Open Space Commission
Minutes
9 March 2018
Members Present: Co-Chair Amanda Blair, Co-Chair Bill Dunbar, Secretary Peter Cable, Gary Gregory;
Greg Futoma (alternate)
Members Absent: Evan Griswold, Bruce Baratz
Also present: George James, representing Old Lyme Land Trust and Conservation Commission
Welcome/Introductions
Co-chair Bill Dunbar called the meeting to order at 9:02am and members introduced themselves
Voting Alternates
With the absence of two members, alternate Greg Futoma was named a voting member for this meeting
New Business
- Clearing of downed trees on Open Space land
George James distributed a memo detailing his suggestions for hiring a forester to cut and clear downed trees crossing Open Space trails. He also shared photos.
Bill D. recounted that he and Amanda Blair met with First Selectwoman Reemsnyder and discussed the possibility of involvement by a Public Works employee who has been professionally trained as an arborist.
Bill also met with Jason Wilcox of Wilcox Tree, who has handled downed tree clearing in prior years and knows the trails.
Jason said he is just waiting for the go ahead from Open Space.
George said he walks the trails daily, and offered to accompany the tree removal contractor.
Bonnie R. is researching if the town’s bid policy will impact how the Commission handles clearing in the future. The Commission cannot give an okay to clearing until that is resolved. Amanda asked Cathy (meeting clerk) to check with Bonnie on the status of her inquiry.
The Board of Finance approved the Open Space budget request of $14,716, which includes four line items: Recording Secretary, Land Steward, Maintenance, and Land Acquisition appraisals, etc.
Peter Cable explained that Open Space’s Land Steward resigned sometime in September 2017 and needs to be replaced. He was paid an hourly rate of $25.
- Old Lyme Land Trust Annual Meeting
Amanda Blair passed around an invitation to OLLT’s Annual meeting on March 18, 2018. Some members expressed interest in attending. Amanda asked that they identify themselves as Open Space representatives if they attend.
- Status/Accountability of Privately Held Open Space
Amanda recounted a situation she encountered in another town when she was researching a title involved deeded assignment of timber rights on a privately held open space property.
It made her question whether the Commission knows what’s going on with privately held open space in Old Lyme.
Peter C. believes an annual review is supposed to happen.
George James said the OLLT has a system for checking its privately held easements annually.
Amanda said the first step will be to compile a list of properties. She is reviewing Diana Johnson’s notes and hopes to find an existing list that can be updated with current contact info. The Assessor’s office can probably provide tax bill addresses.
She would also like to see Title Searches filed with each Open Space property
Greg Futoma noted that the Secretary of State may be another resource – homeowners’ associations are required to file with that office.
Other Business
Bill D. stated the Commission is in need of a few new members. He asked members to invite prospective applicants to the next meeting.
Amanda will draft an announcement for the Town website seeking new members, and will include some documented facts in the announcement; e.g. how much Open Space we have. George J. said we have 660 acres.
- Trail Signs in Selectman’s Office
Bill said he, Amanda & Peter met last week to review boxes of files from Diana Johnson’s house.
Trail signs are stored at present in the Selectman’s Office. Amanda confirmed that Public Works will be responsible for replacing Trail Signs as needed – the signs may move to the PW Garage. She asked George James to contact the Town via the Selectman’s Office if he sees that any signs need to be replaced.
Amanda wondered if a different meeting time would help attract new members, and suggested the possibility of student members. Members discussed the possibility of changing from 9am to 4pm.
Greg G. said that 4pm on Friday would probably not be a good time to meet. Gary Gregory said neither 9am nor 4pm would be good for working people.
Members were open to the possibility of change and suggested revisiting the idea after new members join the Commission.
Other
George J. said David McCulloch has spoken to the OLLT about possible interest in 464 acres he may sell. According to George, the OLLT is interested in a walking easement to the Lay property.
George asked to be on the April agenda to discuss water on Open Space property. Peter noted that a 2.5 ft. rise in sea level is predicted by 2050.
Bill asked if anyone had seen the article in the recent Yankee magazine on climate change. The article featured a photo of Evan Griswold with his dog.
Amanda said a discussion on drones will also be included on the April agenda – the water discussion may need to wait.
Bill D. is concerned that some local realtors are advertising property for sale off Ferry Road as waterfront vs. waterview. Amanda said the place to start is with the Assessor’s Map. If there is a discrepancy, perhaps they can follow up with a letter to the realtor.
Going Forward/Assignments
Amanda would like to include time for “moving forward” discussion at each meeting. She believes members need to keep thinking about how to protect our Open Space, starting with documenting the privately held Open Space properties.
She presented other ideas, including Open Space involvement in Earth Day, Trails Day, Midsummer Festival; submitting articles for Old Lyme Events (quarterly town newsletter); sponsoring a monthly Trail Walk; submitting announcements with photo(s) for News & Announcements on the website. The “Take a Hike” board she set up will be displayed in the Town Hall.
Peter suggested scheduling a meeting at one of the Trailsites in April or May. He said Mary Stone had edited an Open Space priority list which he will share with Commission members, and noted that the Open Space website needs a tune-up.
Greg said he used to manage his agency’s website when he worked for the State. He will look at the Open Space town site and email Amanda & Bill with suggestions.
Bill asked George if the Commission needs to consider bridges for any trails or kiosk replacement. George believes the kiosks are fine.
Executive Session
A motion was made by Peter Cable, seconded by Gary Gregory, to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing possible property acquisition at 10:10am
A motion was made by Gary Gregory, seconded by Greg Futoma, to come out of Executive Session at 11:12am.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made by Peter Cable at 11:15am.
Catherine Frank
Meeting Clerk
3/12/18
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