Open Space Commission Minutes 8 March 2019
Open Space Commission
Minutes
8 March 2019
Members Present: Co-Chair Bill Dunbar, Co-Chair Amanda Blair, Secretary Peter Cable, Evan Griswold, Gary Gregory, Bruce Baratz and Land Steward Peter Norris
Guests: N/A
Members Absent: Greg Futoma
Welcome/Introductions
Co-Chair Bill Dunbar called the meeting to order at 8:58 am
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Peter Cable to approve February 8th minutes, seconded by Gary Gregory. All in favor.
Land Steward Report
Discussed most recent land steward report. Amanda stated the survey for Champlain South needs to be compared to the Trail Maps and the Trail Map needs to be updated if needed. For the next trail walk, members present should have a trail map and survey map to confirm accuracy.
Existing Business Updates
- Eklund phragmites mitigation proposal
- Bill Dunbar received the proposal for cutting phragmite. Open Space Commission will request a second opinion/proposal before proceeding with the cutting. Evan Griswold will get in touch with the nature conservancy to discuss the phragmite; will follow up and report back in April. Phragmite cutting could be on hold until the Fall after second opinions and further research.
- Beaver mitigation: Ames Open Space
- Amanda confirmed that Mike Callahan will evaluate the area and she will inform the group of the date and time for a meeting. This is being done in conjunction with the Old Lyme Land Trust.
- It was suggested that Open Space prepare a beaver presentation for the Midsummers festival; possible project for the intern (Julia Stout) to assist with.
- Barbizon Oak protection: Tom Degnan, Tree Warden
Evan is meeting with Tom Degnan on March 9 at the Barbizon oak to discuss giving the oak more room to keep it healthy. Open Space Commission would like to receive a written report with documentation. Wilcox has been taking care of the Barbizon Oak; once information is provided from the tree warden, Bill Dunbar will send the information to Wilcox. Evan will ask Tom to attend the next Open Space meeting on April 12th.
- Power tool use & training policy
- Amanda stated the insurance company is putting their response in writing; will follow up on that. Gary Gregory suggested asking Bonnie Reemsnyder what kind of training the police, fire dept, etc. has. Amanda confirmed it is a liability issue and different for volunteers vs. town employees. Requires follow up.
- Conservation & property easement
- Amanda has been working on conservation easements in the town hall; has been working with Gary gathering documents. Open Space Commission will review and discuss at the next meeting. Discussed showing easements on Assessors maps, if possible.
Will continue work on easements and follow up for next meeting.
- CLCC 2019 Conference – March 23
Peter Cable is attending with Anna Flora; Evan is also attending. Will provide feedback at the next meeting.
Budget was approved; Open Space Commission to meet with Board of Finance to discuss the budget and the progress made. Amanda will follow up and notify members of the upcoming budget meeting.
- Safety Booklet
- Gary confirmed the safety booklet is approximately 90% completed; safety kiosk sign is included. Could also be a task for intern or volunteer (Sierra Jenkins).
New Business
- Earth Day: 4/22/19
- Draft article for Earth Day to be completed by Greg and Amanda for next meeting. Will include educational information, such as daily things to do to minimize waste, plastic trash, etc.
- Midsummer Festival
- Suggested OSC have a booth at Midsummer festival near or by the Old Lyme Land Trust’s and the other non-profits. Possibility of OLLT and OSC coordinating activities for that day. $100 fee for the festival. Possibility for the intern and volunteer to participate that day and create an activity for children at the booth. Will add to the calendar and follow up.
- OLLT Annual Meeting: 3/24/19
Distributed information for OLLT annual meeting.
- Summer Intern: Julia Stout
- Discussed intern Julia Stout; Amanda meeting with her next week. Also, Sierra Jenkins will be volunteering for 30 hours for a Community Service Project connected to her High School (Old Saybrook).
Correspondence
- Spring Equinox announcement
Distributed Spring Equinox announcement for members to review, and requested feedback. Will be distributed through Town Announcement.
- Letter to Alisha Milardo, new Director RTP/Audubon
Wrote a letter to the new director, welcoming her to Old Lyme and invited her to an Open Space meeting. Need to clarify RTP charging a fee for walking on Open Space Land. RTP needs to state that fee is for RTP benefit, not the Town due to possible liability concerns.
Additional: Discussed recent Invoices paid.
Executive Session
Motion to enter Executive Session at 10:16 by Bill Dunbar, seconded by Evan.
Motion to leave Executive Session at 11:16am by Peter Cable, seconded by Gary Gregory.
A decision was made to write a response to the first property owner. Discussed status report update on second property.
Adjournment
Peter Cable made a motion to adjourn at 11:17 am, seconded by Gary Gregory.
Sarah Michaelson
Open Space Clerk
3/17/2019
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