Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

Open Space, Natural Resources & Trails Committee Meeting May 13, 2020, 5:30pm via Zoom Present: Jonathan Sherwood, Chair, Rich Hucksam, Pascal Rettig, Councilor Nick Wheeler, Councilor Adrienne Lennon, and Vanessa Johnson-Hall Jeannette Tozer attended representing BSC Alena submitted papers resigning from OSNRT as her family is moving out of Amesbury. April 22 Meeting Minutes: motion to postpone review to next meeting. Moved: A. Lennon, Second: N. Wheeler. All in favor. Open Space & Recreation Plan Review Review of Draft Maps - Comments made primarily on maps 5 & 7 - Map 5: include protected open space; feedback provided on “limited,” “temporary” and “limited” protection categories. - Map 7: Feedback on title – needs to clearly reflect what map is displaying. Also correct protected lands; Vanessa and Jonathan to provide feedback. Review online survey and GIS mapping results - BSC confirmed that both surveys will be included in OSRP and that Vision, Goals and Objectives reflected both surveys - Jonathan asked OSNRT Committee Members to review surveys to make certain that Vision, Goals and Objectives capture important issues raised by survey respondents. Review draft Community Vision, Goals and Objectives - Broad comments: keep objectives realistic; minimize jargon; minimize redundancy; separate active and passive recreation goals; name responsible parties for carrying out - Keep Goals, Objectives, and Action items broad to allow more opportunity for grant funding - Vanessa offered to collect OSNRT edits on Vision, Goals, and Objectives and send to Jonathan to send to BSC by Monday. Action Plan Brainstorming - Vanessa will collect ideas from OSNRT and send to Jonathan to send to BSC by Monday. - Nick Wheeler will look at Master Recreational Fields Plan and make sure OSRP goals, objectives and action items dovetails with that. ADA Assessment - Jonathan synthesized information and would like Committee to review and provide feedback. Overall, Amesbury has very little to no accommodation for disabled access to our active or passive recreational areas. Two referrals were sent to OSNRT, both having to do with Amesbury’s compliance with MS4 regulations. Jonathan will respond on behalf of the Committee. They are likely out of the purview of the OSNRT. Submitted by: Vanessa Johnson-Hall