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Town of Old Lyme Open Space Commission
Meeting Minutes
Friday, May 8th, 2015
In Attendance: Diana Atwood Johnson, Chairwoman, Amanda Blair, Vice Chairwoman, Peter Cable, Secretary, George James, Evan Griswold, Alternate Bruce Baratz, Land Steward Lisa Niccolai
Absent: Alternate Mary Stone & Member Bill Dunbar
- Meeting was called to order at 9:07 am
- Approval of Minutes from 4/10/15 meeting
- Motion to approve by Evan Griswold, seconded by Peter Cable
- Motion to approve minutes passed unanimously
- Addition to the agenda. Presentation by Land Steward Lisa Niccolai.
- Proposal from Town Treasurer.
- Chairwoman Johnson received a call from the First Selectwoman and Town Treasurer about a proposal to move the land acquisition fund to an eighteen month CD. The commission discussed the pros and cons of an eighteen month CD including issues such as withdrawals, penalties, interest rates, what the Connecticut state statutes say and is this in the best interest of the commission. Chairwoman Johnson said she will do more research and meet with the Town Treasurer to discuss further.
- Presentation by Land Steward Lisa Niccolai
- Ms. Niccolai discussed draft maps she is working on for open space and land trust trails throughout town. She hopes to have the maps finalized by the fall and will also meet with the Old Lyme Land Trust. The Land Steward also discussed the use of GPS and GIS mapping, mobile phone apps and other modern technology to map trails and give visitors new ways to explore open space in town. The Land Steward mentioned a new software company, mytowntrails that does some of this technology. She explained that East Haddam has used this company’s software for its trails and open space. The commission agreed that using newer technology would be a benefit to promoting open space and trails in town.
- George’s memo on Lord’s Wood Subdivision
- Member George James sent a proposal to Chairwoman Johnson regarding a piece of land the commission owns between two lots in the subdivision. Mr. James explained safety concerns he has with the trail and the need for maintenance and clearly showing the right of way the commission has with the property it owns. Members discussed ways of properly marking the property between the two lots, maintenance to make the trail safe, improving the parking area and discussing past properties that had similar problems.
- The commission is working with the town and owners of the Kus property to discuss clean up of the property and other logistical and maintenance matters.
- Open Space Commission revisions to documents:
- Land Acquisition Protocol- No updates
- Land Acquisition Priorities
- Chairwoman Johnson emailed members the list of land acquisition priorities being worked on between her and Mary Stone. The priorities included greenways, outdoor recreation, water access, habitat protection, cultural and social resources, water resources, coastal inundation, and forests. The purpose of this proposed list is to keep the Open Space Commission updated with environmental changes and residents use of open space. Members expressed concern and importance of addressing water resources with changes in climate and usage.
- Volunteer/Land Stewardship Policy- No updates
- Town of Old Lyme, Greenway- No updates
- Boundary Surveying
- Chairwoman Johnson will meet with Ed Adonti from Public Works to discuss surveying and right of ways. Members discussed property management and proper marking of open space land.
- Outstanding legal issues related to Open Space established as a result of approved Subdivisions
- Chairwoman Johnson showed a spreadsheet she made that contains a list of subdivisions in town up to 2008 that have issues with conservation easements and open space. The commission discussed ways to better insure that deeds and titles in town make record of any conservation easements or open space so property owners and developers are made aware. The commission discussed working with the Planning Commission, Building Department and Tax Assessor to find a solution. The consensus was to make sure any conservation easement or open space is protected and noted to prevent legal issues in the future. Members also discussed solutions other towns have taken to address this issue.
- George James discussed the Stone Ranch Military Reservation and proposed writing a letter to the committee in East Lyme responsible for work being done there to acquire about open space land around the area. He discussed that he will be asking the Old Lyme Land Trust to consider the open space as well. Members discussed the work being done at Stone Ranch and what the commission’s interest would be in pursuing open space around the base.
- Motion to adjourn made by Peter Cable, seconded by Amanda Blair
- Motion to adjourn approved unanimously
- Meeting adjourned at 10:44 am
Minutes submitted by:
Chris Seery
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