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OPEN SPACE TASK FORCE
Minutes of the Meeting
March 2, 2015
Attendance: Pat Botteron, Sue Larsen, Betty Warren, John Caldwell, Louise Evans, Jeff Folger, Michael Gantick, Herb Asplund, Carol Heffler, Councilor Steve Wagner
Chair Pat Botteron called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all present.
Public Participation
NONE
Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes of the last meeting were amended for the Roy Normen email.
New Business
- John Caldwell reported that the Priest Property sign was being redone to correct the wording ‘Trust for Public Land’. The trails were open for walks and cross country skiing at the Bird Sanctuary and skiing at Barber Hill.
- Pat Botteron attended a Land Conservation Seminar. South Windsor will not get any grants because we are not in distress.
- Jeff Folger reported there were 3 proposed uses for the Barton Property: the Wapping Fair, a debris storage area, and an auxiliary recreational sports field. Tasks to be done initially include: 1) clear cut 2) flat grade 3) seed. Bids will be going out shortly. The goal is to be ready for the 2016 Wapping Fair. The fee in lieu of open space could be used for this.
- Sandy Jeski was told by Pat Botteron that if the owners of the Hood property were interested in the Open Space process, they should send a letter of interest to the Town Manager, Matt Galligan.
- Jeff Folger reported on the SWAAN committee. The plan is to make it livable, with community supported agriculture, a place to assemble, and a multi-use barn.
- Steve Wagner spoke on the benefit of solar credits. There may be a $200,000 cost savings per year. The town needs a local farmer that is interested otherwise we might consider working with other communities.
- Herb Asplund reported that the Land Trust was recruiting younger members.
- Pat Botteron reported there was a correction to the Open Space Budget as noted by the * next to 625 Sullivan Avenue.
- A memo from Ray Favreau stated that the Open Space sign near Dairy Queen would remain. Betty Warren made a motion that “The Open Space task Force in its advisory capacity requests the Park & Recreation Staff to have the sign remain in its current location on the Donnelly Property”. John Caldwell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
- CT Trail Day is June 7th at Nevers Park Road from 1 - 4 p.m. It was a general consensus to participate.
- Louise Evans had put on the agenda a discussion on development rights. Some Main Street owners had expressed an interest in the topic, but did not attend this evening’s meeting.
Old Business
Carol Heffler wanted a discussion on the Victory Outreach Property. It is a new property development off Scantic Road in East Windsor. The East Windsor Scout Hall will be taking over the property. There will be public access and Ray Favreau looks forward to cooperative ventures. Betty Warren no longer has concerns about the property.
Steve Wagner was asked by Betty Warren about the Dzen property negotiations. The negotiations are ongoing and OSTF will be asked our opinion at a later date.
Other Business
The next meeting will be April 7th
The meeting was adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue W. Larsen
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