Open Space Ad Hoc Committee
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Minutes

Members Present: Mike Toohill (Chair), Brandon Kibbe (Clerk), Eric Hinds, Glenn McLeod.
Chairman Toohill called meeting to order at 7:33pm.
Committee Membership update:  B. Kibbe announced that he will be resigning his position. M. Toohill reported that Tim Lawless (Parks Commission representative) has also stepped down.  
Approval of Minutes February 12, 2025: G. McLeod motioned, E. Hinds seconded.  Unanimously voted by roll call.
Committee Updates: G. McLeod reported that Planning Board interested in Chapter 61 lands. Open Space Committee may have a joint meeting with the board on June 9.
Open Space Plan Update: State offering a 3-year extension to existing 7-year plans if action item table gets updated and extended.  M. Toohill offered to take the lead. B. Kibbe suggested forwarding to other land use boards for input. M. Toohill suggested Planning, Conservation, Agricultural, Parks, and Select Board together with Town Manager. B. Kibbe recommended reminding boards that having a current, approved Open Space and Recreation Plan makes the town eligible for certain state grants that can be very impactful for achieving town open space and recreation goals, including acquisitions and infrastructure improvements. Maintaining that eligibility should be a prime motivator for other boards to have input if for no other reason. M. Toohill added that updating the open space criteria should also be done as needs and opportunities have changed since first implemented.
Public Comment: No public comment.
Next meetings: June 9, 2025 and July 9, 2025.
B. Kibbe motion, E. Hinds seconded.  Unanimously voted by roll call.  Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Brandon Kibbe