CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES: January 15, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Anderson x, Alexandra Coleman x, Frank Corcoran x, Aliena Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos x, Bob Jones _, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda x, Sue Staas x.
Minutes were accepted as presented.
I)
Officers of the OS Commission were elected for
2003. They are:
a) Andy Motel - Chair
b) Bob Jones - Vice Chair
c) Sue Staas - Secretary
d) Bob Roggio - Treasurer
II)
Republican Party endorsement of candidates for County
Commissioner
a)
Sue Staas pointed out that this is a matter of concern to the
OS Commission because the champions of Growing Greener and Open Space, Karin
and Colin are not running for office.
The field of candidates numbers eleven. The Republican Party has not been notably supportive of Open
Space; and is, of course, representative of many concerns such as lower taxes
and business development. A survey
of Republican voters in Chester County, funded by a coalition of Chester County
Environmental Organizations, has resulted in an 86% support for Open Space;
which is a plus.
b)
The Commission suggested that Sue write a letter to all the
Candidates and to the Party Committee reiterating our support of open space and
our concern that the next group of Commissioners work to assist townships in
their fight to preserve open space.
Sue will draft the letter and send it to the OS Commission for edits. Andy will sign it.
III)
Goals Revisited:
a)
Informative booklet about Open Space in Charlestown. Andy
1) Draft is on email - Andy asked Commission members to review it and comment.
2)
A completed rough draft will be presented at the February
meeting.
b) Feasibility of developing a partnership to buy, ease, resell open space property: Bob Roggio
1)
Bob committed to a report at the March meeting.
c) Teaching about open space in the schools. Aliena
1)
Aliena has a meeting with Tom Pascocella of the GVNC next
week. Will be in touch with the
School. She will report in
February - deadline is March 1.
d) Trails: Bob Jones
1) No report: Bob was absent with the flu.
2)
Andy reported that official map seems to be on track; but
because of the controversy about the trails - trails will not be shown on the
map.
e) Presentation on Historic Property Maintenance: Marcia, Alix, Rosemary
1) Target: March 19. Place will be the Middle School.
2) Presenters will be Dr. Saraceno and perhaps Dale Frens
3) Advertising will be via flyer - should go out about 3 weeks in advance.
4)
Committee will meet and complete the organization.
f) Tour of the Township: Rosemary, Sue & Mary Ellen
1) Date: Sunday afternoon, April 27.
2) Sue will call about buses
3) Committee will meet and tour twp to decide route
4) Tour guides will be recruited
5)
Publicity will go out in Newsletter and by flyer the beginning
of April.
g) Fundraising party: Marcia
1)
Possibility of doing this in cooperation with another
organization. Marcia and Kevin
will explore the possibilities and report back in February.
h) Communication Strategy: Frank
1) Frank presented an outline of a communication plan for the Commission (attached).
2) Suggested an exhibit at the May Primary that explains the importance of Open Space in economic terms. IT IS NOT CLEAR WHO WILL TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS EXHIBIT!
3)
Commission agreed that we want Ctown citizens to be demanding
the right to support the preservation of OS in our township - with their tax
$$, if necessary.
IV)
Additional
Goals:
a)
Information and education about agriculture and open
space: Bill Andersen
1)
Bill will work with Aliena to introduce sustainable
agriculture to kids and parents
2)
An article in the newsletter
3)
Part of the OS exhibit at the May Primary.
b)
Website: Andy
1)
Andy will gatekeep material to go on the website. Please send stuff for website to Andy!
c)
Grants deadlines:
Sue
1)
Sue will update the grants schedule.
A sheet was circulated and the following people agreed to do the listed article:
Deadline is February 1, 2003
(a) Bill AndersenÑan article on protecting open space via agricultural land protection
(b) Andy MotelÑan article on the economics of open space with ÒbulletsÓ and concrete examples
(c) Sue StaasÑNature Center article
(d) Unknown (maybe Aliena?) a pamphlet on architectural preferences to give to developers
Meeting was adjourned a little late - but productivity made it worthwhile!
Respectfully submitted
Sue Staas, Secretary
See Communications Strategy, next page.
OPEN SPACE
COMMISSION
First half 2003
Communications Strategy/Preliminary Options
|
SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES |
TIMING |
|
Historic property workshop - targeted to certain landowners?? |
March 19 |
|
Preparation of OSC booklet with info on conservation easements and estate planning |
March |
|
Township bus tour of environmentally sensitive (and historic!) sites for township residents with handouts. |
April |
|
Development of OSC documentation and rationale for earned income tax with expected impact and open space objectives for review by BOS |
April |
|
OSC representation with exhibit at the Polls. Copies of OSC newsletters, economic justification of OS, OSC booklet. |
May |
|
Estate planning workshop for selected landowners |
June |
|
Reinforcement of Ctown website with invitations to OSC workshops, research findings, awareness of OSC exhibit at polls etc. |
ongoing |
|
Press releases at appropriate milestones outlining culmination of OSC objectives |
ongoing |
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
(Draft)
MINUTES: February 19, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Anderson x, Alexandra Coleman x, Frank Corcoran _, Aliena Gerhard _, Mary Ellen Joos _, Bob Jones _, Kevin Kuhn _, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda x, Sue Staas x.
Minutes were accepted as presented.
1) Commission reviewed the procedures and guidelines for the OSC involvement in easement deals/negotiations:
A) Paramount is that the land for which we negotiate easements fill the criteria of land that we have determined ie:
¤ in heritage zones (see comprehensive plan)
¤ Proximity to other eased land
¤ View sheds,
¤ Current Use
¤ Watersheds
¤ Woodlands
¤ Meets criteria for grants (grantable)
¤ Vulnerability to development
¤ Willingness of the owners to consider easement and to go through the process.
B) The land must receive a certified appraisal Ð ratified by county and supervisors - to determine value of easement.
C) Andy pointed out that land easement projects do not lend themselves to rigid application of a set of rules. These are guidelines, whose purpose is to establish parameters and give some help to us as we struggle with prioritizing projects.
1)
Andy urged other members of the OSC to join him and Kevin in
developing projects.
2) As an example, Andy pointed out that the Solda property fit the following of the criteria:
¤ In the Heritage Zone
¤ Working farm
¤ Contiguous to large parcels whose owners we hope will eventually ease
¤ Property was very "grantable," especially because it crosses two townships - and in fact, the project did receive $200,000 in Chester County grant money.
¤ Property
was very vulnerable to development
3) Fundraising for Open Space: Stockton Illoway attended the Commission's meeting to solicit our support for the French and Pickering Creek Trust's focus on preserving the Pickering Creek Valley between Route 113 and Route 29.
A) The Trust plans to attempt to purchase contiguous easements in the Pickering Creek valley.
B) The Trust invited us to co-sponsor a Michael and Kevin Bacon concert to raise money and the OSC so moved.
C)
Andy mentioned that he hopes that East Pikeland will be
encouraged to support our efforts, especially since Charlestown shares
boundaries with East Pikeland; and 16.5 acres of the Solda land is in East
Pikeland - leading the way and encouraging more land preservation in East
Pikeland.
4) Program about using historic materials to impart "historic Pennsylvania feel" to contemporary architecture is scheduled for March 19 at 8:00PM.
A) Marcia circulated draft brochure, which will be mailed to residents shortly.
B)
Further discussion about venue for this event - Marcia will
make one last attempt to find a suitable venue. Final Decision:
Middle School.
5) Korean Church Parcel - 30 acres located across from the Christian College and Charlestown Park:
A) Paul Hogan visited the OSC meeting to suggest that the OSC work with the Pastor to investigate if money can be found to purchase an easement on this property for a trail, which would connect with the park's trail and with Charlestown Hunt's trail.
B) Hogan will send a letter to the Pastor proposing this investigation to the supervisors for their OK and then to the Pastor.
6) Communicating to the Township about Open Space and the EITax:
A) The OS newsletter will be distributed shortly. Lead article, by Charlie Philips, will be on the economics and general advantages of Open Space and will mention EIT.
B)
Kevin will be sending a letter to the Township residents
explaining the EIT, and setting open meetings to discuss questions, etc.
7)
The Tour of the township, scheduled for April 27, will focus
on Open Space. Opportunity for
discussion of EIT, easements, etc., during this tour and at the preliminary
meeting the week before the tour.
8)
Members of the OSC (Sue, Kevin, Rosemary, Aliena) recommended
that members of the OSC, the Planning Commission and the supervisors offer to
attend Neighborhood meetings to discuss Open Space and EIT.
9) Andy will be forwarding copies of his booklet, which is an important handout for these events, to members of the OSC for their comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Staas, Secretary.
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES: March 26, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Anderson x, Alexandra Coleman x, Frank Corcoran _, Aliena Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos x, Bob Jones x, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda x, Sue Staas x.
Minutes were accepted as presented.
Special Event: As the first of the events sponsored by the OS Commission to raise awareness and support for Open Space, Mark Saraceno spoke about using old materials from historic barns in new construction.
Inquiry about open space
conservation easement on Pikeland Road (Wentz Property): Tom & Marjorie Seibert
- Asked for collaboration with township on a conservation easement
- Discussion of value which is approximately $17,000 per acre for the easement according to County Assessments of property elsewhere in the township.
- Seiberts' willingness to ease Horseshoe trail makes this desirable. Can we couple trail preservation with preservation partnership grant?
- Bob Jones & Bob Roggio will work with Seiberts to explore the possibility of doing grants.
Township Tour - April 27
- Rosemary Philips presented plan and list of decision points needed from Commission to go ahead. The following was approved:
- April 27, 2 to 5 PM, we will use the Township Office as the "launch pad"
- We will rent mini school buses - each with a volunteer guide
- Buses will follow a prescribed route with two stop off points.
- Refreshments will be served back at the Township Office
- At commission's recommendation, charge will be raised from $5 per head, to $10 per person, $15 per couple, $25 for a family.
- Brochure will go with the OS letter, which is due to go out March 30.
- If we do not have enough to fill at least one mini bus, we will cancel the event.
The meeting was adjourned at 8PM
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Staas, Secretary
(Draft) CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES: April 16, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy
Motel, Chair x, William Anderson x, Alexandra Coleman x, Frank Corcoran x, Aliena Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos _, Bob Jones x, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda x, Sue Staas x.
Minutes from March 19, 2003 were accepted as corrected: Marcia Solda was present; Presenter was
Mark Saraceno.
Bus
Tour report: Sue Staas
Sue
reported that 62 folk have registered for the Bus Tour on Sunday, April 27,
leaving from the Devault Post Office at 2 PM. As of the meeting, no one from the OS Commission, the
Supervisors or the Planning Commission had officially registered, although Sue
knew that several were coming. Reservations
are essential, to be sure we have enough buses. Last date to register is Easter Monday.
The
tour which will take about 2 hours with three stops (at Charlestown Park, the
Rapp House and the Churches at the top of Pikeland Road Hill for the view)
along the way, will introduce participants to the highlights of our beautiful
and historic township. Bus Leaders
and resources will be on each bus to lead the discussion and to answer
questions.
There
will be food and exhibits after the tour.
Horseshoe
Trail: Bob Jones and Bob Roggio
After discussion, and a
review of the Commission's guidelines and "focus criteria" for
preserving tracts as open space, the consensus was that any OSC
involvement would at a minimum depend on preservation of the Horseshoe Trail
corridor. It was also noted that
the deadline for Heritage Zone grant was the end
of March. Next deadlines for DCNR
grant are not until fall.
Hurdles
to leap include:
¤
Buy in from
neighbors. Major condition for use
of the Horseshoe Trail grant money is that the portions of trail to be
preserved are linked to other intact portions of the trail.
¤
Interest from involved
landowners in contributing to the process - either in kind or cash.
¤
An appraisal
¤
Interest from a
qualified land trust.
The
Seiberts indicated willingness to continue with the process; so the Open Space
Commission will pursue the next steps.
The
meeting was adjourned at 9PM.
Respectfully
submitted,
Sue
Staas, Secretary
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
MINUTES: May 21, 2003
NEXT MEETING: Thursday,
May 29, 2003, 7:00 PM, at Aliena Gerhard's House. Aliena lives at 1020 Newcomen Road. (Take 401 West. Turn left onto Newcomen.
#1020 is 4/10 mile on left. Enter the driveway from Newcomen Road and
turn right. Drive to the home at
the end of the driveway.
Attachments: Evaluation of Township Tour, Guidelines for prioritizing Open Space, OS Commission's Definition of Open Space.
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy
Motel, Chair x, William Anderson x, Alexandra Coleman _, Frank Corcoran _, Aliena Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos x, Bob Jones _, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio _, Marcia Solda _, Sue Staas x.
Minutes from April 16, 2003 were accepted.
"Discover
Charlestown" Tour Report:
¤
118 participants
¤
Cost to the township/OS
Budget was $269.
¤
Response was
overwelmingly positive. (See
details and feedback summary in addendum).
¤
Sue and Rosemary hope we
will do it again next year.
Meeting
Re Earned Income Tax Scheduled for June 16:
1. Purpose of meeting will be to inform participants of
benefits of Open Space, (especially the economics of OS) and how the EIT will
help Charlestown achieve its goal of preserving OS.
2. Speakers who are particularly versed in economics of
OS and a representative from Berkheimers, the firm that collects EIT revenues
for most of the townships in the area will be invited to speak and to serve as
resources.
¤
We discussed that it
will be vital to review again the fundamentals and the language of Open Space
(such as "easements", etc.).
A handout will probably include our definition of Open Space. (See addendum to these minutes for
our OS definition, etc.)
¤
Andy, Kevin and
Aliena took responsibility for inviting the speakers.
3. It will be important to have in the audience many who
already pay the EIT. Those present
agreed that we will need to make phone calls to actively recruit these folk to
attend.
4. We will invite the speakers for a light supper, to be
served at the school, before the meeting - to meet with the Supervisors.
¤
Sue will call
Aquilante's and reserve the date.
5. The OS Commission agreed to meet NEXT WEEK to finalize the agenda for the meeting, etc.
Transitions:
Two
landowners in the township have died recently. It was agreed that Andy would be in touch with their
families.
Meeting
was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
Next
meeting: May 29, 2003, 7 PM at
Aliena Gerhard's home.
"Discover Charlestown" Tour Report
Sunday,
April 27, thas a perfect day for the first Open Space Commission's
"Discover Charlestown" Tour.
Rosemary Philips, Sue Staas and Mary Ellen Joos were co-chairs of this most
successful event.
Purpose
of the tour was to introduce residents to the unique history, topography and
beauty of Charlestown. Future
developments and their locations and the need for preserving Open Space were
addressed during the tour.
One
hundred and eighteen people participated.
Each of the Krapf yellow school buses (5 small and 1 large) was led by a
tour host who endeavored to encourage discussion and shared information.
Three
major stops included Charlestown Park, the Rapp House and Brightside Farm and
Lower Pikeland Church. At the stop
at the Lower Pikeland Church, we viewed the Middle Pickering Historic District
and Charlestown's eased land. At
each location, a Charlestown Supervisor informed participants of the
significance of that area. Our
thanks to supervisors Irene Ewald, Paul Hogan and Kevin Kuhn, who shared their
time and their expertise. Rosemary
Philips researched many historical and interesting facts about the township,
organized the tour route, and produced fact sheets for the participants.
After
the tour, guests were invited to enjoy refreshments at the Township Office
Building.
Financial Summary:
Participants
were asked to pay $5 each or $15 for a family. Total Revenue
was $775.
Expenses included $720 for the buses, $124 to print the flyer,
$110 for a portable restroom, $90 for food. There was no postage, because the flyer was included in the
Open Space Newsletter.
Net
Cost of the Tour, which was paid by
the township was $269.
Evaluations of the Bus Tour:
1. 26 of a possible 56 (one per registration) were
returned - 46%
2. How did the participants learn about the tour?
¤
OS newsletter: 22
¤
Word of Mouth: 9
¤
Twp. meeting: 2
¤
Website: 1
3. Did the tour meet expectations?
¤
Yes: 16
¤
Exceeded expectations:
10
¤
Comments included:
2
enjoyed the dialogue
1
liked it, would do it again, but thought it was a bit long
1
said Thank you!
1
said: "With Rosemary as
guide, who could lose?"
4. Would you participate in another township-sponsored
activity?
¤
Yes: 25
¤
Maybe: 1
5. Check Activities that interest you:
¤
Picnic at
Brightside: 15 (July 4 was suggested)
¤
Barn Dance:
11
¤
Geology excursion 13 (one stipulated
that it be with Sally Willig)
¤
Walk the township
trails: 20
¤
Family Day at
Charlestown Park: 8
¤
Charlestown Historic
House Tour: 25
¤
Other:
Establish
more trails and Equestrian zones
Repeat
this bus tour
Garden
Tour
Art
Show
Community
garden at Brightside
Creek
Walk
Co-operative
activity with the Nature Center
PROCEDURES AND
GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING SPACE TO SAVE
10) Paramount is that the land for which we negotiate easements fill the criteria of land that we have determined ie:
¤ in heritage zones (see comprehensive plan)
¤ Proximity to other eased land
¤ View sheds,
¤ Current Use
¤ Watersheds
¤ Woodlands
¤ Meets criteria for grants (grantable)
¤ Vulnerability to development
¤ Willingness of the owners to consider easement and to go through the process.
11) The land must receive a certified appraisal Ð ratified by county and supervisors - to determine value of easement.
12) Since land easement projects do not lend themselves to rigid application of a set of rules, these are guidelines, whose purpose is to establish parameters and give some help to us as we struggle with prioritizing projects.
At our April (2002) meeting, the Open Space Commission adopted the definitions of Protected and Unprotected Open Space as outlined in Linking Landscapes Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 - subject to final approval by the Township Solicitor. Below are excerpted the pertinent words from those sections.
From Section 2.1:
There is No Standard Definition for Open Space
É.. There is, in fact, no one set definition for open spaceÉ Because open space planning is still a relatively young field, the planning community has not yet developed consistent definitions for many of the terms used in open space planningÉ In Linking Landscapes, the term "open space" is defined very broadly as any land that is not covered by buildings or pavement. This definition covers all forms of open space from a multi-acre state game land to a ten-foot wide public walking path around the edge of an industrial parkÉ.
Farm Fields and Open Space:
É Linking Landscapes classifies farmlands and undeveloped natural lands as open space because they both provide similar open space benefits, and can both be eliminated as a result of highly-consumptive developmentÉ..
Protected Versus Unprotected Open Space:
Protected Open Space:
For the purposes of Linking Landscapes, protected open space is defined as:
Land and water areas that have
little or no development; are used for recreation or preserving natural or
cultural resources; and are protected from development either permanently or on
a long term basis."
Unprotected Open Space:
É Undeveloped open parcels that have the potential for future development are "unprotected open space."
In any open space planning effort, it is important to distinguish between protected and unprotected open spaceÉ. An open space parcel must have a formally recorded and legally binding conservation easement in order to be rigorously protected. A promise should not be regarded as rigorous protection even if it is written down.
Properties with deed restrictions are not always rigorously protected from development. Unfortunately, deed restrictions are sometimes violated or simply forgotten by new landowners, and unless there is a party present to enforce the deed restrictionÉ. The violation will go unnoticed. É. The fact remains that deed restrictions do not provide the kind of rigorous protection that is present when a landowner donates or sells a conservation easement.
Reference: Linking Landscapes: pp 1-9 to 1-15.
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
(Draft)
MINUTES: May 29, 2003
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday,
July 16, 2003, 7:00 PM, at Great Valley Middle School. THERE WILL BE NO OPEN SPACE COMMISSION MEETING IN JUNE -
INSTEAD PLEASE ATTEND THE BOS SPECIAL MEETING AT 7PM ON MONDAY JUNE 16 AT
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL.
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy
Motel, Chair x, William Anderson _, Alexandra Coleman _, Frank Corcoran _, Aliena Gerhard _, Mary Ellen Joos x, Bob Jones _, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips _, Bob Roggio _, Marcia Solda _, Sue Staas x.
Guest: Charlie
Philips.
The
meeting took place at the Middle School, and was advertised as a regular meeting
of the Open Space Commission.
Because there was not a quorum, no official business was conducted.
Those
present reviewed the list of speakers who will present at the June 16 BOS
meeting, and the topics of discussion.
Andy
will urge all members of the OS commission to make phone calls to urge their
friends and acquaintances to attend to SUPPORT funding the effort to preserve
Open Space in Charlestown!
All
OS members are urged to attend the meeting and to be VOCAL in terms of
supporting open space. As talking
points, the issues include:
1. US economy is based on ownership of property -
including land. Therefore
landowners have the right (and expectation!) to make money from their
land. Local government cannot
by law prevent development; they can only "scuplt" it by means
of comprehensive plans and zoning.
2. Property - and rights to develop (easements) - may be
purchased. The issue for residents
in Charlestown is whether we value open space enough to pay for it - through a
tax. Our local government will, of
course, use every legal means to do this as economically as possible through
grants, encouraging donations, etc.
Respectfully
submitted,
Sue
Staas, Secretary
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
(Draft)
MINUTES: July 16, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Anderson _, Alexandra Coleman _, Frank Corcoran x, Aliena Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos _, Bob Jones x, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda x, Sue Staas .
Minutes were accepted.
Guest: Vincent Kling
Newsletter: The Fall edition of the OSC newsletter will be distributed late September/early October.
The following members are writing articles:
Kevin- earned income tax
Bob J.- Willistown Land Trust
Marcia- ?
Aliena- Saul Kun
Frank upcoming OSC projects
Earned
Income Tax:
The Commission discussed this topic
Open Space
in the Classroom:
Aliena asked for help with this project. The goal is to teach the children of Charlestown about the importance and value of open space. Bob R., Marcia, and Rosemary offered to help. The discussion included different thoughts on how to teach the kids, methods to use, etc.
Horseshoe Trail: discussion concerning challenges the trail presents and ideas concerning how to better maintain and patrol it.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:32 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Aliena Gerhard
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
(Draft)
MINUTES: August 20, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Andersen x, Alexandra Coleman x, Frank Corcoran _, Aliena Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos x, Bob Jones _, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda x, Sue Staas x .
Minutes were accepted with correction that Bill Andersen was present.
Guest: Marjorie Crawford
EIT
Referendum:
Kevin reported that the referendum did not make the November ballot
because there is really no legal way one Board of Supervisors can direct a
subsequent Board in the use of tax revenues.
Jenkins Property: The OS Commission was in favor of making the Jenkins property a community park if all parties can make the agreement.
McDevitt: The fate of this property is still undecided.
Limited Liability Partnership: Andy, Bob and Rosemary will investigate mechanics of LLP's.
Horseshoe Trail Subcommittee: The OS Commission appointed Sue Staas, Chair with Rick Reis, Bob Jones, Marge Crawford, and Paul Hogan.
Charge to the Horse Shoe Trail committee:
¤ What does the H. S. Trail mean to Ctown twp as a community asset?
¤ as a recreational resource?
¤ as a long term financial obligation?
¤ What is the feasibility of getting the HS trail eased throughout the township?
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Staas
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
(Draft)
MINUTES: September 17, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Andersen x, Alexandra Coleman , Frank Corcoran x, Aliena Gerhard _, Mary Ellen Joos _, Bob Jones x, Kevin Kuhn x, Rosemary
Philips _, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda _, Sue Staas x .
Minutes were accepted.
I) Exhibits for Historic Society and Elections.
a) Andy will work on this.
b) Elections will be held at the Church.
II) Large Landowners need to be cultivated and educated for the purpose of developing their interest in easements and land trusts.
a) Kevin will develop a list of talking points.
b) Rosemary and Sue will update and circulate the property-owners' list
c)
All members of the OS Commission will be asked to
"adopt" one or two property owners to educate.
III) Limited Liability Partnership: Andy, Bob and Rosemary will investigate mechanics of LLP.
IV)
Horseshoe Trail subcommittee:
a)
Membership: Sue
Staas, Rick Reis, Bob Jones, Marge Crawford, Paul Hogan.
b)
Charge to the subcommittee:
1)
What does the H. S. Trail mean to Ctown twp as a community
asset, as a recreational resource, as a long term financial obligation?
2)
Feasibility of getting the HS trail eased throughout the
township.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Staas
CHARLESTOWN OPEN SPACE COMMISSION
(Draft)
MINUTES: October 15, 2003
Commission Members Attending Meeting:
Andy Motel, Chair x, William Andersen x, Alexandra Coleman , Frank Corcoran , Aliena
Gerhard x, Mary Ellen Joos x, Bob Jones x , Kevin Kuhn x,
Rosemary Philips x, Bob Roggio x, Marcia Solda , Sue Staas x .
Minutes were accepted.
Exhibits for Historic Society and Elections were discussed. Historic Society will be there.
Raising awareness of
advantages and possibilities of easements.
¤ OS members selected landowners they will feel comfortable talking to.
¤ Commission discussed how to get the word out.
¤ Kevin made suggestions about how to approach a person you do not know well.
Limited Liability Partnership: No report
Horseshoe Trail: First meeting has been held.
Sue will give a full report at the next OS meeting.
Newsletter: Deadline for articles is November 1.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Staas