Open Space Commission Minutes 9 November 2018
Open Space Commission
Minutes
9 November 2018
Members Present: Co-Chair Amanda Blair, Co-Chair Bill Dunbar, Secretary Peter Cable, Evan Griswold and Greg Futoma
Members Absent: Gary Gregory, Bruce Baratz
Welcome/Introductions
Co-Chair Bill Dunbar called the meeting to order at 9:02 am
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Peter Cable, seconded by Evan Griswold, to approve meeting minutes from October 12, 2018.
New Business
- Land Steward report discussion
- Discussion regarding software package or GPS to confirm trails and markers. Evan Griswold mentioned it is important to confirm what is on town vs private property, in exception to easement or right of way. May also be required to hire land surveyor. Any changes to trails will require Board approval. Greg Futoma mentioned minor changes to trails can be made using Lisa’s GPS software.
- For future discussion, Gary Gregory may need to take back some of the safety issue tasks. Also, need to confirm Land Steward responsibilities, budget, and chainsaw use/safety.
- Discussion regarding broken culvert on Ames Open Space off of Whippoorwill Road. Future discussion required for a boardwalk over the wetlands; in the meantime, the culvert may need to be repaired.
- Open space plan discussion report
- In the ordinance, there should be an update to the open space plan every ten years; has not been done since commission was created in 2011. Original plan was from 1997. Greg Futoma volunteered to put together a revised open space plan and distributed a draft outline, will need input from the commission. Plans also include population information and how much land is open space. Plan will also include commission goals. Greg Futoma will start work on the revised plan and would like feedback from the commission on goals for upcoming years. Evan Griswold stated the purpose should be defined in the plan: to protect the open space.
Greg also mentioned a past goal was to have a handicap trail, and farm land protection with shoreline access. Amanda suggested making a list of town property with shoreline access, and areas that are not open space/owned by the town.
Evan Griswold mentioned Florence Griswold Museum has a plan for a boardwalk, and the wetland commission has walked the property. FGM has considered adding a right of way; a marked trail connecting Halls Road with the museum.
Amanda Blair noted the budget must be submitted by mid-December. The budget is broken down into the following categories: Open Space Clerk, Open Space Contracted, Open Space Maintenance and Open Space Open Space. Land Steward and Wilcox are currently under Contracted. Amanda suggested moving Wilcox to maintenance. Peter Cable agrees; they are only called as needed. Peter Cable stated he believes “Open Space Open Space” includes legal fees, land surveyors, etc. Amanda will follow up with Nicole Stajduhar to confirm categories and what is carried over to budget from prior year.
Evan mentioned there is also a need for a management plan for property if acquired. Evan also proposed grouping larger properties together in the budget, for example Champlain North and South.
Peter Cable mentioned the budget will be the same; no increase. May need to attend a budget meeting in the future if an increase is required. Confirmed that Peter Norris will stay in contracted category.
Other Business
Greg Futoma provided a brief update; electronic archive will be necessary to maintain Open Space commission files. Lyme has a program “Conservation track” to store files - program saves and backups all files. Currently this is more than needed, Greg mentioned Drop Box, a less expensive option is a Comcast Business account at $5 per month for first 6 months, $10 per month after. Greg suggested contacting the town IT person (Charlie DeLinks) for ideas and suggestions. Need to discuss security of files and accessibility (admins, read-only, etc.), and what is stored. Potential issue is losing paper copies currently filed at the Town Hall, important documents need to be scanned and stored in a cloud based program. This expense should be included in the 2019 budget, approximately
$250.00
- Whippoorwill Rd beaver flooding report
- Amanda presented final copies of the beaver flooding letter/report.
- Vision Box exhibit at PG Noyes Library
Peter said PG Noyes has a great 8’ space, the library mentioned they could contribute additional information to add with the vision boxes. No date is set, most likely after the holidays, with the possibility of an evening reception for the project. Also, a possibility for a day or day and a half symposium in the spring, reaching out farther beyond the town. Peter Cable suggested contacting Amy Patterson to discuss a larger symposium.
Amanda Blair presented letter with photo of plaque and a picture of Diana for the Annual Town Fiscal Report. The Autumn Equinox article was distributed town wide by the virtual town hall, emailed to the Old Lyme Land Trust and Roger Tory Peterson. It was also featured in the LymeLine. The Old Lyme Events Q4th quarter public had an Open Space Article about fall walks which included a picture of Gary Gregory, Peter Cable and George James. Also presented were Eagle Scout Letters written by Peter Norris, signed by Amanda Blair and Bill Dunbar.
Discussed changes required in the bylaws from 8:30 to 9am, also need to confirm Co-Chairs in bylaws. For future follow up, members need to respond to the Selectman’s Office if they are up for appointment. Approved 2019 Calender and it was decided to update bylaws in January.
Discussed use of e-mail platform for Open Space Commission “first class.”
Executive Session
Voted to go into Executive Session at 10:46 am by Peter, seconded, to discuss property acquisitions.
A motion was made by Bill, seconded, to come out of Executive Session at 11:20am.
A vote was taken to approve the draft Letter of Intent with a private land owner.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Evan, seconded by Gary, meeting adjourned at 11:24am.
Sarah Michaelson
Open Space Clerk
11/15/2018
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