Open Space Commission - Minutes 10/16/02

• Aliena Gerhard reported that the newsletter will be put together by end of this week. Decision was made that all issues should focus on the long term economic benefits of Open Space. We need this education to interest landowners - and taxpayers!
  
• Andy Motel reported that grant writing is in suspension because deadlines are past. It was determined that we have enough experienced grantwriters for the next round.
  
• Kevin Kuhn reported that the Board of Supervisor's budget meeting will be October 28. Probably the supervisors will propose a combination of earned income tax and an increase in Charlestown property taxes to raise money for Open Space.
  
  • Kevin would like to see these taxes bring in about $250,000 per year to help fund easements.
    
  • Committee agreed that outright purchase by the township is not adviseable.
    
  • However, the creation of a limited liability partnership to purchase, ease and resell land is still a dream.
    

• Booklets -Andy Motel will adapt booklet issued by Kennett Twp. for Charlestown.
• Information about conservation easements (Andy) and Estate Planning (Aliena) will be included.
  
• Marcia will contribute photos.
  
• Workshops will be scheduled quarterly.
  
• First workshop in early February will be a manual for historic property owners. Alix Coleman, & Marcia Solda will organize it. They will ask Rosemary Philips to be involved.
  
• Wild animals in Charlestown - scheduled for April- will be organized by Aliena Gerhard, Sue Staas and Alix Coleman.
  
• Estate planning workshop scheduled for June will be organized by Andy Motel and will cover long term maintenance of property and liability.
  
• Exhibit at Election:
  
• Committee members will staff an exhibit during the day:
  
   Kevin Kuhn - 7-9 AM
   Aliena - 9-11 AM
   Andy Motel - 11-1 PM
   Mary Ellen Joos & Rosemary Philips - 1-3 PM
   Alix Coleman - 3-5 PM
   Marcia Solda & Andy Motel - 5-7 PM

• Exhibit will include:
  
   Pictures: Flyovers - from Tom Committa - - - 1980 & 2000 (Andy & Kevin)
   Maps & photos (Marcia & Andy)
   Handouts -conservation guide & Business Cards (Andy)
   Signs - No hunting signs with info re Open Space will be distributed free at the polls. (Andy Motel)