Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)

SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2021 5:00 P.M. MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM Mr. Denny called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. Ms. Carton led the meeting. 1. WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE Committee present: Tom Denny (chair), Jennifer Hunt Dempsey David Miller, Steve Samuell, Tim Holmes. City Staff: Tina Carton, Admin of Parks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation/Sustainability 2. PUBLIC COMMENT AND RECORDING OF PROCEEDING There was no public comment. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The minutes from the 01/27/21 meeting were carried over to next meeting for approval. b. Discussion and vote: OFFICERS FOR THE OSAC, AND CHARGE OF THE COMMITTEE Several documents were reviewed: Chapter 110 of the City code; the OSAC policy of 2016; and the 1970 Resolution to Create a Conservation Council. It was noted that the Legislative Intent of Chapter 110 of the City code held some specific duties and useful direction for this committee. A question in the 2016 policy was a 2- year term limitation for the Chair of the Committee. It was noted that the 2016 policy was adopted by the Committee, but not formally voted on by the City Council. Ms. Carton will consult further about amending committee purposes and policies to accurately represent its approved work. In the meantime, Mr. Tom Denny would continue as Chair, Mr. Miller will continue as Vice Chair, and Ms. Maureen Roberts will continue as Secretary. 4. 227 KAYDEROSS AVENUE – PLANNING BOARD LETTER Documents circulated in advance of the meeting included an extract from a Subdivision Application a draft response from Chair Tom Denny. A primary topic was inclusion of trails as a preference or requirement in the development, timing of their commencement of public use, and maintenance. After discussion it was agreed that it is important to establish: clarity for all parties at the time of City agency decision, early completion of trails that cross property lines, minimization of liability for private property owners and a plan in place for maintenance and maintenance cost. Mr. Denny said he would add recommendations to his letter to the Planning Board.  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2021 5:00 P.M. MEETING HELD VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM 5. OPEN SPACE PLAN UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS a. STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATES The steering committee will meet on Friday. The committee wants to collect as much public input as possible to determine public interest in open space. Consultant MJ will create a project website and survey. Major breakouts are recreation, climate resiliency and habitat preservation. Trails are emerging as important in service of these purposes. Ms. Carton displayed a graphic from the Land Trust website showing Saratoga Springs as providing parks within a 10 minute walk for 52% of its residents. OSAC members of the Steering Committee Jennifer Dorsey and Steve Samuell spoke about their approaches to revising goals from the 2002 standards. An emphasis was given to the funding of maintenance as well as addition of open space and trail resources. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT — No members of public present 7. Meeting adjourned at 6:14. Respectfully submitted for the Secretary, Tim Holmes +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++