Open Space Commission
Minutes
12 October 2018
Members Present: Co-Chair Amanda Blair, Co-Chair Bill Dunbar, Secretary Peter Cable, Evan Griswold, Gary Gregory, Greg Futoma and Bruce Baratz
Members Absent: n/a
Also present: Peter Norris, Land Steward select; Claudio Denoya, OLLT Board Member; Don Leroi, Aerial Imaging Solutions; Sloan Danenhower; Jude Read; Edie Twining
Welcome/Introductions
Meeting called to order at 9:04 am by Co-Chair Bill Dunbar and guests introduced themselves.
New Business
- Drone use discussion (Don Leroi & Claudio Denoya)
- Discussed drone usage and possible negative impact on wildlife. DEEP Westbrook has also discussed the issue and has written guidelines on drone usage on open spaces to prevent any problems to wildlife or public. Claudio Denoya mentioned that the National Wildlife society has extensive documentation of conflict with drones and bears. For research activity it was proposed to follow laws from government agencies. Mentioned that the CT Audubon Society created a policy in 2016 regarding the usage. In terms of enforcement, the DEEP has their own police force to enforce regulations; other locations and organizations do not. Amanda Blair mentioned from the previous presentation, must follow town of Old Lyme policy.
Don Leroi displayed and demonstrated drones; also explained how they function, regulations and the technology. Don mentioned he can put OLOSC in touch with someone to discuss training if interested. Also discussed using drones for emergency situations, infrared can be used to help locate (for example, lost hiker or an animal). Bruce Baratz asked about promoting trails to the public, would making movies with drones be useful to help promote and use for the school systems. Bill Dunbar suggested giving Don’s contact info to the Fire Marshal as a resource for emergencies; will need to be approved by First Selectwoman, Bonnie Reemsnyder. Gary Gregory stated the law concerning the registration of drones should also be researched.
OLOSC will review the information presented and discuss the possibility of drone usage.
- Proposed Lieutenant River Park (Edie Twining)
Amanda introduced Edie Twining 9:58 am. Edie mentioned the purpose of the river park idea is to clear brush to see what is there, would like volunteers to help. Edie is designing a committee to get news out to the public and generate ideas for the area. Edie heard about harbor management constructing a new pier and would like to coordinate with them to get ideas on what they see as feasible. Evan stated he would be willing to look at the space to see what is there and what should be left. Amanda mentioned contacting Cathy Frank to advertise for volunteers and post to the website.
Discussed parking for the space; Edie stated that harbor management will be providing parking along the road, also hoping to have more walking along Halls Road. Evan questioned if it is an attractive enough place to draw attention; Edie confirmed it is about 50ft and can accommodate a picnic bench or two. Edie will keep OLOSC updated on progress. Peter Norris said he can help clear once it is decided what to keep. Evan will walk through next week to identify what to leave.
Approval of Minutes
September 14, 2018 minutes. Bruce Baratz made a motion to approve, second by Gary. All in favor. At 10:19am.
September 28. 2018 special meeting minutes. Amanda made a motion to approve. Bill Dunbar, Peter Cable and Bruce Baratz second. All in favor. 10:20am
Other Business
- Land Steward report
- Peter Norris stated he will make notations and changes to the map and will send them out for everyone to review. Also reviewed the map by Library Lane, the red trail leaves Ames property; it should be walked before any changes are made and the trail cannot go on private property. Evan mentioned OLLT has signs “leaving land trust property,” something similar to this can also be used. Discussed using volunteers to help walk and clear trails; this information can be put on the website.
Peter Norris stated he is planning to walk Ames again next Tuesday. Will make a list of what has/needs to be done to use for follow up. Also discussed flooding of red, blue and yellow trails on Ames; Amanda suggested adding a sign “trail flooded” and Gary Gregory mentioned creating a connecting trail. Evan stated it may be necessary to leave property to natural habitat and let nature run its course. Peter Cable mentioned if flooding is affecting private or town property it may need to be addressed. Concluded to walk next Tuesday and brainstorm while there.
- Letter from Old Lyme Conservation Commission
Amanda presented response letter from Old Lyme Conservation Commission. Amanda also stated the letter and reports from George James keep the OLOSC aware of their responsibilities and are appreciated for feedback.
- October trail walks & trail safety plan update
- Amanda stated no current plans for October trail walks.
CT Audubon has a walk planned for Oct 24th.
Greg reiterated OLOSC is very appreciative of the town allowing access to the website. Also mentioned that Evan completed beautiful write ups that can be included; more content can be added to webpage.
- Beaver issues update
- Amanda Blair, Peter Cable and Mike Kiernan (OLLT President) returned to hike Ames and adjacent property to locate culvert/blockage. Two DOT trucks were also at the site as a result of seeing flooding from I-95; helped identify culvert. Amanda stated she called Head of Public Works and mentioned they identified the cause; waiting for his response. Evan also stated there is additional flooding because of the tremendous amount of rain. Amanda presented images of the area from the town assessor to show the areas of the flooding, blockage and the culverts.
- Awwa property meeting update
- Amanda stated she and Bill Dunbar need to sign a release of the lien; money has been received.
- Bartholomew open space/Cedar Hollow Dr. update
First Selectwoman, Bonnie Reemsnyder, asked if OLOSC is interested in the space. Amanda presented a copy of Cedar Hollow map – adjacent to Bartholomew. Further review is required to determine if this space was to be deeded to the town as open space.
A topic to be considered for future discussion is should a conservation easement be placed on town owned open space to protect and preserve the land in perpetuity.
Executive Session
Motion made at 11:19am by Bill Dunbar to enter Executive Session.
No actions, votes or final decisions were taken during executive session.
Adjournment
Motion made by Amanda to adjourn the meeting at 12 noon.
Sarah Michaelson
Meeting Clerk
10/12/2018
| 
