1. Call Meeting to Order:

Chairman Romond called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Members Present: Bill Romond, Pat Kearney, Steve Kruger, Moe Germain, Rene Peterson, Karen Bates, Betty Carvellas, John Nichols

Members Absent:

Don Sargent Also Present: Carl Etnier, Stone Environmental, Inc., Brian Osborne, Genie Soboslai

3. Approval of Minutes - November 13, 2002

After a minor change was made, Mr. Germain made a motion to approve the minutes of November 13, 2002. Ms. Peterson seconded the motion and it passed.

3. New Business:

Mr. Romond indicated that we erred in the statement from the October 23 meeting where we indicated that there would be a vote in March regarding a low-interest loan fund (Item 4B). The Town is investigating the feasibility of such a fund.

Mr. Etnier discussed recommended changes and additions to his document discussed at the last meeting - the draft of: Colchester Strategic Water Quality Plan. Discussion followed.

Mr. Romond brought to the Committee's attention that the Town Manager has directed Stone to remove the alternative of a moratorium on growth (Section 4.4) pursuant to the Selectboard's position on this matter. Brian Osborne explained the Selectboard's view on this particular alternative. Significant debate followed with several members voicing concern that all potential alternatives, even if on the fringe of our thinking and likely not to end up in the plan, should be included in our initial debate. Some expressed concern that the plan was being censored before alternatives are identified and are fearful that we will never be able to bring true alternative views to this complex issue. However, given the fact that the Selectboard has already conducted lengthy meetings dealing with the issue, and has taken a formal position on this matter, the Committee agreed that it would be best if we accepted the action and moved on in the process with the hope that we can keep the focus of the plan on improving our water quality. After some serious debate, the Committee agreed that we would move on without Section 4.4.

Mr. Etnier reported on the many comments and suggestions that he received from Committee members and Town staff. All further comments must be sent to Carl by Tuesday, November 26. Carl will attend the next meeting on December 11. Further changes are due by Friday, December 13 to be returned in final form by December 18th.

4. Other Business:

Ms. Soboslai mentioned that on December 10 there is a consultant doing an outfall assessment. Ms. Soboslai also mentioned that she was contacted by a Saint Michael's student asking to do water sampling at Bayside Beach next season.

Mr. Osborne reported that the Town sent a letter to DEC supporting the application of Essex Junction for a grant to manage the Indian Brook Watershed in Essex.

6. Set Next Meeting Date and Meeting Location

The next meetings will take place at the Meeting House on December 11 and 18 at 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

7. Adjournment

Having no further business to discuss, the CWQC adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

John Nichols, Vice-Chair, Colchester Water Quality Committee

Approved this _____ day of: __________, 2002