Open Space Committee Special Meeting October 29, 2014
OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE – SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – OCTOBER 29, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
First Selectman Mary Glassman called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. In attendance were Don Rieger, Helen Peterson, Ferg Jansen and Derek Peterson.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE
In attendance was Ken Regan, Regan Development Corporation to answer any questions the committee might have.
Susan Bednarcyk was also in attendance.
REVIEW/ADOPT MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2014
Mrs. Glassman made a motion to adopt the minutes of September 17, 2014. Mrs. Peterson seconded the motion. The minutes passed 4-0 with Mr. Jansen abstaining.
OPEN SPACE DONATION FROM REGAN DEVELOPMENT
Hiram Peck, Simsbury Planning and Development Director, explained that the Regan Development is requesting that the Town accept a donation of .36 acres. The land is adjacent to Town open space and is in the flood plain. Mr. Peck said he has inspected the site and does not have any concerns about the Town accepting the donation. Gerry Toner, Director of Culture, Parks and Recreation said he inspected the site and does not have any maintenance concerns and he recommends acceptance. Mrs. Glassman asked Mr. Regan if there is any consideration that the company could make a donation to the Open Space fund in consideration of the donation. Mr. Regan said he would consider the request and get back to the Town.
Mrs. Glassman made a motion to accept the donation of open space. Mrs. Peterson seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1 with Mr. Peterson voting no. The recommendation will go to the Board of Selectmen.
DARLING WILDLIFE SANCTUARY CLEAN-UP UPDATE
Mrs. Glassman thanked Mr. Rieger and the volunteers who cleared a path on the Darling Wildlife Sanctuary access off Pinnacle Mountain Road. Mrs. Glassman said this is a path that Town staff did not have the resources to address and said she was very appreciative of the efforts to help.
OPEN SPACE DONATION OF .39 ACRES
Mrs. Glassman reviewed the October 13, 2014 letter from Hiram Peck, Director of Planning and Community Development regarding a recommendation not to accept the donation. Mrs. Glassman explained that the Board of Selectmen tabled the motion in order to have the Open Space Committee work with Town Attorney on whether the Town should accept the donation rather than foreclosing on the property because of back taxes due.
The consensus of the committee was to have Town staff speak with the owners of Brettonwood to see if they are interested in the property. Also to have the request reviewed by Town Attorney.
1 OLD BRIDGE ROAD UPDATE
Mrs. Glassman reported that the Town is pursuing the acquisition of property at 1 Old Bridge Road. She stated the property has access to the river. She said there are many unknowns at this point such as flood plain restrictions in the area. Mrs. Glassman referred to Connecticut Magic Maps which she said shows historic maps of Connecticut properties. She said that might be a good resource for looking at the history of the site. She said she would keep the committee updated on the progress.
DEWEY PROPERTY UPDATE
Mrs. Glassman said the Board of Selectmen is currently looking at the future use of the Dewey Farm for possible sale of the East side of the property with funds going into the open space fund. Mrs. Peterson said she would be willing to look at the property in context with the open space inventory to evaluate the property. Mr. Peterson suggested the Town check with bond counsel to see if there are any restrictions on the property. Mrs. Glassman said that was a good suggestion.
2015 MEETING DATES
Mrs. Glassman made a motion to adopt the regular meeting dates of November 6, 2014. Mr. Jansen seconded the motion and the committee adopted the meeting schedule unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mrs. Glassman thanked Mr. Rieger for providing the trail mapping of the Ethel Walker woods to the consultant. Mr. Rieger said the blue trail loop seems to be the most popular trail. Mr. Rieger said he has noticed there is a lot of painting on trees as markers and he suggests something be done to enforce that practice. Mr. Rieger also stated that the Town should consider an ordinance of no dumping on Open Space. Mrs. Glassman said Mr. Roy is also concerned about open space dumping and will work on a draft with Parks and Recreation Director Gerry Toner.
ADJOURN
Mrs. Peterson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:45 p.m. Mr. Rieger seconded the motion and the committee voted to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary A. Glassman