OPEN SPACE TASK FORCE
Minutes of the Meeting
September 10, 2012
Amended on October 1, 2012
Attendance: Pat Botteron, Sue Larsen, Jeff Folger, Herb Asplund, Louise Evans, Michael Gantick, Carol Heffler, Betty Warren, George Caye, David Romejko
Not Present: Roy Normen
Chairman Pat Botteron called the meeting to order at 5:36 pm.
Public Participation
None
Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of 07/09/12 were accepted.
New Business
Pat Botteron reminded everyone of the email sent out to attend the Ethics Meeting on Oct. 22nd at 7:00 p.m
Steve Lewis contacted Pat Botteron about the mowing on Wapping Park. He was concerned about the flowers and butterflies that are gone. Jeff Folger said this was a Conservation Commission issue. The haying was done too early this year and this has already been addressed. Jeff will speak to Steve.
Betty Osborne is retiring from the task force. Viney Wilson is resigning due to conflicts which make it hard to arrive on time.
Pat Botteron passed a retirement card around for Karl Reichle.
The Bylaws were discussed and there were no changes being proposed.
Elections of Officers:
Pat Botteron was nominated for Chairman by Herb Asplund and seconded by Betty Warren. The vote was unanimous.
Louise Evans was nominated for Vice Chairman by Betty Warren and seconded by George Caye. The vote was unanimous.
Sue Larsen was nominated for Secretary by Betty Warren and seconded by Herb Asplund. The vote was unanimous.
Property Updates:
Pat Botteron spoke with Town Manager, Matt Galligan. The old firehouse is now an animal shelter. The town is still negotiating on the Matulis property. The Neiderwerfer property is no longer under OSTF. Betty Warren said there is interest in the property as a demonstration farm by the Northeast Organic Farm Association.
Jeff Folger reported on the Priest property. The boardwalk is in but needs to be leveled. The Scouts will be putting down about 4 inches of mulch. The trail is a Conservation Commission issue and we need to get people to attend the public hearings.
A tax lien is being levied on the Gorski property. The town still has the bond but the owner hasn’t turned the acreage over and this is creating the issues involved with the taxes.
Cornerstone has been discussed in executive session of the town council. The owner is uncooperative and suing may be necessary.
The new priest at St. Francis appears to be not interested in selling or donating the property.
King Street is in executive session by the town council.
The solar farm is not an OSTF issue any longer.
Heritage Day is September 29th. Pat Botteron will be there all day.
8:30 Herb Asplund for set up
9:00
10:00 Carol Heffler
11:00 Betty Warren
12:00
1:00 Louise Evans
2:00 Sue Larsen
3:00
4:00 Herb Asplund for teardown
October will be the 5th Anniversary of Walk & Wheels. Pat Botteron wanted to know if we wanted a booth at the parks they would be stopping at. George Caye said he didn’t feel there was time for that. The bikers would stop for a very short break. Approximately 1500 bikers are expected.
There was a short discussion about forming permanent volunteer groups for the parks, like a Friends of Wapping or Friends of the Priest property. We discussed setting up a mobile tool shed for volunteers to use on an honor system.
George Caye said that Ray Favreau would like to put International signage at the parks.
Pat Botteron asked if we read the article by Jeff Folger in the Park & Recreation brochure. It was well done.
Mike Gantick suggested that we set goals and objectives for the next year. Louise Evans suggested the acquisition of Open Space. Mike Gantick thought we should review all our handouts for education. We should take some time to review and push for properties we consider valuable to the town. Carol said we should set up a meeting just for that purpose and that would give all of us time to think about this.
Betty Warren would like to review the rating sheets. Betty Warren also discussed SWLPAC and the SW Food Alliance meeting. They are discussing composting at the schools and an additional community garden at the Nelson property. For the winter, an indoor farmers’ market would be a good addition to the current farmers’ market.
Louise Evans motioned to go into executive session to discuss 559 Avery Street. George Caye seconded the motion. It was unanimous. After discussion, the vote was taken to cease the executive session.
Carol Heffler motioned to extend the meeting 15 minutes. It was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. to enjoy a pot luck dinner at Louise Evans’ home. It was wonderful and thank you, Louise, for hosting it.
Our next meeting will be October 1st.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue W. Larsen
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