Minutes February 10 2005

Royalston Open Space Committee

Meeting Date: February 10, 2005

Members Present: Aaron Ellison, Beth Gospodarek,

Dean Lisiewicz, Glenn Freden, Kim MacPhee, Christine Beckert Long

Others Present: Pat Jackson, Andy West

Acting Chair: Aaron Ellison

Acting Clerk: Christine Beckert Long

The meeting convened at 7:30 p.m. at town hall.

Open Spaces:

(1) A property, already surveyed for three lots, is up for Chapter 61 renewal,
but may be offered for sale in the spring.

(2) A 25-acre property, part of an NHES priority area, is being withdrawn from Chapter 61.

Aaron and others will attend the March 15 meeting of the Select Board

and recommend that the town exercise its right of first refusal on its purchase and sale.

Acquisition Funds:

(1) Glenn recommended that the committee ask the Select Board to dedicate the proceeds

of timber sales on town-owned land to open space protection. Beth will write a letter to this effect.

(2) Chris and Kim briefly described the Community Preservation Act, a local option measure

which provides state matching funds for a property tax surcharge dedicated to open space,

historical preservation and affordable housing. She will prepare a more detailed report for the next meeting.

Public Outreach:

(1) The committee discussed the possibility of securing a list of Chapter 61 properties

and the date of the expiration of each, with the idea of possibly calling or writing to

landowners as necessary. Glenn will report further.

(2) Aaron will investigate whether Mt. Grace Land Conservation Trust has a brochure

or other publication outlining the options for landowners interested in protecting their land.

The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.