<p> MINUTES</p><p>Routes 146 & 77 Scenic Roads Advisory Committee</p><p>Towns of Branford and Guilford Guilford Town Hall March 13, 2007 8:30 A.M.</p><p>Present: Pam Rackliffe, Chet Blomquist, Shirley Girioni (Co-Chair), John Herzan Richard Stoecker (Asst. Branford Town Planner)</p><p>Absent: Karyl Lee Hall (Co-Chair), Jean Kelley, Maureen Sherman</p><p>Guests : George Kral, Guilford Town Planner</p><p>The meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. by Co-Chair Shirley Girioni. </p><p>1. Approve December 13, 2006 minutes</p><p>Upon review of the minutes, </p><p>- page 2, change Jan Plazeak's title from Asst. Town Engineer to Town Engineer - page 1, Thunderhead Alliance has not issued a grant to the Shoreline Greenway Trail Committee</p><p>Chet Blomquist advised that funding from the Federal Byways Grant through the State of CT is now available to cover the $51,000 instead of Branford (in-kind services). The Montowese Street Project grant was received in 2000. The project must be completed by the end of summer 2007.</p><p>Motion: John Herzan moved to approve the minutes as amended, seconded by Pam Rackliffe.</p><p>Vote: Carried - Unanimous</p><p>3. Old Business (Note to reader: change in agenda order)</p><p> e. Scenic Overlay Strategy - Update</p><p>George Kral advised that he had worked with John Kingsbury drafting a defined geographic area to create a scenic overlay zone for Guilford under PZC authority.</p><p>Discussion concerned : - off road scenic visibility and distance from roadside - comments from SRAC are requested for PZC decisions - letter to stakeholders is ready for mailing - a meeting will be held at the Dudley Farm, Route 77 - pros and cons of new scenic overlay zone - language for regulations is complete 2</p><p>George Kral will : - contact John Kingsbury re: the project and Leslie Kane, Guilford Environmental Planner, re: maps of the Route 77 area north of Route 80 - research Towns which use scenic overlay zones or similar regulations, such as the Gateway zone along the CT River</p><p>Shirley Girioni will contact Tom Cost regarding Dudley Farm and North Guilford section of Town.</p><p>George suggested that SRAC act as design review committee to the PZC, where applications would be assessed by SRAC prior to PZC evaluation. </p><p>Announcements and Correspondence </p><p>There was no information presented.</p><p> a. Public Act Bill #5714 Trees along Scenic Roads</p><p>Shirley Girioni will continue to try and reach State Rep. Pat Widlitz regarding Public Act Bill #5714. </p><p> b. Federal Byways Grant Update</p><p>Shirley Girioni advised that grant funds are available to begin construction this spring on Guilford's crosswalks using precast concrete block, handicap accessibilty, and possible granite curbing.</p><p> c. Shoreline Greenways Trails Committee (SGTC) - Chet Blomquist</p><p>Chet Blomquist will meet this date with SGTC. $600,000 may be obtained from the State of CT. </p><p> d. Tree Replanting Program - John Herzan</p><p>The Tree Replanting Program will be funded and supported by Public Act #5714.</p><p>4. New Business</p><p>Pam Rackliffe advised that : - Plan has been created for a Bird Viewing Platform on Route 146, Branford *existing path would be made accessible for viewing marshlands *parking for three vehicles - Application will be made for a Long Island Sound Grant - Karyl Lee Hall and Pam had met with the Branford Land Trust, who had concerns which will be addressed in a revised Plan *tide levels, rail, decking materials instead of wood *maintenance responsibilities, trash and teens, vandalism *plantings, sight lines - Funding for map design is unclear - Walkway will be gravel 3 - Area could be a contaminated (Brown field) site - A sign will be required</p><p>Members reviewed a map of the proposed site, noting an osprey platform on the marshes. History of landownership and use was discussed.</p><p>SGTC has proposed plans to construct a portion of their trail system along this route and railway. Bike rack would be helpful at bird viewing platform.</p><p>Housing development may occur beyond marsh view if not opposed. SRAC must remain proactive in order to assure scenic viewing areas. </p><p>Discussion focused on : - SRAC budget has approximately $600 *possible uses : replanting, bird viewing platform - Unclear on land surveys for Rte 146</p><p>Shirley Girioni will contact Leslie Kane, Guilford Environ.Planner re: spending on disease resistant native trees</p><p>Rick Stoecker advised that : - he had attended the Regional Council of Governments meeting which has plans for a regional pedestrian / bicycle trail system. This does not include commuter biking, no widening of pathways. - DOT has changed from using sand on roads to liquid chloride to prevent clogged basins and hazardous road conditions caused by sand.</p><p>Shirley Girioni will request that State Rep. Widlitz attend the next SRAC meeting on April 10, 2007.</p><p>5. Bills</p><p>Recording Secretary services, Judy Anderson Castellano $48.00</p><p>Motion: John Herzan moved to approve payment of the invoice, seconded by Rick Stoecker.</p><p>Vote: In Favor - Unanimous</p><p>At 9:20 a.m. John Herzan moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Rick Stoecker, Unanimously approved. </p><p>Respectfully submitted,</p><p>______Judith Anderson Castellano Recording Secretary</p>