MINUTES – OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE – 12-2-09
Members present: Frank Dobek, Robert Cook, Robert Mumford, Peter Wade, Steve Gulrich, Sue Haley
Members absent: Stephen Smith
Staff Present: Rachel Hutchinson
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. Mr. Gulrich moved to accept the minutes from the last meeting, Mr. cook seconded, all approved.
The committee reviewed the Annual Report for 2009 and made some minor changes.
The Committee discussed the Open Space and Recreation Plan again. Melissa Cryan from the State notified Ms. Hutchinson that the town had the option to extend the renewal date of the plan from five to seven years. The original submission date was 2007, but for various reasons is just getting finalized in their office. The committee discussed the idea of extending and decided to go with the extention. Mr. Cook made a motion to extend the next review date of the report and Mr. Wade seconded it. All approved. Ms. Posa also needed a little more information to finalize the plan, which Ms. Hutchinson has already provided.
A copy of the Jan 2007 Open Space and Recreation plan is on the planning board website for viewing.
Ms. Hutchinson is going to locate the 2004 Open Space and Land Management Plan and make it available to committee members.
The committee discussed options for the location of a community garden for which the Town has received a $3500 grant. A site with easy access to water is being sought. An outlying spot in Wiley Park was suggested, but the committee felt it would be an inappropriate use of the park. Search will continue for a suitable site.
Mr. Mumford mentioned that at the CPA meeting there was some discussion about property north of the Tilcon plant that might come available to the Town and be of use for water protection purposes.
Signage for the Open Space property trail heads has been ordered. Other trail intersection signs have not been ordered.
Committee members feel that it would be best to avoid installing picnic benches, tables or trails at the Hatch property. We feel that these amenities are unnecessary and would require maintenance and might invite trouble.
The Conservation Commission has given the Friends of the 1651 Arboretum blanket permission to plant within the 100 foot zone buffering wetlands at Wiley Park.
The next meeting was scheduled for 1/27/2010.
Mr. Wade made a motion to adjourn and Mr. Cook seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.
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