Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)

SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 17, 2018 5:00 P.M. SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS PRESENT: Tim Holmes, Suzanne Kwasniewski, Tom Denny, Dave Miller, Erica Gifford, Beth Wurtmann (late) and Maureen Roberts. ABSENT: None CITY STAFF: Tina Carton, Parks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation/Sustainability Coordinator OTHERS PRESENT: None RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: The minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings. CALL TO ORDER: Tom Denny called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT-15 MINUTES No opening public comment. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The committee voted to approve the 4/25/2018 meeting minutes. Tim Holmes made a motion to approve the minutes and Maureen Roberts seconded. Upon discussion one edit will be made to the meeting minutes to remove the reference to Tim Holmes on page 2. Upon this edit, the committee unanimously approved the minutes. FUNDING FOR ACQUISITION 1|Page  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 17, 2018 5:00 P.M. SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS The committee is currently working under the assumption that the Open Space Bond Referendum cannot be on the ballot if charter change is also on the ballot. Beth Wurtman motioned to table further discussion until this can be confirmed. UPDATES ON MEETING WITH THE MAYOR AND FINANCE COMMISSIONER Tom Denny updated the committee on the high level take-aways from individual meetings with the Mayor and Finance Commissioner. The Finance Commissioner stated that the committee should continue to pursue land opportunities if they are presented. While there was no firm commitment on providing financial support above the remaining bond fund, the Commissioner stated that the City would be willing to work with the committee if a parcel did come up that would be worthy of pursuing. In addition, both were interested in the “Penny for Parks” funding model. Tina Carton stated that she will share her research with Beth Wurtman and Suzanne Kwasniewski. WATERWORKS PARK The committee discussed the proposed water treatment pocket park on Marion Avenue and Excelsior Avenue. The committee was updated regarding support and opposition to the pocket park from city council members, non-for-profits, and other relevant stakeholders. The committee discussed the proposed design of the park and methods to avoid important underground infrastructure when locating possible features such as benches and trees in the park. The committee will update the site drawing based on the feedback. In addition, the committee will research successful examples of other municipalities who have placed parks adjacent to drinking water treatment facilities. The committee then discussed best methods to gain support for the proposal – from a possible future public meeting to share the draft site plan to the creation of marketing materials and press releases. The final park will need to have approval from DPW to move forward. NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI): UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS Tina Carton released an RFP in late March. Three consultants bid on the NRI:  AKRF Inc. - $40,000  Le Bella Associates - $29,420  CHA Consulting - $97,000 2|Page  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 17, 2018 5:00 P.M. SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS Upon reviewing the proposals, the City will be moving forward with the lowest bidder. Tina Carton now is working to secure the 50% required match. The NRI cannot be funded with the Open Space Bond, Capital budget, or subdivision recreation funds. PUBLIC COMMENT None ADJOURN There being no further business, Beth Wurtman made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. Suzanne Kwasniewski seconded. Unanimous approval. NEXT MEETING: THE NEXT MEETING OF THE OSAC WILL BE ON JUNE 27, 2018 5PM. TINA CARTON WILL WORK INTERNALLY TO IDENTIFY THE SPACE SINCE THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER IS NOT AVAILABLE. 3|Page