Draft Minutes Bradford Conservation Commmission 10/7/15

In attendance: Emily Marsh, Monique Priestley, Sandy Price, Barbara Kulzyck, Tom Gray

Absent: Riley Hudson, Ed Wendell, Billy Brigtsen

Minutes of 9/16 were approved as written

Finances (incl. request from PTB Committee) The following bills were voted to be paid

Payable to: / Amount: / For: / From: / Status:
Nancy Jones / $25.00 / Registration – Municipal Day / Budget (seminars) / Approved
Nancy Jones / $50.00 / Registration – VHCB Conference / Budget (seminars) / Approved
Sandy Price / $15.00 / Mulch for Denny Park Tree / Budget (Beautification) / Approved
Sandy Price / $147.00 / Matting/Framing Spec. Places Award / Budget (Publications) / Approved
Journal Opinion / $117.00 / PTB Ad / Budget (Publications) / Approved

There was also a bill from Arrowwood for our final payment, but was tabled until Nancy can contact Arrowwood re the changes that we requested.

Conservation Fund

Recap of Craft Fair Booth – After much discussion, it was agreed that although the proceeds were a little disappointing, it was worth the effort. We collaborated with another Town organization and we were visible to the public. It was also a beautiful day to be outside.

Plans for Town Meeting – It was voted unanimously to request $5,000 for the Conservation Fund. Nancy will make up a petition and email it out to BCC members to get signatures. We need about 100 signatures.

Stewardship

Recap of WM/DD hikes – Disappointing turn-out: Tom (DD) had 5; Riley (WM)had 2 + Silas; Nancy (South Trails) had 1. A beautiful day to be in the woods!

Special Places Award – Sandy got it printed/matted/framed and will ask the Selectboard to display it in their meeting room. She will attend tomorrow’s Selectboard meeting and also request a water spigot at Denny Park on behalf of BCC and the Beautification Committee.

Wilderness Trail – Andy Boyce at UVLT created a map of that section of the forest with GPS Coordinates on it to enable Riley and helpers to pinpoint their locations there using GPS Units. Riley wants to mark a Trail. Nancy suggested seeking help from VYCC to build the trail.

Beautification

Denny Park Tree – Sandy made arrangements to have a spruce tree planted by Chippers. There was no charge for the tree and delivery, but there will be a bill from Chippers

Plans for Library Bank – Sandy proposes planting a white flowering crab apple tree that can reach 20 feet in height and in canopy. Monique will present this at tomorrow’s Library Board meeting to get their input.

Energy

Presentation to Selectboard – Sandy has arranged for a staff person from Catamount Solar to meet with the Selectboard on 10/22 to present a plan for a solar array to power the BA, Town Highway Garage, Fire Station and building at Elizabeth’s Park. Nancy will ask Jennifer for the annual KWH usage and cost of each of these buildings to help Catamount determine the size of array that will be needed.

Regional Energy Plan – Nancy shared a map of potential solar sites in Bradford that also shows where the power lines are and where 3-phase power connections are. (all of the above are available along Fairground road.) She will email this map to all BCC members.

Other goals?

Solid Waste

Request from CVSWMD – Barbara will attend the District Meeting on 10/21 to be held at Chelsea High School. She will also ask about the deadlines for using clear plastic bags and for composting household food waste.

Goals for 2016

Begin Planning

  • Plan & Develop Wilderness Trail
  • Extend Cindy’s Trail to form a loop that ends back at Ernie’s Trail to avoid the dead-end
  • April 30 – Tire Drop
  • May 7 – Green-Up Day
  • May – request OHS Community Service Day on WM
  • Continue to pursue Municipal Solar Array
  • Pursue purchase of Lyons’ parcels

Other – Monique will ask Bob St. Pierre if River Bend students would like to create a scarecrow for the BCC for Midnight Madness.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Jones, Acting secretary