Town of Old Lyme Open Space Committee Meeting
Christ the King Church
Minutes: July 13, 2007
Attachments: (1) OSC Policy on Work Parties
Chairman Diana Atwood Johnson opened the meeting at 08:35 with OSC members Amanda Blair, Peter Cable, Ted Crosby, David Griswold, Evan Griswold, George James, and Connie Kastelowitz in attendance. Also in attendance was Christina Clayton representing OLCT.
On motion by Evan seconded by Connie, the minutes for June 8, 2007 were approved by vote.
Forester’s Report Lord’s Woods Development Open Space Encroachment
Diana distributed two reports by Connwood Foresters, Inc. commissioned by OSC evaluating, respectively, the stumpage valuation and replacement cost of trees cut on designated open space area at the Lord’s Woods development site. From the reports damages were bracketed between a stumpage valuation of $285 for 61 trees removed having 7” or greater diameter and replacement costs of $558K for 95 trees removed with greater than 5” diameter. Diana introduced a third valuation she had formulated that computed at $150K the cost of replacement of the trees removed by replanting of trees of minimum size for each species; Diana presented this middle option as a more realistic and, hence, reasonable assessment of acceptable remediation costs. In discussion Evan recommended that cutting the stumps to the ground and allowing them to
reestablish would be the most effective restoration process. David recommended that some replanting be done to minimize any adverse reaction from the developer for remediation costs levied. On a motion by Peter, seconded by Evan, it was voted unanimously to present to the Inland Wetlands Commission the forester’s reports and Diana’s valuation analysis as OSC’s recommended remediation cost, together with Evan’s recommendation that the woodland be allowed to reestablish. Also, following a recommendation by Amanda, Diana will send a letter to attorney James Mattern requesting a legal opinion on whether a violation on the wetland affects title on the subdivision and, consequently, whether a property lien should be placed on the Lord’s Woods development.
Property Updates
a) Ames property
Diana reported that Flanagan Associates had appraised Stephen Ames 50 acre property off Whippoorwill Road, under the assumption of no road frontage, at $150K. Diana is getting a second more suitable appraisal from Flanagan assuming road access. Diana further reported that Steve Ames is considering the possibility of selling as open space an adjourning 30 acre parcel of land.
b) Huntley and Halls LLC property
Diana reported on her discussion with Tim Londregan regarding plans for the Huntley and Halls LLC property off Davis Road, property identified by the State DEP as Tier II (high priority) land for potential conservation acquisition, primarily because of its significant amount of tidal wetland on the Lieutenant River. Londregan indicated that development plans include selling lots to neighboring properties, development of 4-5 parcels, and installation of a wind farm on the Lieutenant River marshland. In discussion, Amanda noted that the original development plan for the Old Lyme Shopping Center and Old Lyme Marketplace stipulated that the Lieutenant River marshland was to be conveyed to OLCT, an action that has not occurred. Christina Clayton indicated that she would follow-up on this information.
c) Undeveloped property
Diana distributed the latest version of a listing of the largest undeveloped properties in the town. The database from which the listing is generated is periodically updated and expanded - making it a classic work-in-progress – and Diana is seeking from the committee further inputs and refinements for the database.
Subdivisions
Clarke Payne property
Developers of the Clarke Payne property on Mile Creek Road are seeking to provide payment of a fee in lieu of dedicating an open space easement on the property. Upon a motion by Ted, seconded by George, it was voted unanimously to pursue a fee based upon the full market value of the property, including two existing houses.
Old Business
a) Policy on Work Parties
Upon a motion by Evan, seconded by George, it was voted unanimously to approve and adopt the draft policy [attachment (1)] formulated by George and edited by Diana on work parties of individuals and groups intending to conduct maintenance and stewardship work on Town open space.
b) PRCD Regulation Meeting with Zoning Commission
Diana distributed copies of the Town of Granby, CT, regulations regarding required improvements and design standards for subdivision and, also, requirements for flexible residential development, akin to our local PRCD regulations. The Granby definitions and regulations had been recommended by Dave Kozak, CT DEP, as a model of an effective approach to open space preservation, growth and monitoring. George and Diana had attended a Town Zoning Commission meeting with the intent of promoting a dialogue on establishing a unified position on and approach to subdivision open space definitions, requirements and regulation enforcement. No specific results from this meeting were reported.
c) Tantummaheag Landing/Johnson Mile Creek Road property exchange update
Diana recused herself as OSC Chair while the committee discussed recent developments on the proposed agreement between the town and Diana to exchange her property of 12.3 acres at 19-2 Mile Creek Road for the driveway and landing at Tantummaheag with an easement in perpetuity to allow pedestrian access to the landing. Diana reported that Tim Griswold had assigned the Park and Recreation department the task of assessing the potential utility of the Mile Creek property to the town. George reported that the Conservation Commission had altered a previous endorsement of the exchange and indicated that further study of access to Lords Cove was needed following receipt of a petition containing 70 signatures
.
d) Griswold/Whitley Black Hall Woods LLC property
From information provided by George and Peter, it would appear that the Black Hall Club no further plans on actions regarding purchase of the Lea Griswold property..
On motion by Evan, second by David, it was voted to adjourn the meeting at 11:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Cable
Attachment (1): OSC Policy on Work Parties
The Open Space Committee encourages the interest of other groups and organizations to aid in our stewardship work. Old Lyme Conservation Trust’s Green Crew and land stewards, as well as other volunteers are encouraged to contact the head of Stewardship, George James or another member of the Open Space Committee, to review possible work projects.
1. The Open Space Committee will develop and maintain an annual work calendar covering its properties. The maintenance activities for each property will be described in specific terms for those items recommended in the management plan.
2. In scheduling work parties, priorities will be established in advance of the planned workday. This planning may include such things as marking specific trees to be cut down, identifying specific areas of invasive plants to be removed, designating specific water crossings for bridge construction, laying out new trails or designating certain sections of trails that need improved drainage.
3. The Open Space Committee will actively recruit volunteers to serve on work parties and will keep a list of those volunteers with special skills and/or with access to heavy equipment. If individuals wish to work alone on specific projects outside a scheduled work party day, they need to contact the head of Stewardship in advance.
4. A member of the Open Space Committee shall be assigned to coordinate any agreed upon project. The committee member will insure that safety equipment is being used properly, that experienced people will use chainsaws, brush hogs, tractors, etc., and that work is assigned according to the management plan.
5. Special attention must be directed toward the safety of young and inexperienced volunteers. No minor will be allowed to work without adult supervision. This includes the wearing of eye protection, wearing suitable clothing, and warnings about any dangers in the immediate area of work- poison ivy, stinging insects, leaning dead trees, poisonous snakes. It is vital that we make their volunteer experiences satisfying and safe.
| 
