Open Space Commission - Minutes 05/15/02

1. In addition to Thom Korber, Priscilla Crowell, and Saul Kun, Bob Davis has resigned from the Open Space Commission. All who resigned cited time constraints, and offered their continuing support.
   
2. Alice Hausman, speaker at the April meeting, is named Alice, not Alix.
   
3. Andy asked Sue to send a note to the Board of supervisors listing those who have left the Open Space Commission; and to send thank you notes to those who have resigned.
   

1. Andy announced that the Horseshoe Trail Grant proposal is in the works. They will be consulting DCNR and Chester County.
   
2. The Burgoons applied for an agricultural easement for a 72 acre parcel for 2001 - Kevin Baer, from the County Agricultural Board, said they did not qualify because the soil, which is the major qualifier, did not score well. Ed Theukauf will look at property and suggest a different score to county. Proximity to restricted land is a plus. The Board of Supervisors needs to agree to 50% match by May 31.
   
3. Marcia Solda wants to preserve her property. They will apply for Preservation Partnership Grant, using the French and Pickering Creek Trust as a vehicle.
   
   1. The Solda property, which is a working farm, spans two townships and is in the middle of two trust properties. Pigeon Creek, a protected waterway, runs through the property.
      
   2. The Soldas do not want to retain any development rights.
      
   3. Public access will be required. Discussion about public access followed. Sue? Andy? will email Fran Rubert to inquire about liability issues with public access. Proprietors/owners do have a say in how public access is managed.
      
   4. Jessica Whitmore is writing the grant to be submitted by May 31.
      

1. The following O.S. Commission members have volunteered to help write this report:
   1. Current Township funds available for Open Space: Bob Jones
      
   2. Possible additional sources of funds: Bob Jones
      
   3. Grant Sources: Rosemary & Sue
      
   4. Economic benefits of OS data on costs of services: Frank Corcoran
      
   5. Cost of real estate in fee and costs of development. rights: Bill Anderson
      
   6. Land Trusts: Aliena Gerhard
      
   7. Other relevant comments: Andy Motel
      
   8. Goals of O.S. Commission
      
2. First Deadline is June 3 - send your chapter to Bob Jones, who will compile, do a rough edit and will circulate the rough draft for feedback. Final, final edit will be done on Sunday, June 16. All comments and final contributions must be sent to Bob by Saturday, June 15. (Bob Jones' email is slvfx@yahoo.com).
   

1. Our own Icon, designed by Alix, takes us from the Charlestown Website's home page to our own page
   
2. Minutes are now posted
   
3. O.S. Commission should clear what goes on website
   

1. Funding Report to Supervisors will be presented: Bob & Andy
   
2. Draft of Open Space Priority Report will be presented: Bob
   
3. Goals of the O.S. Commission will be reviewed: Frank Corcoran