Sullivan to firm up a date.

Stouts Fields Celebration – We discussed various ideas of how to showcase this soon-to-be latest acquisition. 

Events Calendar – The idea of publishing an events calendar on our website was discussed.

d)     Stewardship: 1. Thrall Barn roofing quote is just under $10,000; current stewardship funds are $2,174 with an additional $10,000 pledged. We have funding up to 50% of the cost in Historic Barn Grant; we’ve received $4,500 of that grant money.  If the roof is completed prior to year end, we will be short on cash by about $3,000 to pay the contractor.  A motion was made to provide bridge funding from general savings if this scenario occurs.  The Thrall stewardship fund will be replenished by the $10,000 pledge payment in early 2013.  The motion passed unanimously.  Paula and Kevin reported that there is a meeting with Windsor Town staff on November 27^th to provide an update on the Thrall Farm project.  Vikki will also participate in that meeting, along with Judi and Donald Sedor of Newgate Farms.   2.  Van Otterloo needs some trail maintenance.  Dale will schedule a date and send an e-mail asking for volunteers.  3.  Speer Preserve also needs some maintenance work.  3.  Stouts – Our expectation is that after the close, NRCS will suggest a management plan.  Butterfly surveys could be done there; turkeys have been nesting in the wet area on the property.  Mowing should be done at specific times.  Zellene would be happy to be a technical resource for the management of the property.

e) Membership: No new memberships

f)       Grants: We have applied for a $49,999 Ag Viability Grant from the Farm Viability Program.  The funds would be used for capital improvements to Thrall Barn.

g)      Board Positions and subcommittee positions

a.       Additional members,  community outreach – not discussed

b.      Need Membership chair – not discussed

c.       The board thanks Tami Hochman for all her enthusiasm and hard work.

 

4.      Next meeting Date: Sunday, January 20.

 

Recorded by Paula Jones

Agenda

WINTONBURY LAND TRUST

Sunday, January 20, 2012, 7:00 pm, 52  Duncaster Road, Bloomfield

1.    Minutes Approval

2.    Special Projects/Announcements

a)       2013 Connecticut Land Conservation Conference,"Can Open Space be Permanently Protected?", Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Wesleyan University, Middletown, *:30am - 4:45pm (conference)

b)       Martin Luther King, Jr. 13th Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice at Yale Peabody Museum January 20 at 12-4:00 and 21th at 10:00-4:30.

c)       Uconn/MDC Hearing on January 22, at 7:00 PM at UCONN Health Center  in the Munson Building, 16 Munson Road, Farmington.

d)       7th Annual Connecticut Conference on Natural Resources (CCNR) on Monday, March 18, 2013 at the University of Connecticut. Early registration is in effect until Monday, March 4, 2013.  General registration is $50.00 and Student registration is $25.00. Please register at www.regonline.com/ccnr2013<http://www.regonline.com/ccnr2013>.

3.    Organizational Assessment and Strategic Plan

a)       Standards for Action, Minutes and Membership

CCLC grant update. Hartford Foundation

4.    Committee Reports- come with report prepared

a)       Acquisitions: Stouts Fields closed December 21. Lisa Lane survey is done, Marc Needleman is ordering title report. A new appraisal for the NRCS portion of the funding will be done mid-February, Hawk Hill has NRCS grant and DEEP open space grant.  The open space committee updated the Bloomfield Town Council on January 14. Set meeting for committee.

b)       Open Space: DEEP Trails Grant 2013 - 2014 grant round - The deadline: March 29, 2013.  To facilitate the distribution of funds as soon as they become available, this solicitation will cover funds that may be available in federal fiscal year 2013 or 2014; funding levels are not guaranteed.  Application at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/outdoor_recreation/trails/recreational_trails_app.doc>

c)       Financial- end 2012 account balances: Checking $7,719.84 general savings $18,474.08 and restricted savings of $83,301.41. Vikki working on paper work for 490 status for Stout Fields. She is coordinating with the assessor and John Stout. Set meeting for committee.

d)       Events:

Wintonbury Trust Wine and Dine- March 2013, 80-90 people at 10 host homes- (chair Patrick Sullivan)

Stouts Fields Celebration, Earth Day

Earth Day at Hawk Hill and Hikes in February and March featuring the Wintonbury Trail.

Trail Day

e)       Community Outreach: The Early Learning Center at 73 Rockwell Ave. in April has room for community offices and meeting space.  They would like to start a gardening program in the vicinity.

CNAAP

The Dunlandwood Garden Club and the library are each putting up $200 to bring Margaret Roach later this year. Does the WLT want to put in $200 and co-sponsor?

f)        Stewardship: Thrall Barn Roofing Roof: $5000 Stewardship funds received for Roof. Roofing status. Farming grants status. Additional $500 from Historic Barn at finish and payment of roof. Status of 400 Old Windsor Road.

g)       Membership: membership list discussion

h)       Stewardship: Thrall Roof and grants

i)         Board Positions and subcommittee positions

1. Additional members,  community outreach
2. Need Membership Chair

5.    Next meeting Dates: Sunday, February 24, 7:00, March  24, 7:00.

Adjourn

Meeting Minutes Wintonbury Land Trust October 25, 2012

WINTONBURY LAND TRUST October 25, 2012, 52 Duncaster Road, Bloomfield

Present:  Dale Bertoldi, Vikki Reski, Paula Jones, Chip Caton, Kevin Gough, Jay Stoccatore

 

1)      Special Projects/Announcements  –

a.       The League of Women Voters of Connecticut Education Fund will host a Fall Conference, "From Land and Sea: Food for the Good of Connecticut," on Saturday, October 27 at the Agriscience and Biotechnology Center in Trumbull from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. More info and online registration: http://www.lwvct.org/events.html

b.      The second CLCC Regional Land Trust Round Table is December 11^th.

c.       CLCC and the Alliance are hosting their annual Standards & Practices training on Saturday, November 3rd. The topic is “Building an Effective Fundraising Plan”, taught by Sharon Danosky.

d.      CLCC’s 2013 Land Conservation Conference is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd at Wesleyan. The theme is “Can Open Space Be Permanently Protected?”

e.       Other:  (1) The Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee next meeting is November 5^th at the Canton Community Center.  The public is invited to a presentation by Patrick Comins on the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Preserve. (2) The Simsbury Land Trust is hosting Amos Eno for a talk called A Tuning Fork for Conservation on November 4th at Simsbury Public Library.  Paula will forward e-mails on these presentations to the WLT membership distribution. (3) The Acquisition Committee meeting will be rescheduled to follow the November submission deadline for the Ag Viability Grant for Thrall Farm.

 

2)      Organizational Assessment and Strategic Plan – CCLC Challenge Grant

a.       The new Mission Statement has been posted on the web site and on Guide Star.

b.      Standards for Action – Paula started working on an Ethics/Conflict of Interest Standard.  Diane Mack has offered to help with the review of Standards once developed.

c.       Konica has printed the funding package to be used by Chip and Hannah, donation value $350. Dale will write a letter of appreciation; Paula will send Dale Konica names and addresses for acknowledgment.

 

3)      Committee Reports –

a.       Acquisitions: The Stout Fields should be closed by (November) month end.  The Lisa Lane survey is almost finished.  Lisa Lane will need a new appraisal for the NRCS portion of the funding.  Hawk Hill has an NRCS grant, but we are awaiting the announcement.  The prospective Windsor Locks Land Donation was sold to a buyer, so there will be no donation.

b.      Financial – Vikki reported the following balances shown below.  She will be paying for the Chubb liability insurance bill of $1,223.00 from Savings.  She will submit new property numbers at that time as those have changed since we last renewed.

WLT Checking: $592.84
WLT Savings: $18,446.69
WLT Restricted: $167,172.77

c.       Events – Wintonbury Wine and Dine:  January 2013, 80 – 90 people at 10 host homes (Chair:  Patrick Sullivan).  Annual Celebration:  Date and place to be determined.

d.      Stewardship - Thrall Farm Roofing – We received an updated quote of $14,800 for shingles, and $17,000 for metal to do the south side of the roof.  We will be asking for other bids. 

e.       Membership - We received two new Life family memberships: Rosalie/Peter Brainard and Kathleen/Patrick Sullivan.

f.       Grants - The Hawk Hill Project has received $35,000 from Bafflin Foundation and a NRCS Farmland Grant.

 

4)      Board Positions and subcommittee positions

a.       New Board Member – Doris Johnson was nominated to the Board, contingent on her understanding and acceptance of responsibilities involved.  

b.      Need membership chair – not discussed.

 

5)      Next meeting dates:  November 25; December Annual Celebration?