Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)

SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 13TH, 2023 - 5:00 P.M. 2ND FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL, 474 BROADWAY Meeting Minutes are not a word-for-word Transcript. 1. WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE: a. City Staff: Tony Izzo, Jen Dunn, Michael Dutre b. Committee Members: Chair Tom Denny, Seamus Briody, Jeff Cheek, Jennifer Hunt Dempsey, Ed Lindner and Anita Morzillo c. Public: Amy Durland, Sustainable Saratoga 2. PUBLIC COMMENT: Amy Durland of Sustainable Saratoga cited a Gazette article about a potential truck bypass route through the southern end of the state park. The plan involves the acquisition of private property and could disturb wetlands. This issue came up decades ago but was rejected. She urged that Open Space protect this corridor from trucks. 3. UPDATES: a. Approval of Minutes Chair Denny asked the group if there were any edits to minutes. There were none. The minutes were accepted and approved. b. Community Preservation Fund – City Attorney etc. Tony Izzo, City Attorney and Ed Lindner discussed language in the Community Preservation Fund draft and the governmental processes that would ensue. Ed Lindner highlighted the research Open Space performed to find out how Chatham, Warwick, Poughkeepsie and other municipalities felt about their Community Preservation Fund. Ed Lindner will create a memo for Tony Izzo to review in depth. Anita Morzillo expressed concern over Open Space records, process and public outreach associated with the fund. Jen Dunn agreed that public support is critical. Chair Denny added that the Community Preservation Fund was a recommendation from the Open Space Plan which was approved by the city. Chair Denny continued that he has met with three commissioners that were enthusiastic on this program. c. Woods Hollow & Corcoran Preserves – Milton Michael Dutre reported the discussion planning had with Milton was about a letter of support for a grant and Milton’s plans for a town center. Jen Dunn added that Open  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 13TH, 2023 - 5:00 P.M. Space can reengage with Milton as they still seem interested in a joint maintenance plan for the parcel. d. Open Space Plan – Timetable from MJ Engineering Jen Dunn updated the group that the City’s primary contact at MJ Engineering just returned from maternity leave but their team is excited to assist Open Space. 4. TRANSITION TO NEW ADMINISTRATION IN CITY HALL: Chair Denny and Jen Dunn recommended that Open Space meet with the new city council members to get them up to speed on their projects and garner support. 5. OSAC PERSONNEL: a. Review of terms of current members Chair Denny has made the term information available over email for members. b. New chair Anita Morzillo was unanimously voted as new chair of Open Space. c. Vice chair – elect Chair Morzillo will identify a vice chair next year. d. New member The group welcomed Seamus Briody of Saratoga Plan. He plans to investigate the easement at Oakridge and their signage. Jeff Cheek mentioned that several developers have been in control of the property so important information may have been lost in transitions. Saratoga Plan or the City may be responsible for enforcement. Jen Dunn suggested that Susan Barden, City Planner may be able to assist. 6. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. MEETING ADJOURNED: The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 PM. Note: The meetings will now occur on the last Thursday of each month at 5:00pm.