Open Space, Natural Resources, and Trails Committee

Open Space, Natural Resources & Trails Committee Meeting May 27, 2020, 5:30pm via Zoom Present: Jonathan Sherwood, Chair, Pascal Rettig (Planning Board), Councilor Nick Wheeler, Councilor Adrienne Lennon, Alina Michelewicz (Con Comm), Michael Joule (Con Comm), Vanessa Johnson-Hall Guests: John Lopez and Tom Barrasso from EEA; Jeannette Tozer and Heather Gould from BSC 1. May 13 Meeting Minutes: Motion to approve pending removal of reference to non- agenda item. Moved: N. Wheeler, Second: A. Lennon. Unanimous approval. 2. Open Space & Recreation Plan Review • Jonathan will collate edits from the Committee and submit to BSC by Monday, June 1, 2020. • BSC plans to submit draft plan to EEA-DCS’s Melissa Cryan and MVP coordinator for approval, City, and OSNRT by mid-late next week. • BSC reaffirmed that the Goals & Objectives of Amesbury’s 2012 OSRP were incorporated into this plan. • Goal 1.1, Action 2 – recommend wordsmith language to clarify intent • Comments expressed on tot lot action item; this may be in-progress; check with Mayor • Comments to increase generality and reduce specificity of Goals, Objectives, Actions, so that OSRP can be adapted to fit funding criteria and future grant opportunities. • Management plans recommendation – Battis Farm is already in-progress. Conservation Commission has hired consultant to complete. Reference Mass Audubon grassland bird nesting management recommendations for Woodsom Farm. • Suggestion to expand role / staffing of Parks & Recreation department to incorporate open space / natural resources/ trails management expertise; acknowledge the need to increase City staffing to adequately manage Amesbury open space areas to maximize ability of ecosystem services to function. • Camp Kent is missing from the list of assets. • OSNRTC members asked to submit any additional comments on the Goals / Objectives / Action Plan to Jonathan Sherwood by Saturday, May 29, 2020 for incorporation into final comments for submission to BSC on June 1, 2020. Target to have the OSRP presented by Tom Borrasso and John Lopez to the Planning Board at their 6/22 meeting. City does not need to approve OSRP per se but DCS will need letter of support from Mayor and Planning Board for final submission. Councilor Wheeler will work with City Council for letter of support. Jonathan Sherwood will draft letter of support from OSNRT. 7:07 Motion to Adjourn V Johnson-Hall; 2nd N. Wheeler. All approved. Submitted by: Vanessa Johnson-Hall