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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Natural Resources Committee - 12/04/2019 Natural Resources Committee December 04,2019 Attending: Ashley Parker, David Crawford, Duncan Murdoch, Jean Chaulot, Ray Gonda, Tim Hess Missing: Lisa Yankowski Meeting began around 6:05 PM. 1. Ashley reviewed emergency procedures. 2. Additions, deletions or changes to the agenda. 3. Comments from the public. 4. The Committee took up the Minutes from October 2nd and October 30th separately. Tim made a motion to take up the October 2nd minutes. Duncan seconded. There was unanimous approval of the minutes with a correction on item #11, related to replacing a ‘$0’ with ‘20’. The minutes from October 2nd were accepted. Ray made a motion to take up the October 30th minutes. Duncan seconded. They were accepted unanimously. 5. Presentation by UVM NR206 Members See power point print out. Duncan asked whether there was any information about indigenous people or the park’s agricultural history? The students responded that there is not for now, but there is potential for an extra sign or QR code linking to online resource. Ducan asked how the park is currently being managed: forest? Grassland? Ashley indicated that there is nothing officially established yet. Jean asked how the signs look? Ashley indicated that the City will be using the same package that was used for the new signs in Red Rocks. 6. Chairs comments to NRC Members The Chair noted that he is resigning as Chair of the Committee. Dave thanked the board for the opportunity to be the Chair. He is resigning for health reasons. He is not resigning from the Committee. It was suggested that an interim chair and vice chair be selected. The City Council will appoint new members soon. Candidates are welcome until December 10th. Tim discussed the need to look for a leader with efficient meeting agenda. Ray motioned to move 6(b) to the end of the meeting at 7:40. Duncan seconded. All yes but Dave abstained. 7. Review and Possible Action Related to DRB & LDR Work Group Report Ashley reminded the Committee that the NRC Charge is missing. The charge was created by City Council in the 70’s. Nobody has been able to find that charge. The mission statement was created and approved by the NRC, not Council. Tim suggested that the NRC could create a draft charge for the City Council to use as inspiration for a final charge. Tim offered to present a draft score card to evaluate projects for the NRC to review. This can be used as a guideline by Marla or Delilah to integrate NRC’s matters in the initial review process. This will not create delay. Tim would like to finalize this document. Ray suggested that this document be an ‘amendable’ document. Tim noted that based on two DRB agenda samples, the document he has been working on applies to several plat applications. Dave stated that he usually points out NRC items like open space and tree canopy. Tim said that the NRC should have a project point person assigned to each project. He is not sure that a liaison would be required to attend each DRB meeting. Dave thinks that being in the DRB meeting has a huge impact on the NRC’s influence. The NRC will consider a document at the next meeting for review and approval. Then it will be presented to Marla. 8. SBLT Pennies for Preservation Proposal & Discussion Duncan provided an overview of the SBLT’s proposal. There is a proposed 2 cent on the tax rate that would go towards open space funds to focus on land conservation via acquisition. In order to take action after the IZ recommended 20-25 priority parcels could be bought in a 14 year span. They will be protected by zoning in the meantime. Duncan indicated that he is not sure if this will be on the ballot in March, but that is the goal. Dave does support it if there is a note that commercial is needed to support residential. Tim asked Duncan to draft a letter of support for the NRC to review and approve. Ashley asked what the plan is for property that is bought in the future? Will there be lands for public access, solely protection? Who will be in charge of management? We should be mindful of future stewardship responsibilities for lands that are purchased. She noted that it looks like City Council will be reviewing ballot items in January – maybe January 13th. Duncan stated that the SBLT’s priority is acquisition and conserving the lands for now. Ray stated that the management plan for these parcels can be added to the mission of the NRC. Jean motioned to approve the 2 cents to acquire conservation of land to be put on the ballot. Ray seconded. Dave stated that he would vote no as it does not include a comment related to commercial vs residential or the management of the acquired land. The vote was 4 yeah, and 1 no. 6(b). The Committee revisited item 6(b) as time was running out. (Discuss process for appointment of Chair & Vice-Chair.) Ray volunteered to be interim chair. Dave said he will not vote for him. Duncan then volunteered to be interim chair. Jean made a motion, Tim seconded, there was a unanimous vote. Vice-Chair is not a required position for now. All the members present thanked Dave for his work with the Committee. Dave indicated that he will be present at future DRB meetings but only as a member of the NRC. Not as the NRC’s liaison to the DRB. He will note as much if or when he speaks at future DRB meetings. There was a motion to adjourn by Dave. Duncan seconded. There was a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned around 8:03 PM.