NRAB Minutes
October 17 2011
Attending: JDuane, NHitchcock, JRiehl
Ø Meeting called to order at 7.10 pm
Ø Coastal & Pond Access
o Discussed Town landings on Old Wharf & Lt Island. Those on Old Wharf seem to be well recognized and posted.
o Way to the Water #38, at west end of LtIsland may have disappeared as the property was reclaimed by back tax payments. There is a stairway at the end of 4th street; Duane agreed to see if it is open to the public. There is no public parking there.
o Boathouse & SE landings. #39 & 40. Currently, citizens have walking access to the beaches, with limited parking. Steps need to be taken to ensure this access remains in the future. And ownership at the boathouse is not clear, with reports of conflicting deeds. The Town property shown on the Access Map is not shown on the Assessor’s maps.
o The Hatches Creek landing (#41) is currently blocked by a fence at the end of Parkington Hill Rd. The rights of access/easements to this property need to be researched. It is currently an excellent piece of conservation land.
o Other landings were noted at the Lt isand bridge that were not enumerated on the Town map.
o Riehl noted that the HRRC was proceeding to complete an EIS by this Spring. He raised a concern about the extent that citizen’s access rights to a restored river would be part of the plan. A number of sites are currently in use: Hi Toss, Bound Brook and Rt 6. In addition the Town map and 1995 HMP show two other sites, # 6a,6b and 2. Duane agreed to research use of prescriptive rights to preserve these access points.
o At next meeting, Riehl agreed to provide a Draft action plan according to 5 categories:
§ No action, signs needed, research needed, project possibilities, conservation possibilities.
Ø Gull Pond
o Riehl reported on the Gull Pond working group meeting following the last Board of Selectmen’s meeting. The group discussed plans for restoration of the Gull Pond landing site, including coastal banks, launching ramp, and parking. Further discussion wil take place at the Board of Selectmen on 10/25.
Ø STM warrant. Based on earlier positions taken by NRAB, the committee voted 3-0 to support articles 4,6 & 7 and NOT to support Article 5 (preferring to keep the property at 90 Freeman for possible WWC use).
Ø Duane reported at progress on Menhaden conservation efforts.
Ø NRAB 2013 budget was agreed at $450, as it is now. $300 is for WHC, rest is for general committee expenses.
Ø NRAB Minutes of September 24 2011 were approved as submitted, 3-0.
Ø Next meeting will be Monday November 21, 7 pm in THHR
Approved: John Riehl, Chair Date: November 21 2011
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NRAB Agenda Monday October 17 2011
7 pm – THHR
Ø Review agenda
Ø Coastal & Ponds Access Review
o Completion of properties visits: numbers 36,37,38,39,40,41 (Old Wharf, Lt island, Hatches Creek)
o Action plan recommendation to Town: first cut
Ø Gull Pond update
Ø STM warrant recommendations: Articles 4, 5, 6&7, 10
Ø Fisheries meeting (J Duane)
Ø NRAB Budget for 2012
Ø Minutes of September 24 2011
Ø Other business
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