Conservation Commission Minutes: April 6, 2023

DRAFT

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM

Present: Commission members: Greg Record-Chair, Carol Hesselbach, Jeff Mortimer, Michelle Mortimer, Martha Stitelman

Approval of Minutes: Greg made a motion to approve the minutes for 6/14/2022. Jeff seconded.

Martha Stitelman requested that her name be correctly spelled. Minutes as corrected approved Election of Officers: Jeff made a motion that Greg be elected Chair. Michelle seconded it. No discussion, all in favor. Jeff made a motion that Michelle be elected Vice Chair. Martha seconded it. No discussion, all in favor. Jeff made a motion that Carol Hesselbach be elected Secretary. Michelle seconded it. No discussion, all in favor. Martha made a motion that Jeff be elected Treasurer. Michelle seconded it. No discussion, all in favor.

Meeting Time: Jeff made a motion that we meet the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6 PM at the Town Office, as needed. Seconded by Michelle. No further discussion, all in favor.

2023 Projects: Greg said that he had not walked the trails yet. He asked that if others walk the trails and clear issues or see spots that need work, they let him know. He had no other projects to discuss.

Michelle talked about Green-up day. She will check with Wannetta Powling and Gloria Cristelli about the opportunity to assist with the planning.

Martha said that Laura’s Look Out is very overgrown. Greg talked about the process of clearing it in the past. Due to the steepness the clearing of it would need to be contracted out. We will need Selectboard approval to do that.

Michelle asked about harvesting the Town Forest to improve the forest and fire prevention. Greg said that he had tried to get something done in the past but was not successful.

He will talk with some foresters, probably George Weir or Bill Guenther, about whether the state can get us a report on the forest and what it needs.

Other Business: Greg explained about the request from Bernie Paquette for a letter of support for a VT State Declaration of Vermont Invasive Management Day. No one was interested in being involved.

Carol mentioned that Jeff Chevalier, a Selectboard Member, was trying to develop plans for improving the town owned parcel on Dover Road which is limited by FEMA regulations. One thing he is considering is a Public Garden space.

Jeff made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Michelle. Meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Submitted by Carol Hesselbach, Secretary.