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Open Space Commission Minutes 05/11/2018


Open Space Commission
Minutes
11 May 2018


Members Present: Co-Chair Amanda Blair, Co-Chair Bill Dunbar, Secretary Peter Cable, Evan Griswold, Gary Gregory, Greg Futoma
Members Absent:  Bruce Baratz
Also present: n/a


Welcome/Introductions

Co-Chair Bill Dunbar called the meeting to order at 9:02am and members introduced themselves


Approval of Minutes

Co-Chair Amanda Blair proposed the following changes to April 13, 2018 minutes:
* Executive Session, add note stating no action taken
* New Business/Item 4. Caron Gift Letter, change to indicate gift funds from the Caron family were received by the Commission.

All members agreed.  A motion was made by Co-Chair Bill Dunbar, seconded by Evan Griswold, to approve minutes from April 11, 2018 minutes.


New Business

  • Diana Atwood Johnson Champlain North red Trail
Bill stated Board of Selectmen approved placing plaque for Diana.  Amanda shared samples and there was discussion about the shape, material, color, and location of the plaque.  Evan suggested including a UV protectant.  Evan also mentioned another dedication plaque he’d seen made from bronze which proved to be very weather durable.  Amanda thought bronze may be too costly and take too long to produce, but she would look into it and get a quote acknowledging the intention to have the plaque made in time to be presented on Trails Day, June 2nd.  There was discussion about the specific wording and how and where it should be placed.  Near Barbizon Oak was agreed upon as the ideal spot.  Amanda spoke with First Selectwoman, Bonnie Reemsnyder, who has indicated Public Works will assist with putting up the plaque.  Amanda suggested a town wide notice be made in advance of June 2nd and Greg suggested posting a notice with a local publication like Lyme Times or similar to reach people who may be traveling in, which he will look into.    
   
  • Land Steward Update
Amanda recently contacted Bonnie Reemsnyder regarding status of hiring Ben Carroll as Land Steward.  Bonnie said she hasn’t yet heard back.  There was discussion of where they may find other possible candidates.  Greg shared job posting used on a prior occasion.  Peter asked Amy (meeting clerk) about ways to post.  Amy suggested contacting Cathy Frank in the First Selectman’s Office to put something on Town Website and possibly post an advert in The Day, which Peter agreed to do.  Greg asked if the position would be a Town employee or contractor.  Peter said he believed it would be a contractor position based on budget and past practice.   
 
  • Vision Box Project on Champlain North & South
Peter explained the idea for vision boxes and shared a project description prepared by Artist, Ana Flores.  The boxes are scheduled to be installed May29-30th on a semi-permanent footing; one near Barbizon Oak and one at Champlain South.  Peter says he will periodically check on them.  Amanda says she will request friends who live near one of the locations to also check.  Peter stated that he has communicated to Lyme Art Academy his intention to monitor the boxes, but offers no guarantee and accepts no responsibility if they are damaged and he says they understand and agree.   


Other Business

  • Drone Use Policy
Peter reviewed what had been discussed during the last meeting about the use of drones over open space.  Evan suggested a policy banning the use of recreational drone while allowing them for approved uses like research, inspection, and other legitimate purposes.  Gary asked how such a policy would be enforced.  Amanda suggested getting the Town involved and suggested a designated area be established for recreational use.  Bill said there’d need to be a town ordinance for proper enforcement.  Peter said he would like to respond to Claudio Denoya regarding the Commission’s intentions on this subject.      
 
  • Trail Walks/Maintenance Schedule & Assignments
Peter says Bryan Sardo and Dyland Schusta have each reached out expressing an interest in helping with trail maintenance.  Peter said he would contact them to discuss what sort of help they can offer.  Amanda said everyone should encourage people who walk the trails to report conditions and send pictures of any issues.  There was further discussion regarding each member’s availability to walk and clear trails using pruning tools.  Peter said he would email everyone and coordinate schedules.

  • Ames Open Space, Whippoorwill Road Entrance
Peter addressed an email received from Russell Fogg.  Mr. Fogg said he would like if the entrance at Whippoorwill Road, currently blocked by beavers, could be opened.  Peter asked what the Commission would do about conservation easements.  Amanda asked Evan to reach out to Old Lyme Land Trust to learn how/if they do inspections of easements.  Evan said the Land Stward, once hired, could review easements and do inspections.  Peter said he would repond to Mr. Fogg with a status update.

  • Open Space Management Plan
Evan says he received communication from Amy Patterson stating the legislation known as Bill SJ-35 has passed.

  • Upcoming Land Use Meetings
Amanda shared information regarding the upcoming UConn and GZA meeting
 




Other

Amanda shared the Earth Day posting prepared by Greg and suggested another be done for summer.  Amanda also suggested the Commission consider having a table at the Mid-Summer Festival.

Bill mentioned Wilcox Tree is still cleaning up from the storm in March, but will be getting to the trails very soon.  

Bill raised subject of bridge problem caused by beaver and said the Commission needs to find someone who can rebuild bridges when they’re destroyed.  Peter suggested he knew someone to consult.


Going Forward/Assignments

Amanda asked Evan to reach out to Old Lyme Land Trust and others groups to coordinate efforts for future events and activities.    Evan suggested coordinating with the CT Audubon Society and mentioned some work they’re doing with kids.


Executive Session

A motion was made by Peter Cable, seconded by Greg Futoma, to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing subject of property acquisition at 10:15am

A motion was made by Co-Chari Bill Dunbar, seconded by Greg Futoma, to come out of Executive Session at 10:40am

A decision was made on future acquisition.


Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by Greg Futoma, seconded by Evan Griswold, at 10:42am


Amy Jensen
Meeting Clerk
5/17/18