OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE
MINUTES: Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Present – Judy Brainerd, Glen Collins, Dave Read, Sue Horton, Sue Haley, Keith Johnson
Approval of Past Meeting Minutes. Motion: Dave motioned, Glen seconded to approve minutes from meeting dated June 30th, 2004. Minutes approved.
This was the first meeting held since George Abbott passed away. His loss was lamented and recognition of his service to the Open Space Committee was discussed among members.
Land Acquisition:
Mumford, Hatch and White have all either had purchase and sale agreements signed or about to sign. 1 will close next year per land owners request for tax benefits.
The Committee needs to re-evaluate open space lands in the next year for possible purchase.
A gate has been installed at White property which is hopefully going to keep down on the teenage parties and other unwanted activities that take place there.
APCC has requested our input on a list they produced of priority purchase properties. They have asked for a short turn around. Keith and Judy will compare it with our current list and make comments. Judy will contact APCC to find out how their list was generated.
Open Space Management Plan:
The Committee will get out to Hatch property and other newer properties to determine needs and prepare for future projects.
There was discussion about the need for a fence that runs along one of the boundaries of the Meservy property. The Committee was not sure they understood the need for the fence but decided that it would be acceptable.
The Open Space and Recreation Plan is nearly done. The maps are almost done. Accessibility evaluations (title 504?) must be done for new properties.
The Open Space Brochure is also nearly done. Keith presented the new rendition of the brochure with the new locator map.
Judy provided an overview of the BOS meeting where the developers presented their plans for the Roach Property. There was quite a lot of discussion about waste management and about whether alternative septic systems should be installed there. We also discussed at some length and overall shared disappointment that one was not being required as part of the contract.
Judy also provided an overview of a discussion on the CPA at a BOS meeting. After much discussion a Motion was made by Sue Horton and seconded by Dave Read to provide tentative approval of 1% or 2% assessment to property taxes, based on a review of the anticipated assessment dollars, and with the understanding that the 3% Land Bank assessment would be preserved. The motion passed 5-0.
Town Forest
Mockernut hickories are doing great considering they arrived in a shoe box. White pines are also doing fine.
Conservation Commission
It appears that homeowners and architects are heading the direction provided by the Commission and as of late are bringing in a little more rational plans which are more sensitive to the concerns of the Commission.
Sue Horton Motioned for the meeting to adjourn, Dave Read seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 8:50.
Next Meeting is set for September 22, 2004.
Submitted by Sue Haley
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