Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)

SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2022 5:00 P.M. CITY HALL, 474 BROADWAY (Zoom) Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81737252323 Meeting ID: 817 3725 2323 One tap mobile +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) 1. WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE : a. City Staff: Tina Carton; Admin of Parks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation and Sustainability b. Committee members: Tom Denny, Jenn Hunt Dempsey, David Miller, Ed Lindner, and Steve Samuell. c. OSAC Member Changes – John McMahon submitted his letter of resignation to the Mayor. Anita Morzillo will be appointed new OSAC Committee Member March 1st. Anita provided a summary of her background and interests. Committee members each gave a quick summary of their background and interest as well. d. Public: There were no members of the public present. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment 3. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS: a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The minutes from the prior meeting on January 26, 2022 had not been circulated, so approval was tabled. 4. OPEN SPACE PLAN UPDATE: a. TABLE OF CONSERVATION PRIORITIES (FOR UPDATED OPEN SPACE PLAN) – Tom led review of recommendations for comments/changes. Listing priorities was discussed again and was decided that it should be tabled for later consideration, to keep flexible, and Identify partners associated with certain projects. It was also discussed to identify and note initiatives from prior plan. Tom led review of each of the properties in the conservation priorities table. Key discussion points were: Zim Smith connector – include reference to Empire State Trail Potential west side Saratoga Greenbelt Trail Connector Trail – may require National Grid approval for use, members voiced importance of possible connections Pitney – Change to “RR property through Pitney Meadows Farms” (Pitney has little success in utilizing RR property), Pine Grove – Steve suggested that this would be a high priority similar to Zim Smith Trail (It is a large flat accessible property, pines are iconic and would be a shame to remove), Italian Veterans Club – approximately 2 acre property (consider moving to potential discussion of pocket parks),  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2022 5:00 P.M. National Grid parcel by Spring Run trailhead – site is remediated (no residential on first floor but could have commercial, should be clear on restrictions and viable opportunities, Tina will check on existing documentation), Waterworks – should be a priority for City; probably move to pocket parks Former Stewart’s creamery adjacent to City waterworks – new to list Large wetlands, including Bear Swamp – might consider breaking up into multiple components, Waterfront property on Lake Lonely – Tom noted Dave’s comment to add/describe the benefit Gilbert Rd. equine – led to a lengthy discussion of whether this property fit in with others on the list; members to consider if this one should be removed from consideration Anita commented that the property at the corner of Beekman and Washington could be a potential pocket park project. Tom asked members to send in any additional comments ASAP so that the table can be finalized and sent to MJ. Tina suggests meeting with Open Space Steering Committee to review table prior to sending to MJ. b. UPDATE ON MJ WORK – MJ has reached their contract budget limit but will finish their work. This will require OSAC to share some of the writing and production of materials duties while minimizing unnecessary changes. OSAC to complete conservation priorities table and then MJ will produce a companion map. c. COMMUNITY PRESERVATION FUND – Ed provided summary of his conversation with Commissioner of Accounts (who will be key on fiscal support). Commissioner is aware of the mayor’s support. Ed looking into if different tax rates for different property classifications could be applied. City will have to pass its own ordinance to create fund and tax rates. Additional meetings will be taking place with other Commissioners. 5. DISCUSSION: 269 BROADWAY Tom provided brief update – Tom had sent letter to City, news outlet reporting on the project noted OSAC recommendation for trail connection. Sidewalk on north side of the building is not on the development property. To be continued/monitored. 6. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Whereas the proposed acquisition, sale or lease of real property or the proposed acquisition of securities, or sale or exchange of securities held by such public body, but only when publicity would substantially affect the value thereof. Committee moved to go into executive session for discussion of new matter. 7. OTHER BUSINESS — None 8. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. 9. MEETING ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM. The next meeting will occur on March 23, 2022.