TOWN OF OLD LYME
OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES
JULY 18, 2014
In attendance: Chair Diana Atwood Johnson, Peter Cable, George James, Ted Kiritsis, Bill Dunbar, Amanda Blair, Evan Griswold: Alternates Mary Stone, Bruce Baratz.
Meeting called to order at 9:05
1. May 9th, 2014 Minutes: Motion to approve minutes: Peter Cable, second Bill Dunbar, unanimously approved.
2. New Business: Chair discussed application process for Land Steward. Peter Cable suggested a sub-committee to report to the commission. The position is flexible, could be one day a week, or 4 days a month. Amanda Blair proposed paying by the hour. Bruce Baratz suggested Peter Cable, George James and the Chairman oversee the interview process.
3. Old Business:
A. Chair reported on Executive Session meeting with Selectman. Chair has prepared a schedule of next steps and is awaiting First Selectman’s return.
B. Chair reported being contacted by someone close to Foster’s. The concept of an active recreation are might be attractive to the Town that would include fishing, boating, hiking trails, biking trails, etc.
C. Chair asked Bruce Baratz to investigate phragmite removal service for Eklund Pond. Baratz proposed sending letter to Garden Club asking for support of the project. Chair said other grant money is available as well. George James reported that Conservation Commission is focusing on Rogers Lake. Amanda Blair suggested getting an estimate for the work.
D. A new sign has been installed at the Evergreen Trail entrance to Ames Open Space. DEEP marker has already been removed.
E. Final payment has been made to Steven Ames for the Commission’s last Open Space acquisition. There is $345,000 in land acquisition account and $75,000 will be added to it per the FY15 town budget.
F. Chair shared photos of DEEP dog signage at Rocky Neck State Park that could be emulated at certain Old Lyme Open Space properties.
4. Other Business:
A. Peter Cable reported that the Gateway Commission had endorsed the Preserve referendum in Old Saybrook. They are still raising money for an endowment for maintenance and stewardship.
B. George James reported that the Old Lyme Land Trust had acquired a parcel on Four Mile River Road giving access to other trust properties in the Three Mile River area. Trail planned for this fall.
5. Motion to adjourn; Chair, B. Baratz second. All Approved.
Minutes taken by Mary Stone, recorded by Chair DAJohnson.
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