# open-space-committee — 24 documents, concatenated for reading and search # # This is a CONVENIENCE BUNDLE, not a source. Every document below is # published separately and byte-identically; cite the individual file, # whose path is given in each header, rather than this bundle. # Index of all boards: https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/minutes/INDEX.txt # The town's own scanned original is linked per document. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-01-11-agenda-3175.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-01-11 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-01-11-agenda-3175.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01112018-3175 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue Todd Dwyer Lunenburg, MA 01462 Thomas Bertram 978-582-4147 extension 5 Richard Brockelman David Prokowiew NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee January 11, 2018 – 8:30 AM Marion Benson Meeting Room, Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue Lunenburg, MA AGENDA Roll Call Discussion: Lot 5, Prospect Street and Cross Road, Removal of Chapter 61 Adjournment Open space & recreation/agenda/01.11.18 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-01-11-minutes-3175.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-01-11 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-01-11-minutes-3175.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_01112018-3175 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-05-04-agenda-3176.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-05-04 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-05-04-agenda-3176.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05042018-3176 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-05-09-agenda-3177.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-05-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-05-09-agenda-3177.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05092018-3177 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-05-09-minutes-3177.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-05-09 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-05-09-minutes-3177.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05092018-3177 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue Todd Dwyer Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Richard Brockelman David Prokowiew MINUTES Open Space Ad Hoc Committee May 9, 2018 Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA Joint meeting with the Conservation Commission for discussion of updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Open Space Members present: Brandon Kibbe, Todd Dwyer, Bob Pease, Richard Brockelman, David Prokowiew. Meeting called to order 7:35pm. 1. Bob Pease introduced as new Conservation Commission appointee to the Open Space Committee. 2. Brandon Kibbe reviewed the structure of the Open Space Committee as ad hoc advisory committee to planning board. Matt Marro reported that the committee structure was being reviewed by town manager and land use director. 3. Brandon Kibbe reviewed the history of the prior Open Space and Recreation Plan, the process for developing an update to the plan, and suggested a framework for how to proceed. Overview of accomplishments from prior plan. New plan can be valid from 5 to 7 years. Plan purpose: (a) guide open space and recreation goals and objectives, and (b) make available significant sources of state funding. 4. Group discussed how to begin the process for gathering public input (online and/or hardcopy surveys to be distributed in tax bills etc., public information meetings/charettes, cable access, social media) and input from other municipal boards (Conservation and Planning, but also Parks and Rec, School, Selectmen, Ag Commission, others?). In particular, capital planning objectives for open space and recreation investments should get reflected in the plan to further bolster funding assistance from available state grants. 5. Matt Allison, Ag Commission, offered assistance to include information about Lunenburg farms. Group reviewed prior plan goals for keeping Lunenburg farms viable, and accomplishments in supporting that goal. 6. Kick-off public information meeting tentatively scheduled for May 30, 2018, 7:30pm at Town Hall to facilitate recording/cable access broadcast; Matt Marro will check on availability and confirm. Discussed schedule for remainder of year, to be determined, but ===PAGE 2=== group agreed that having a goal of plan submission to the state for review/approval should be before Thanksgiving 2018. Brandon Kibbe can do mapping and organizing/advising, but the committee will need to “divide and conquer” for key components of the plan to assure work can be completed in a timely manner. 7. Group discussed need to integrate other planning objectives (master plan, economic development, etc.) into this planning effort, but that the open space and recreation plan needs to be a specifically-formatted, stand-alone plan to be approved by MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, and ultimately to qualify for EEA funding. 8. Meeting adjourned at 8:13pm. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-05-30-agenda-3174.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-05-30 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-05-30-agenda-3174.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05302018-3174 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-05-30-minutes-3174.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-05-30 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-05-30-minutes-3174.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05302018-3174 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue Todd Dwyer Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Richard Brockelman David Prokowiew MINUTES Open Space Ad Hoc Committee May 30, 2018 Town Hall, 17 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA The meeting was called to order at 7:35. Members present were Brandon Kibbe, Bob Pease, Richard Brockelman, and David Prokowiew. Absent: Todd Dyer. Richard Burch, Chair of the Conservation Commission also participated in the meeting. 1. Public information presentation about Open Space and Recreation Plan purpose, benefits, and outline of proposed process. Brandon gave a PowerPoint presentation that reviewed the development history of our present Open Space and Recreation Plan and explained the purpose and benefits of an Open Space and Recreation Plan. Among the presentations key points: Having a valid Open Space and Recreation Plan makes the town eligible for certain categories of state grants for open space/conservation and parks/recreation. Open space/conservation the town may be reimbursed 64% up to $400K. Parks/recreation the town may be reimbursed 64% up to $100K. There had been some missed opportunities for recreation/parks grants including Wallis Park, the MSHS recreation facilities, and the resurfacing of the turf field. Luneburg has received 35 state grants for open space/conservation and parks/recreation. However, the only grants received since 1975 were Hunting Hill acquisition in 1999 and the Lane Property acquisition in 2014. There was no open space plan from 1993 to 2011. In 2008, the Open Space Ad Hoc Committee was formed as a subcommittee of the Planning Board to began the work of developing an Open Space Plan. The Plan was submitted in 2011 and extended through 2016. It is hoped that a new plan will be good for seven years. There was no representation from parks/recreation on the 2008 committee. The committee surveyed the town about open space and recreation needs and received over 400 responses. The survey had been sent out with tax bills. The Goals of the present plan included:  Maintaining Lunenburg’s rural character  Enhancing and improving Lunenburg’s existing open space and recreation assets.  Developing new open space and recreation assets. ===PAGE 2=== As a result of having the plan Luneburg:  Passed a right to farm bylaw  Established an Agricultural Commission  Established a Chapter 61 withdrawal notice/protocol  Established open space acquisition criteria  Obtained a $270,000 grant to acquire the Lane Property. 2. Public information questions and answers. Matt Charpentier asked about the updating of maps for wildlife habitats and vernal pools and expressed concern that wildlife be protected on conservation lands after they are acquired. Suggestions from the public included adding parking for the Lunenburg Public Beach. It is the committee’s understanding that Matt Allison will be a liaison to the Agricultural Commission. It was suggested that Adam Burney reach out the Recreation Commission and the Department of Public Works to solicit their participation in the work of the Open Space Committee. Committee members expressed interest in the participation of and input from the Parks Commission. It was noted that the Conservation Commission is working on developing trail maps for Lane/Large Town Forest, Cowdrey/Small Town Forest, Hunting Hill, and Robbs Hill. 3. Regular meeting of the open space committee: a. Review and approve minutes from joint meeting with Conservation Commission on May 9, 2018. Minutes approved unanimously (motion: Bob, second: Dave) b. Develop a calendar of meetings and milestones for planning process. The Committee agreed that the plan would be revised by the Committee without the use of outside consultants or regional agencies. The goal would be to complete the Open Space and Recreation Plan prior to Thanksgiving. Tentative Meeting dates are: Tuesday – June 19; Wednesday – July 25, Wednesday – August 22, Wednesday – September 26, Wednesday – October 24, Wednesday – November 7 c. Review survey and results from prior plan. Discuss revisions to survey and/or new survey questions to be considered for soliciting public input for current process. Discuss vehicles for distributing survey (Survey Monkey, online links, hardcopy distribution, inclusion with tax bills, etc.) There was a consensus the survey should be implemented using Survey Monkey, PDF copies online, and hard copies in public places and , if possible, a mailing with the tax bills. Dave will contact the town hall about the possibility /time line for including the updated open space survey with tax bills. ===PAGE 3=== There was agreed that the 2018 survey should be based on the 2008 survey so the data could be analyzed for changes. There was a discussion about possible changes to the 2008 survey including eliminating Questions 1 and 2, adding as possible recreational options or enhancements farmers markets, community garden plots, separate categories for mountain biking and road biking, snow mobile use, ATV use, golf driving range, horseback riding, winter trail grooming, trail maps. On questions such as seven, asking respondents to rank the options will provide more information than “check all that apply”. In questions 8 and 9, “in the” should be “in Lunenburg”. Given the short time line for possible inclusion of the survey with tax bills, it was agrees that Brandon would use the ideas discussed at the meeting to revise the survey on behalf of the full committee. d. Review prior plan and discuss which sections need to be reviewed/edited, and which need to be entirely revised. Assign section leads. The Plan Summary Section and the Introduction Section will be revised toward the end of the revision process. For the June 19th meeting, Dave will review Community Setting Section (Rich will review Population Characteristics within the Community Setting Section); Bob will review the text of the Environmental Inventory and Analysis, and Rich will Review the Inventory of Lands of Conservation and Recreational Interest. e. Review mapping requirements, prior plan’s maps, and draft map revisions (if available). Discuss overall mapping objectives for plan revision/update. Brandon said the mapping requirements have not changed and that he will work on updating the mapping. f. Discuss assessments of existing infrastructure. Review list from prior plan and make additions/subtractions as necessary. Assign leads to inspect and complete assessments of each area, including ADA assessment, narrative description, facility infrastructure inventory, and photography. Brandon would like to have committee members visit each of Lunenburg’s existing conservation/open space and park/recreation assets to prepare an assessment that includes a narrative description, inventory of the facilities, relevant photographs, and an ADA assessment. The committee will further discuss this at a future meeting. Matt Morro noted he has experience/knowledge in completing ADA assessments and volunteered to complete the ADA portion for the assessment of each asset. Meeting adjourned at 9:22 (Motion: Bob, Second: Dave) ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-06-19-agenda-3172.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-06-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-06-19-agenda-3172.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06192018-3172 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-06-19-minutes-3172.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-06-19 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-06-19-minutes-3172.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06192018-3172 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Richard Brockelman MINUTES Open Space Ad Hoc Committee June 19, 2018 Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA Open Space Committee: Present- Brandon Kibbe, David Prokowiew, Bob Pease, Richard Brockelman, Absent- Todd Dwyer Others present: Rich Bursch of the Conservation Commission, Karin Menard and Dennis Mannone of the Parks Commission, Janice Carrier, Mr. Menard and Sarah Cammer of the general public Meeting Called to order approximately 7:45pm Minutes of May 30, 2018 accepted as amended (Motion Dave P., Second Bob Pease, All Aye) The Open Space Plan was divided up into sections for editing at the previous meeting (May 30th). The members provided updates on their work to date on their assigned sections of the Open Space Plan (the document). David Prokowiew- Estimate of $300.00 to include survey with outgoing tax bills was accepted by Adam Burney, Director of the Planning Department. The survey made it to print on time and will be included. Mr. Burney also created a .pdf version and a live version on Survey Monkey to solicit further responses from the general public. Editing progresses on the first section of the document including updating narrative and charts and graphs with updated census data. Also talked to A. Burney about possibly creating an Open Space Implementation Committee to ensure recommendations are put into action. Richard Brockelman- Continuing progress on updating information in the Population Characteristics section with updated census data from various sources. Brandon Kibbe suggests Mr. Prokowiew and Mr. Brockelman team up to avoid duplicate efforts. Bob Pease- Evaluating and editing of environmental impact and analysis section continues. Recent updates should include the discovery of Blanding's Turtles found in the Large Town Forest, Foresting in the Small Town Forest. Mr. Pease proposes for consideration, bringing Recreation Commission member into the Open Space Committee. Present Parks Commission members agree and would like to be a part of the ongoing efforts. Mr. Kibbe introduced another possible At Large member, Sarah Cammer, who has specific expertise in water analysis and watershed mapping experience that could inform our efforts on the Open Space Plan. She is also a public school teacher. ===PAGE 2=== Richard Bursch has an appointment to meet with Town Assessor Harald Scheid to review and update data in the GIS system to ensure land codes are accurate and up to date, descriptions are universal across platforms. Five new properties have been added to the lands under protection by the Conservation Commission including the Lane property, two parcels on Page St. He also did some prioritization work on some connecting pieces throughout town. Mr. Kibbe talked about possibly talking to DCR about a joint forest management plan, which would allow the town to gain access to certain parcels adjacent to the state forest, but without their own frontage in the northwest corner of town. Mr. Bursch also noted some errors in descriptions of parks and control including around the western edge of the Whalom lakefront, which is currently under Cons Comm control. Mr. Pease asked what sources Mr. Kibbe had used in the previous version of the document. Mr. Kibbe explained it was all MA GIS. Mr. Prokowiew mentioned that he had forwarded some information to Conservation Administrator, Matt Marro, regarding a Land Stewardship program in Chatham, MA which may serve as a model for a similar effort in Lunenburg. Sarah Cammer then gave the group an introduction to a mobile application which assists with land management efforts by allowing users to record data including pictures of assets and conditions in real time in the field in a format that is easily customized, shared and integrated across various platforms. It is free at low levels of use, an annual license for extensive use would be approximately $500.00 / yr. Discussion turned to mapping trails. MRPC has done some mapping, Trail Riders have also been mapping. Karin Menard noted that some of the parks descriptions in the narrative sections of the document need updating to correct errors and changes. Mr. Kibbe reports ongoing progress with collecting data to update maps in the document. New maps will be in 11” x 17” format which will be more usable and will scale to 8.5” x 11” nicely. The same series of maps will be included, but with updated data. Karin Menard volunteered to get copies of the warrant articles for new “Scenic Roadway” designations on Flat Hill and Northfield Rd. Discussion continued on testing the new land assessment/management application. It was decided that the group would test the app by taking it into the field and giving it a try. Noted- 504 evaluations were not available at tonight's meeting. It is expected they will be available at the July meeting. The following areas will be assessed as part of the application test. Sarah- Clark's Hill Rich Bursch- Small Town Forest Bob Pease- Large Town Forest and Lane Property David P- Laurel Bank and Wallis Park Rich Brockelman- his own property Brandon Kibbe- Marshall Park and McNally Park There was some final discussion about Committee Composition and we decided we would address this question on an ongoing basis. ===PAGE 3=== Meeting adjourned 9:15pm. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-07-25-agenda-3178.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-07-25 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-07-25-agenda-3178.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07252018-3178 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-08-22-agenda-3179.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-08-22 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-08-22-agenda-3179.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08222018-3179 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee August 22, 2018 – 7:30 PM Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue Lunenburg, MA AGENDA Review & Approve Minutes of 6/19/18 Review Revisions to Assigned Plan Sections Review Draft Maps Review ADA “Self-Evaluation” Process- Assign Locations Set Agenda for 9/26/18 Open space & recreation/agenda/06.19.18 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-08-22-minutes-3179.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-08-22 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-08-22-minutes-3179.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08222018-3179 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer MINUTES August 22, 2018 Meeting Posted: Yes Place: Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA Time: 7:30 PM Present: Brandon Kibbe, David Prokowiew, Richard Brockelman, Sarah Cammer Absent: Bob Pease, Dennis Mannone Also Present: Rich Bursch, Conservation Commission, Karin Menard, Parks Commission, David Passios and Rhonda Lisio of the general public Meeting called to order at approximately 7:37pm Minutes of June Meeting accepted as amended (all Aye). Brandon Kibbe went over the maps he's updated and committed to making them available via Drop Box. Action Plan maps and Prime Agricultural Soils map still to come. Karin Menard stated that Dennis Mannone, who was absent, had been working on updated version of Recreation Lands Map. David Prokowiew proposed , and will work on , a narrative with Brandon Kibbe describing accomplishments of the Committee since last update. Karin Menard agreed to tabulate survey data in spreadsheet format. Brandon Kibbe will add an item to the September 26, 2018 meeting agenda: Tabulate data and discuss trends. Discussion about Survey Application: Down the road, we could build out with GPS data, but this would require an investment in capital, for cloud storage, etc. For the time being, we will concentrate on deploying it to get good a sset data- extend users, improve condition reporting. Richard Bursch stated that the following properties are expected to be ADA compliant by the end of the year - The Lane Property, Small Town Forest, Robbs Hill. Brandon Kibbe and Karin Menard led disc ussion about determining future ADA improvement targets, and Brandon Kibbe stated that this is the point of the Self Evaluation. Guidelines and forms are available online. Sarah Cammer will check with the DPW Director Jack Rodriquenz on sidewalk questions. Meeting Adjourned at 8:17pm Documents used at meeting: ===PAGE 2=== 06/19/18 Minutes Draft Maps ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-09-09-agenda-3180.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-09-09 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-09-09-agenda-3180.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092018-3180 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-09-19-agenda-3181.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-09-19 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-09-19-agenda-3181.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09192018-3181 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-09-26-agenda-3182.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-09-26 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-09-26-agenda-3182.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09262018-3182 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee September 26, 2018 – 7:30 PM Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue Lunenburg, MA AGENDA Review & Approve Minutes of 8/22/18 Discuss Committee Membership  Is Conservation Commission going to fill second seat?  Introduce Ashley Maillet, interested in joining Committee as Member-at-Large Review Compiled Survey Results  Discuss Trends  Draft Possible Goals and Objectives  Discuss Value of Planning “Charette” to Refine Goals and Objectives Review Revisions to Assigned Plan Sections Review Draft Maps Review ADA “Self-Evaluation” Process – Assign Locations Set Agenda for 10/24/18 Open space & recreation/agenda/09.26.18 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-09-26-minutes-3182.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-09-26 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-09-26-minutes-3182.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09262018-3182 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF L UNENBURG Brandon Kibbe Tel: (978) 582-4147, ext 5 David Prokowiew 960 Massachusetts Avenue Bob Pease Lunenburg, MA 01462 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer vacant OPEN SPACE AD HOC COMMITTEE MINUTES September 26, 2018 Meeting Posted: Yes Place: Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: Brandon Kibbe, David Prokowiew, Bob Pease, Richard Brockelman, Sarah Cammer Absent: Dennis Mannone Also Present: Karin Menard, Ashley Maillet Meeting was called to order at 7:36 pm. Topic I. Minutes of 8/22/18 were reviewed and approved. Topic II. Committee Membership was discussed. Presently we have a six (6) member committe e with one (1) vacancy designated for the Conservation Commission. We have two (2) seats for Conservation; one for Planning. All members present intend to remain active; however, we could modify our membership to include an additional At -Large Member. M embers present discussed suggesting modifying our committee membership from two (2) Conservation Commission members to two (2) At - Large Members. Ashley Maillet was introduced. A. Maillet is interested in wildlife related activities. She has a Bachelor’s in Biology and works as a molecular technologist. She asked what the expectations of members are and received information from the group. A summary of the Open Space Ad -Hoc Committee’s duties are included as discussed: The mission is to do an Open Space and Recreation Plan (OS&RP). It is a 5-year plan and the Committee had a goal to get it done by Thanksgiving. As of this meeting, there were two more scheduled meetings, one in October and one in November. After the OS&RP is drafted, historically, th e Ad -Hoc Committee is involved in Chapter 61 review. Chapter 61 land is under land which the Town has the Right of First Refusal (ROFR), which the Town has a process for reviewing, and the Ad-Hoc Committee looks at the land in regard for how it achieves o bjectives of the OS&RP. Having the OS&RP that the Committee is updating and drafting (from the Town’s earlier OS&RP) allows the Town eligibility for other grant programs that rely ===PAGE 2=== Minutes 09.26.18 Page 2 on the open space connection. The OS&RP does not have to be approved at town meeting ; it goes to Town Boards for approval. Major edits would make us reconvene. Typically this plan is done at 5 -year intervals, but through discussion with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), B. Kibbe confirmed we can have a 7-year plan instead of a 5-year plan. A Motion to change Committee was made. The Motion was to remove a Conservation Commission member and add on a n At-Large Member; it was seconded, and all were in favor. D . Prokowiew will take to the Planning Board. The position will likely be advertised and the candidates will need to be approved by the Planning Board. The Committee discussed voting within the Committee. Often, committee members from other boards are rotating as they can’t always make the meetings. The Committee is comfortable with their participation as members. Topic III-Compiled Survey Results B. Kibbe presented the Open Space survey results. The Survey was sent out with tax bills, and available electronically. K . Menard compiled all of the results. There were 360 paper copies returned and 78 surveymonkey.com responses. Residents were asked: “Why live here?” The leading response was the rural at mosphere (70% of respondents), followed by the school system. Residents were asked to assess needs area, along with stating the years of residency. The areas of needs selected by residents included, in order from greatest to least selected: Trail maps, hi king, conservation, skiing, beach improvement. Write in comments in this area included accessibility, better sidewalks and trail discussions. Residents responded to the question “Who Needs Conservation?” with a response that it was needed by every age group (adults, seniors, teens, young children). Comments suggested more recreation options and sidewalks would be helpful. Surveys showed that residents strongly believe there is a great importance in resource protection and many residents selected that they would support town-driven acquisition, voting for the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and that they would vote for zoning changes to protect resources. According to the survey, the best ways to reach respondents and communicate about recreation include using the newspaper, websites, and mailing. The resources used by residents, ranked from greatest percentage of respondent to the least number were: Library, Pick Your Own Produce, town conservation and trails, paved bike paths, gazebo, walking/jogging areas, playgrounds and boating. Respondents reported, in high percentages, repeat use of existing sidewalks, where available; the public library; and Town conservation and boating for their recreational needs. Categories where interest was expressed included ice fishing and ice skating. ===PAGE 3=== Minutes 09.26.18 Page 3 Topic IV/V: Discussion of Trends and Draft of Needs/Plan Needs identified, and potential ideas for a plan were identified by the Committee through discussion. These are listed below: 1. Trail maps-Several groups are working on a regional trail. 2. Improve walkability and accessibility-Sidewalks, bike trail—A biking map of Lunenburg/Sidewalk Map would be useful; perhaps a community agreement could be made to set up a fund for sidewalks as people build. 3. Walking trail, exercise trail in Marshall Park-This would benefits adults, kids, seniors. 4. Create hubs of activity for conservation lands, allowing people diverse recreation that is connected and walkable. 5. Beach improvements-Need: Parking, lake frontage (could it cost about $500,000?). 6. Accessibility, ADA grant discussion - A Committee member report ed that the Town has an ADA grant that is due shortly, and it was brought up at a Select Board meeting that this Committee may have information about ADA needs for conservation for the next meeting. However, since the Committee is still drafting the OS&RP, the Committee cannot produce a deliverable about accessibility for the next Select Board meeting or in time for this grant. Nevertheless, the document may help for future grant applications. 7. Re-allocating resources to serve needs highlighted by respondents: West Street parcel ( Trail Riders) and Pleasant Street farm (hay) were brought up. There was discussion about using parcels and transferring them to different parties (rec/conservation) for different needs. This would need to be a case-by-case discussion for each site of interest. 8. Pick your own produce . A community garden could serve t his purpose, perhaps through the Eagle House. Topic VI: Discuss the Value of a Charrette After some discussion of the needs and ideas, which occurred simultaneously, the Committee discussed the value of a planning charrette. In order to make a representative set of goals and objectives to incorporate into the OS&RP, it would be helpful to have additional discussion of the Survey results within the community and the Committee. Additionally, the Committee has viewed maps as they have been updated, but the charrette will allow us to view all of them along with the community and guide the OS&RP that is drafted. The Committee agreed to schedule a charrette for October 16 @7pm. The next Open Space meeting, post-charrette, is October 24. Topic VII: Review Revisions to Assigned Plan Sections Section 3-done; Section 4-Almost done, will have for next meeting; Section 1-D. Prokowiew and B. Kibbe will work on accomplishments of last plan; goals and objectives, survey results at next mee ting. The goals and objectives and survey results will be discussed at the charrette on 10/16/2018 and inform that section of the OS&RP. Section 5 -Conservation and Recreation Interests -Parks will be looking at their aspect of t he OS&RP and thinking about where parks are needed and what types. K. Menard will be looking into it and seeing what is there, and describe where the deficiencies are. ===PAGE 4=== Minutes 09.26.18 Page 4 Topic VIII: Review Maps- Maps will be reviewed at the Charrette. Topic IX: ADA self-evaluation discussion - The ADA portion of the OS&RP was discussed. The ADA appendix to the OS&RP has three parts: Coordinator (Part I), program accessibility (Part II), and employment practices (Part III). This applies to parks and conservation and does not need to address school lands. The Plan we have presently is acceptable for conservation, but the Town needs to make updates for the Lane, Cowdry and Robb’s Hill properties. There is no expectation that conservation lands are fully accessible, bu t improvements can, and should, be conducted. There was a discussion of how this information pertains to parks. For the park ADA compliance, some items need to be updated and there were action items. For the OS&RP, we need to make a list of items that need to be improved. Some items that have been accomplished were discussed: There was a missing handicap accessible viewing ramp in Cowdry ~2014, done by Snow Riders. Committee members asked if it is accessible to the ramp? It was reported that it is fully ramped up to the viewing station. The ADA portion as it relates to schools and conservation was discussed. It may be that the schools may already have their plan with an ADA individual/employee. We should see if we can get it. Following this discussion, a review of the next items to be accomplished was conducted. B. Kibbe will look into scheduling the charrette, and the next meeting on the 24 th will include reviewing drafts of the sections of the Plan and the maps. The meeting was called to close, seconded, and adjourned at 9:04PM. Documents used at meeting: 08/22/18 Minutes ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-10-16-agenda-3167.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-10-16 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-10-16-agenda-3167.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10162018-3167 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer vacant PLANNING CHARETTE Open Space Ad Hoc Committee October 16, 2018 – 6:00 PM Town Hall, 17 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA In accordance with the Open Meeting Law, please be advised that, if available, this meeting is being recorded and broadcast over Lunenburg Public Access. AGENDA Review Survey Results Review Mapping Results Discuss Needs and Priorities for Open Space and Recreation ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-10-16-minutes-3167.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-10-16 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-10-16-minutes-3167.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10162018-3167 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF L UNENBURG Brandon Kibbe Tel: (978) 582-4147, ext 5 David Prokowiew 960 Massachusetts Avenue Bob Pease Lunenburg, MA 01462 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer vacant OPEN SPACE AD HOC COMMITTEE CHARRETTE MINUTES October 16, 2018 Meeting Posted: Yes Place: Town Hall, 17 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA Time: 6:00 PM Members Present: Brandon Kibbe, David Prokowiew, Bob Pease, Richard Brockelman, Sarah Cammer Absent: Dennis Mannone (Parks) Also Present: Karin Menard (Parks alternate) Public information and comment session was called to order at 6:02 pm. B. Kibbe gave a presentation providing an overview of the open space and recreation planning proces s, benefits to the Town, prior open space plan goals/objectives, and accomplishments from prior planning effort. Updating plan will result in a 7-year window of state grant eligibility. B. Kibbe presented the results of the Open Space Survey that was mailed to nearly 4,900 taxpayers as a bill insert, was available online through Survey Monkey, downloadable on the Town website, and otherwise available at Town Hall as hardcopy. Four hundred thirty eight ( 438) responses received , deemed to be a very successful rate of return. Reviewe d trends and highlights for each survey question from the consolidated data. B. Kibbe presented draft mapping for the plan update, looking at the Town’s various resources and discussing trends/priorities. Public comments and general discussion: 1. Connectivity of walking trails, sidewalks, and interconnection between conservation, recreation, and local businesses. Focus in Whalom and Town Center districts. 2. Special zoning provisions near conservation/recreation areas to promote business linkages. 3. Need for good trail maps. ===PAGE 2=== Minutes 10.16.18 Page 2 4. Master plan and improvements to Marshall Park due to its central location to Town. Need to bring the park back to former prominence, and develop for use and access by all residents not just organized sports. 5. Map of farms to connect people to local agriculture. 6. Regional trail connections. Integrate MRPC regional trail mapping effort. 7. Review inventory of lands held as “general municipal” land. Identify properties to be converted to the care and control of the Conservation Commission (like former school property at West Street, or Woodruff property), Parks Commission (for “pocket parks”, community gardens, or other resources), or other municipal needs, and consider selling truly “surplus” properties to get those back on the tax rolls. Meeting was adjourned at 6:57 pm. Documents Used at Charrette: Draft mapping ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-10-24-agenda-3173.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-10-24 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-10-24-agenda-3173.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10242018-3173 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Dennis Mannone Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer vacant NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee October 24, 2018 – 7:30 PM Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA REVISED AGENDA Review & Approve Minutes of 9/26/18 & 10/16/18 Review Results of 10/16/18 Planning Charrette  Outline Analysis of Needs  Outline Goals and Objectives Review Draft Update to ADA Self-Evaluation Review Accomplishments from Prior Plan Review Updates to Plan Sections 4 and 5 Next Meeting- 11/7/18, 7:30 PM, Ritter Memorial Building- Review completed DRAFT Plan for Circulation to Town Boards and Submission to State ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-11-07-agenda-3169.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-11-07 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-11-07-agenda-3169.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11072018-3169 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Karin Menard Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer vacant NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee November 7, 2018 – 7:30 PM Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA AGENDA 1. Review & Approve Minutes of 10/24/18. 2. Review Sections 1 through 7 of the draft Plan. 3. Develop outline of Goals and Objectives (Section 8) and Action Plan (Section 9) 4. Next meeting: November 28, 2018 ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-11-07-minutes-3169.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-11-07 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-11-07-minutes-3169.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11072018-3169 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe Tel: (978) 582-4147, ext 5 David Prokowiew 960 Massachusetts Avenue Bob Pease Lunenburg, MA 01462 Karin Menard Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer Ashley Maillet OPEN SPACE AD HOC COMMITTEE MINUTES November 7, 2018 Meeting Posted: Yes Place: Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: Brandon Kibbe, David Prokowiew, Sarah Cammer, Karin Menard, Richard Brockelman Absent: Ashley Maillet, Bob Pease (Conservation Commission meeting) Meeting called to order at 7:31 pm. David Prokowiew announced that the Pla nning Board had voted to appoint Ashley Maillet as a Member -At-Large on the Open Space Ad Hoc Committee. The Minutes of October 24, 2018 were reviewed and accepted as amended (Sara h Cammer updating Section 7 instead of Section 6). Brandon Kibbe had recently sent out a 2018 open space update plan draft and asked members to submit any comments and/or suggestions as soon as possible after reviewing the draft. Members were distributed draft copies of Sections 6: Community Vision and Section 7: Analysis of Needs , along with the DCS (Division of Conservation Services) guidelines for these sections. Brandon Kibbe stated that in his revision of these sections h e had tried to make them more reflective of the DCS guidelines. He took objectives from the public and the survey results and came up with a statement of four Open Space and Recreation Goals (Section 6B):  Enhance and promote existing open space and recreation assets, i.e. the use of general municipal land;  Preserve the most critical natural resources which included results from the survey that residents highly valued – farmland, conservation land, drinking water, wildlife habitats and recreation areas. Bra ndon Kibbe stated that the Action Plan Map would depict the acquisition priority areas;  Expand access to conservation and recreation resources. Adding new acquisition areas;  Diversify funding sources: Getting into the Capital Plan, possible passage of the Community Preservation Act, by updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan making the town eligible for state grants. ===PAGE 2=== Minutes, 11.07.18 Page 2 (Section 7) Sarah Cammer described her rewrite of Section 7 and some changes she would be adding such as adding to some of the sub sections of Section 7 references to some of the included maps and to Section 4 that identify areas of interest. In Summary of Community Needs she will put more information gathered from the survey. The committee members discussed the possible conversion of general municipal lands to other uses such as conservation or recreation. Karin Menard stated that there was a need for better communication between the various town boards. David Prokowiew suggested that the Ad Hoc Committee meet on a more regular schedule in the future, perhaps bi-monthly. The Committee entered into a brainstorming session on developing an outline of Section 8: Goals and Objectives and how to move these goals and objectives into specifics of the action plan Section 9. Some examples coming out of the session was that under Enhance and Promote Existing Open Space and Recreation Assets would include; the reuse and development of Marshall Park, trail marking and maps and ADA accessibility, under Preserve the Most Critical Natural Resources would include; continue to evaluate Chapter 61 withdrawals, under Diversify funding sources include; expand partnership with local land trusts. Bob Pease joined the meeting at 8:15 pm after the conclusion of the Conservation Commi ssion meeting. Brandon Kibbe summarized the meeting up to this point for him. There was a discussion concerning the funding of the Parks and Recreation Department coming under the Capital Plan and whether to include this under Enhance and promote open space and recreation assets or under Diversify funding sources. Karin Menard gave several examples of funding problems affecting the department. David Prokowiew suggested that if some municipal propert ies were sold that the money might be put into some kind of dedicated slush fund. Bob Pease , as treasurer for the Conservation Commission , described the various funds of that Commission and how those funds may be used. Brandon Kibbe will take the information gathered from tonight’s meeting and any additional ideas members might come up with and he will format that into an action plan. At the next meeting we will finish up the plan and send the draft to the appropriate boards and department heads. Sarah Cammer announced that she had completed her update of Section 7 and would be sending it out. Meeting adjourned at 8:49 pm. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-11-28-agenda-3170.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-11-28 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-11-28-agenda-3170.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11282018-3170 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Karin Menard Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer Ashley Maillet NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee November 28, 2018 – 7:30 PM Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA AGENDA 1. Review & Approve Minutes of 11/7/18. 2. Review final draft Open Space & Recreation Plan. 3. Create distribution list of municipal boards and department heads for circulation. 4. Create distribution list of partner agencies and organizations to seek letters of support. 5. Set due date for comments. 6. Set plan and/or meeting date to finalize Open Space & Recreation Plan for submission to State. 7. Adjournment. ===PAGE 2=== ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-11-28-minutes-3170.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-11-28 KIND : minutes OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-11-28-minutes-3170.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11282018-3170 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== OPEN SPACE AD HOC COMMITTEE MINUTES November 28, 2018 Meeting Posted: Yes Place: Ritter Memorial Building, 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: Brandon Kibbe, David Prokowiew, Sarah Cammer, Karin Menard, Bob Pease, Richard Brockelman Absent: Ashley Maillet Meeting called to order at 7:36 pm. The Minutes of November 7, 2018 were reviewed and accepted as amended (spelling of member ’s name). Committee spent time reading and reviewing Sections 7, 8 and 9 of draft p lan and made grammatical edits and basic corrections to funding sources and responsible parties. B. Pease thought that all parcels should be listed and that it should be considered a need to have a town database of the parcels. B. Kibbe said there is a l and use inventory from the Assessors’ database. He also mentioned that the inventory for owner and grant information has been amended and it will be a public document for residents to view. B. Pease thought that saying parking is woefully insufficient at the beach wasn’t a goal and that he feels it should be listed as one. B. Kibbe pointed out the Plan has different Sections and the Section he is referring to points out the need and that Section 9b makes recommendations for how to solve the need. In the c ase of Beach parking , it would be to acquire adjoining land which is mentioned in 9b. S. Cammer mentioned that it would be helpful to have identifiers for each parcel. B. Kibbe said he just marked them to point them out and that when we sit down to implement we will be using a more detailed document. B. Kibbe said he has drafted a letter to be sent to the various departments and committees with a draft copy of the Plan. R. Brockelman thanked the Committee for all the work that has been done especially Brandon for all the time and effort to get this plan completed. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. ======================================================================================== DOCUMENT : 2018-12-20-agenda-3171.txt BOARD : open-space-committee DATE : 2018-12-20 KIND : agenda OUR COPY : https://lunenburgbudgetproject.org/docs/minutes/text/open-space-committee/2018-12-20-agenda-3171.txt TOWN PDF : https://www.lunenburgma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12202018-3171 ======================================================================================== ===PAGE 1=== TOWN OF LUNENBURG Brandon Kibbe 960 Massachusetts Avenue David Prokowiew Lunenburg, MA 01462 Bob Pease 978-582-4147 extension 5 Karin Menard Richard Brockelman Sarah Cammer Ashley Maillet NOTICE OF MEETING Open Space Ad Hoc Committee December 20, 2018 – 7:00 PM Ritter Memorial Building 960 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA AGENDA 994 Northfield Road, Right of First Refusal