Town of Old Lyme Open Space Committee Meeting
Old Lyme Town Hall
Minutes: July 9, 2010
Chairman Diana Atwood Johnson opened the meeting at 08:34 am with OSC members Bruce Baratz, Amanda Blair, Peter Cable, Bill Dunbar, Evan Griswold, George James, Ted Kiritsis and OLCT President and liaison Christina Clayton in attendance.
On a motion by Bill, seconded by Evan, it was voted to approve the OSC meeting minutes of June 11, 2010.
Chairman’s Report
a) State open space preservation actions
Diana noted that Gov. Rell announced on July 7, 2010 that $11.25 million had been dedicated by the State to preserve open space in Connecticut and that approval for the amount was expected at the Bond Commission meeting on July 13. $6.25 million of the total will be used to replenish the State’s National Recreation and Heritage Trust, and $5 million will be available to help communities and local land conservation organizations with the purchase and preservation of local open space under Connecticut’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program.
Diana also reported on a provision in a new CT law, Public Act No. 10-85, championed by Groton Rep. Elissa Wright, that ensures long-term protection of land acquired by municipalities for open space protection and preservation.
Properties
a) Kus property
There was no further action on the Kus property to report. Diana noted that Kevin Kus has a new job, but is still reclaiming land on the property formerly used for the stump dump.
b) School bus-barn property
Evan noted that the property housing the school bus-barn on Jordan Drive, which is being replaced by a new facility on Four Mile River Road, and fronting on the Black Hall River is being considered for further industrial development. There was a discussion of means of protecting this property from development, including the possibility of trading for other properties on the Black Hall River.
Evan noted that the Black Hall River Association meets in August at White Sands and that it monitors and controls commercial development within its area of interest. Evan agreed to call David Griswold, President of Black Hall River Association, about the bus-barn property situation and about applicability of the Association’s charter to this matter.
Old Lyme Conservation Trust
Christina reported on activities of OLCT, including development of promotional materials, and the imminent distribution of a newsletter from the Trust.
Old Business
a) Open Space Commission
George reported that at the July 7, 2010 meeting of the Conservation Commission it was voted to endorse the formation of an Open Space Commission and to recommend its approval by the Selectmen.
b) 2010 Plan of Conservation and Development
Diana reported that she had provided inputs, based on the extended discussion at the June OSC meeting, to the Planning Commission on proposed changes on matters affecting open space to the 2010 Old Lyme Plan of Conservation and Development.
c) Shannon Chapman Girl Scout project
Diana passed along Shannon Chapman’s request for volunteers for her Girl Scout Gold Medal project promoting use and understanding of the Town’s open space trail system by the Town’s school children.
d) Habitat inventory
Diana reminded Committee members that the deadline for completion of the wildlife habitat inventory is the September OSC meeting. She noted that George was the only member who had completed and submitted his survey list.
At 09:55 on a motion by Peter, second by Bill, it was voted to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Cable
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