TOWN OF PROVINCETOWN, OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE

Minutes for May 13, 2002

The Meeting of May 13, 2002 was called to order in the Judge Welsh Room of Provincetown Town Hall, at 3:15 P. M. by Celine Gandolpho, Co-Chair. Also present were Robin Evans, Hatty Walker Fitts, Fred Berger, Steve Milkewitz and Miriam Collinson.

Discussion on Committee Membership:

The members of the Committee discussed the pros and cons of the continutation of this committee because of the lack of support expressed by the Selectmen and Town government for its role in preserving Open Space and managing same. It was felt that due to an increased interest by the Conservation Committee in working with this committee, as well as the on-going interest by the Conservation Trust to work with this committee, that it should continue.

It was pointed out, as well, that this Committee still feels a great deal of responsibility towards its charge of properly administrating the Land Bank Funds set aside for developing management plans and to carry out such plans of Town owned properties. This is but one role, others being such things as suggesting new purchases of land for conservation, water, etc., and educating people as to the benefits they can derive by donating lands or putting Conservation Easements on them.

Celine Gandolpho went on to review all tht’s been accomplished in the last three years, especially pulling together the Loch Property Purchase in a short period of time, the Shankpainter Upland Purchase and the Managment Plans for both.

Fred Berger has decided not to ask for a renewal of his membership on the Open Space Committee. Celine Gandolpho, on behalf of the entire Committee, thanked Fred for his great service to the Committee, and also expressed how much he will be missed.

Update on Shankpainter Pond Management:

Celine Gandolpho reported on the joint meeting with the Conservation Trust and the Conservation Commission held last Thursday on the site where the road had been cut through for possible development prior to the Shankpainter Upland purchase. This area needs to be taken care of quickly as it is eroding badly and trees are being lost. The group then agreed that now is the time to find out what monies there are for following through on the Management Plan, get someone in there to design and supervise the replacement of the sands and soil in the cut out area, and then start planting to keep the new sand there. Various people are doing the research to see how the Plan can be carried out and what the order of the particular steps will be.

Minutes:

A motion was made by Celine Gandolpho, seconded by Robin Evans, to approve the minutes of February 13, 2002. All voted aye.

A motion was made by Celine Gandolpho, seconded by Robin Evans, to approve the minutes of February 19, 2002. All voted aye.

A motion was made by Robin Evans, seconded by Celine Gandolpho, to approve the minutes of March 6, 2002. All voted aye.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, June 4^th, at 4:00 PM.

The agenda will include (a) approval of minutes; (b) discussion of the Shank Painter Management Plan; and (e) other business.

A meeting was also scheduled for Tuesday, June 18^th, at 4:00 PM.

Adjourned:

The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 P. M..

Respectfully Submitted,

Hatty Walker Fitts, Acting Secretary