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TOWN OF OLD LYME
OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES
Friday December 13, 2013
Chairperson Diana Atwood Johnson called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m.
Members Attending: Diana Atwood Johnson, Bruce Baratz (alternate), Peter Cable, William Dunbar, Evan Griswold, George James, Ted Kiritsis.
Absent/Excused: Amanda Blair (member).
Guest: Susan King, Acting Secretary
- Voting Alternates: Six voting members were present; no alternates required.
- Approval of Minutes November 8, 2013
Evan Griswold made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Bill Dunbar. Ted Kiritsis opened discussion with a recommendation to strike specific reference to appraisal amounts relative to the Kus property. Motion was by made by Ted Kiritsis to approve the minutes as amended, and seconded by Evan Griswold, and was unanimously passed.
- The 2014 Meeting Schedule was presented and approved by the group.
- Chairperson reported on the first complete revision to the Open Space layer of the Town’s GIS website, in furtherance of the Commission’s initiative of inventorying all the Open Space that the Town owns. The proposed revision is currently being reviewed for correctness and completeness by the Chairperson and she invited the Commissioners to view and advise her of any issues they may find (e.g. any missing parcel[s], or easements being shown vs. in fee ownership-only, or color-coding errors).
- As a general submission for the information of the Commissioners, Chairperson passed an Old Saybrook trail map, showing not only trails but designating different habitats and environments within the town.
- George James reported to the Commission on the concerns of the Conservation Commission regarding Roger’s Lake and the possibility of land acquisition of the highlands in order to prevent further development and resultant damage to the Lake. Mr. James reported that “Roger’s Lake is in deep trouble” and, noting that Roger’s Lake is the aquifer for the Town of Old Lyme, that the Conservation Commission, in its advisory capacity, is urging the formation of a Taskforce to safeguard and provide long term protection. Following, there was a general discussion of water-testing.
- Peter Cable reported on efforts he has made regarding setting up a seminar, or more accurately, a “work shop” regarding Land Protection. Based on a recommendation by Chris Clayton, he contacted the Town of Lyme regarding their involvement. Rather than an arranged collaboration on the project it was decided that Mr. Cable should advise his contact in Lyme of Old Lyme’s intention to open this workshop to the public, and invite them, if they so choose, to participate. Target date is established as Saturday February 8, 2014 (with back up date one week later). Proposed location is Old Lyme Town Hall. Press releases and a “points list” shall be provided by the Chairperson; and personal invitations will be sent to specific interested parties by Peter Cable. The list of such
specific parties shall include names provided by the Chairperson and those added by other Commissioners.
- Discussion was had regarding the status of the Peterson house and the Southwick property (which has been withdrawn from the market). The Commission is following these properties but has no action items.
- Chairperson provided update on discussion with the First Selectwoman regarding the Town’s need for a warden/steward (as discussed at the last meeting at which the First Selectwoman was present). Chairperson will start by making Commission’s position clear to the Board of Selectmen, and then make a presentation to Board of Finance.
- Adjournment: Chairperson adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan King, Esq.
Secretary
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