Natural Resources Preservation Committee
A subcommittee of the Conservation Commission/Inland Wetlands Watercourse Agency
Minutes - Regular Meeting January 10, 2006
Melrose Schoolhouse, Route 140
I. Attendance: J. O’Donnell, A. Grant, G. Grant, M. Kovalcek, B. Smigiel, J. Warren
II. Call to Order: 7:32 p.m. (meeting time change to 7:00 pm still settling in)
III. Agenda Additions: Budget
IV. Approval of Minutes: minutes of 12/13/06 approved by unanimous vote
V. Continued Business
A. Board of Finance January 17 is scheduled to be a joint meeting between B.O.S. and Finance. G. Grant reached Paul Catino and we have been on the agenda and are now. After discussion members concluded now is still the time to present our report, although the Agriculture Viability Grant will change the status of some items. Consensus was that we should seek an open space referendum early and often. Members will attend the February 21 meeting of the B.O.F. and the report will be distributed to members before the next NRPC meeting so members can review the complete packet ahead of time.
B. Recruitment of volunteers and new members ~ status report
G. Grant reported receipt of a letter of resignation from Doug Wilson effective 12/17/06. There is now a full member vacancy in addition to the alternate openings. There have been no new inquiries about membership.
C. Agriculture Viability Grant
The last pieces of paperwork the town must complete are being taken care of by town staff and the grant monies should come through quickly after that. We have a verbal notice of approval in the meantime.
D. Inventory of open space and conservation easements ~ with the grant it a GIS mapping specialist will be hired to advance the town’s ability to track land use. The list of conservation easements and town maps will be reserved for this eventuality.
VI. New Business: Budget
The possibility of hiring a secretary to keep minutes was discussed. Cost of postage, printing, member education and attendance to Land Trust meetings were considered. B. Smigiel reported her situation with the Historical Commission and gave examples of budget items they request. J. Warren will add up the request and submit it to Linda Kehoe, chairman of Inland Wetlands. G. Grant would like to make a specific request for funds for the annual meeting 3/31/07.
VII. Adjournment was at 9:30 p.m.
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