MINUTES
Open Space Committee February 15, 2006/7:30 pm
Eastham Town Hall
Present: Sue Haley, Laura Freeman, Sue Horton, Glen Collins and Henry Lind
Approval of Meeting Minutes: Sue Haley moved and Laura Freeman seconded to approve the January 25, 2006 meeting minutes APPROVED: unanimously
Land Acquisition
Crary Property/CPA “Open Space” Application:
It is unusual that this CPA project was touted as an open space project, but we were never contacted about the project. Going back to the prioritization list of potential open space parcels that Sue Levin and Henry Lind did way back when for the Land Acquisition Committee, the Crary property did not have any of the six criteria that are desirable for open space parcels.
Discussion ensued with respect to what happens to the 10% committed funds for open space if there are projects submitted for open space purposes that are not supported by the Open Space Committee? How does the open space committee protect its allocated funds against open space CPA projects it does not support? Can unsupported open space proposals be designated for purchase with the remaining 70% CPA money?
Nauset LLC Property/CPA “Open Space” Application:
This is a landlocked parcel that is mostly stripped of vegetation and looks like an active construction site essentially. There was much discussion as to whether the property is “clean” or not. A thorough 21 E Assessment clearly is required. This was not high on our list of open space parcels because it does not fit any of the criteria we rate parcels on except for possibly water protection assuming that it is given a clean 21E assessment. There are many unanswered questions with respect to this property before a recommendation from our committee could be made.
Open Space Management
Wiley Park Cleanup: Henry said in light of the fire management project being funded by the county, the timetable for that portion of the work is the fall. Getting the trails clear is the current main focus. Two full workdays with Americorps was a big help. The brush was taken off site to reduce the turpentine beetle problem. The 1651 area was spared major catastrophe and is in pretty good shape. We are not trying to manicure the park, but clean up the fire hazards. Stumps near the trails will be ground up and removed. Good progress is being made with the cleanup.
BridgeVariance:
We have several pieces of documentation such as aerial photos to document our variance request. There will be a presentation before the state sometime in March.
The bridge will go out to bid really soon.
Old Business:
CPA Application:
The CPA interview was tonight. Laura and Sue Haley presented the proposal requesting funds for signage and mutt mitts to the CPA Committee. There was some question about the feasibility of the reserve fund in our budget and whether that is allowed. During the interview it was questioned whether mutt mitts are a maintenance item, which would not be allowed by CPA funds. Our position is the mutt mitts are a tool towards the preservation of the quality of the pond water by eliminating a nitrogen source (the dog waste). The intent of the reserve fund is to be able to replace the signs as needed and refill the mutt mitt dispensers as needed.
New Business:
New Committee Member
Judy went to Lorraine and said that Bob Cook was interested in filling George Abbott’s vacant position on the Open Space Committee. She was told we have to write a letter requesting that the vacant position be filled. So Judy wrote the letter and submitted it to the Board of Selectmen.
1651 Forest
Sue Haley said the group has not met since our last meeting. They are planning to plant tupelos in the spring and 6 more elms. The tagging issue has been resolved to effectively number the trees, a small aluminum tag will be utilized. A $500 plant book donation to the Middle School will be made.
Conservation Commission
Glen said there are yet more revetments before the Commission and a number of large homes on small lots.
Community Preservation Act Committee
They are reviewing all the CPC applications.
Next Meeting: March 22, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.
Sue Haley motioned to adjourn. Glen seconded. APPROVED: unanimously
Adjournment at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Laura Freeman
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