TOWN OF OLD LYME
OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES
Friday July 12, 2013
Chairperson Diana Atwood Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
Members Attending: Diana Atwood Johnson, George James, Ted Kiritsis, Evan Griswold, Amanda Blair.
Absent/Excused: William Dunbar, Kurt Zemba, Bruce Baratz, Peter Cable, Marianne Gotfredson.
Guest: Susan King, Acting Secretary
It was noted by the Chairperson that officially a quorum was not present, but no new business being on the agenda requiring a vote, the meeting should proceed. The meeting was then called to order.
- Voting Alternates: None
- Approval of the Minutes of June 14, 2013 was deferred until the next meeting.
- Old Business:
A. Kus Property - Appraisal
Proposal received from Bob Silverstein for preparation of Summary Appraisal. Comparable to the appraisal being prepared for sellers by Mark Nado (both of which are taking the Fair Market Value approach). The parties and appraisers are expected meet at some point in the near future. Concept of having an attorney present at the meeting, as a facilitator, was raised. No date set for the meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding the formal description of the property, its current condition (specifically stockpiled stumps), and its potential use(s). Further discussion was had regarding the anticipated writing of a grant proposal which would include a copy of a final survey designating which would specify the area for Open Space and show the remainder as Town-owned area for use(s) as the Town may later determine; and will include Yellowbook Appraisal. The Silverstein Summary Appraisal will be a step towards preparation of this Yellowbook Appraisal. General discussion regarding the difficulty of finding comparable sales was had.
Evan Griswold made a Motion to accept the Silverstein Appraisal (Note: The Appraisal itself is deemed to be a confidential document and therefore not included in these Minutes). The Motion was seconded by Ted Kiritsis and was passed by a unanimous vote.
B. Chairperson raised the topic of Blackwell Lane, owned by Tom Metcalfe and previously approved for subdivision into two parcels. Approval had lapsed but it is Metcalfe's intention to now go forward, and intends to provide the Town a Conservation Easement (estimated to be approximately 4 to 5 acres). No current action by the Commission is required at this time.
C. Chairperson advised the group that the Town is working on a Open Space “layer” to the GIS mapping to be included in the Town's website. Town has agreed to pay for this inclusion, versus the Commission having to take from its budget; and the Town will seek input from the Open Space Commission as the project progresses. The Open Space layer will include Open Space only -- Conservation Easement level will not be included at this time. Discussion was had regarding eventual state-level standardization of reporting.
D. Evan Griswold raised the question as to status of the Bartholomew property fence issue i.e. cows owned by neighbor grazing on Open Space property. Chairperson indicated that she had spoken to the owner and that no further action is required at this time. Adverse Possession against the Town is not an issue.
E. George James opened discussion regarding the Roger Torre Peterson property. George indicated that U.S. Fish and Wildlife are looking for a “mater plan” before they do any trail work.
F. George James raised a question regarding the Ames property border. Chairperson indicated that no action is necessary at this time. In the future additional markers may be installed; this, however, would require a survey.
G. Signage Project – Ames Trail Mapping
Proposed Trail Map is attached hereto and incorporated in these Minutes.
George James submitted a proposal that includes maps be blown up to 24”X 18”, and the installation of cedar posts with holders, @ $75.00 each to be installed at three locations: generally – Evergreen, Whippoorwill, and where Whippoorwill meets West Ridge Trail. Discussion ensued as to also including a reference to availability of trail-guide-maps at the Town's website which hikers could access by cell phone. Further discussion followed regarding the possibility of associating color-coding as an indicator of degree of difficulty, and standardization of these maps in the future, as well as adding the location of power-lines to the map as an additional guide. Agreement as to the fact that the maps will be a work-in-progress.
Motion was made by Evan Griswold to approve the printing of the maps and the installation of the posts per the submitted proposal. The motion was seconded by Amanda Blair. No further discussion and the motion was carried.
George James reported that progress is being made on the Champlain North Loop – the border may be subject to a bit of confusion, but reportedly the trail is marked, cleared, raked, and ready to hike on.
- Adjournment: Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 10:45.
See below for Ames Family Open Space
Respectfully submitted,
Susan P. King
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