Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)

SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE DRAFT MEETING MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2019 5:00 P.M. RECREATION CENTER, 15 VANDERBILT AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS PRESENT: Chair Tom Denny, Suzanne Kwasniewski, David Miller, Tim Holmes, ABSENT: Erica Gifford, Maureen Roberts, Beth Wurtmann CITY STAFF: Tina Carton, Parks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation/Sustainability Coordinator and Tony Izzo, Assistant City Attorney OTHERS PRESENT: Amy Durland, Steve Samuels, residents of Saratoga Springs RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: The minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Tom Denny called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT-15 MINUTES No opening public comment. OPEN SPACE NRI PUBLIC WORKSHOP REVIEW AND PUBLIC INPUT (JANUARY 31ST) David Miller, having hosted the water table, identified themes from the public input. Among these were the value of streams and lake, protection of wetlands, all a connected resource. Suzanne Kwasniewski noted that access to natural resources is a special feature of living in Saratoga. Tim Holmes was impressed by the turnout at the January 31st event, both in number and degree of interest; and that seasoned planners advised to keep new residents aware of the efforts taken to maintain open spaces. 1|Page  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE DRAFT MEETING MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2019 5:00 P.M. RECREATION CENTER, 15 VANDERBILT AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS Tom Denny noted the Greenbelt as of special interest to many. He received policy suggestions, specific suggestions of open spaces for conservation, and requests for action on topics not under our control. NRI MAPS – LOCALLY CREATED MAP UPDATE Tina Carton discussed the work of Saratoga P.L.A.N. Tom Denny gave an update on progress in mapping categories that might augment or improve those being produced by LaBella. Examples were Dark Skies (citizen mapping well under way), Heritage Trees (Sustainable Saratoga mapping in progress), and our objectives with Scenic Resources (a more challenging map, and one that may need to wait for the Open Space Plan). Work on assessing Saratoga's tree canopy, as well as the percentage of pervious and impervious surfaces, was being produced by Skidmore students, using software created by the U.S Forestry Service. Tina Carton cited the Water Recharge map as important. Tom Denny similarly reminded the Committee that the now underground streams are significant waterways in planning ahead. It was added that it should be possible to include property parcel data, and zoomable qualities, on the maps in the ultimate work product of the NRI process. Improvement of the draft maps from LaBella was discussed. OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION CRITERIA DEVELOPMENT Two documents were distributed: ‘Bethlehem Open Space Conservation Criteria’ and the ‘Lew Benton’ Criteria form. Process of the OSAC on earlier open space acquisitions was revisited. Possible benefits of a ‘scoresheet’ approach were discussed, with more elaborate systems such as Rensselaer County cited. There was some agreement that a scoresheet approach might strengthen OSAC recommendations for land acquisitions. It was also suggested that the addition of categories to the Open Space Plan might add value to the OSP as a useful tool for other land use bodies in the city. The committee requested Tina Carton to develop a draft version of a scoresheet, drawing best features from various sources. The committee will review this draft scoresheet at a future meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT 2|Page  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE DRAFT MEETING MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 27, 2019 5:00 P.M. RECREATION CENTER, 15 VANDERBILT AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS Resident Amy Durland asked that the Committee remember Comprehensive Plan criteria and guidance. She recommended that in map preparation the Committee endeavor to avoid oversimplification, as species and uses span varied landscapes. She expressed that among the models viewed by the Committee, she admired the Bethlehem approach, and she recommended that local experts be utilized as informed resources. EXECUTIVE SESSION There was a motion to proceed to Executive Session (Miller, Kwasniewski). Tom Denny introduced the Executive Session agenda: Discussion of Matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, disciple, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. A motion was made to come out of Executive Session. Conclusion of the executive session: the OSAC discussed best ways to move forward in completing the Natural Resources Inventory. OTHER BUSINESS No other business was discussed. ADJOURN There being no further business, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:34 p.m. was unanimously approved (Denny, Holmes). NEXT MEETING: THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF THE OSAC IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 27, 2019 5PM, LOCATION THE RECREATION CENTER ON 15 VANDERBILT AVENUE. 3|Page