Meeting Minutes of the Brookfield Conservation Commission May 20, 2019
Present: Jon Binhammer, Jon Jickling, Starr Strong, Susan Shea, Kathy Kinter
Jon Binhammer reviewed terms of office for newly appointed commission as approved by the Select Board at their April 8 meeting:
Jon Jickling: 3 yrs. Sue Shea: 2 yrs. Starr Strong: 1 yr. Jon Binhammer: 4 yrs. Kathy Kinter: 1 yr.
Open meeting law was discussed concerning the agenda, public attendance and minutes.
State statutes were briefly reviewed regarding jurisdiction of the commission. The Statute language:
“administer the lands, properties and other rights which have been acquired by the municipality for the purposes of this chapter” appears to imply that the Sunset Brook Natural Area on Rt. 65 and the town forest fall under our purview. Any financial commitment or receipt of land interest needs to be approved by the Selectboard. Members are encouraged to familiarize ourselves with the statute – Title 24, Chapter 118.
Finances: Jon B will ask Select Board for the account balance of the town Conservation and Recreation Fund.
Officers are as follows:
Jon B Chair
Sue S Vice Chair
Jon J Treasurer
Kathy K Secretary
Bylaws: Sue, Starr and Jon J. will review bylaws from other towns of similar size and email samples and recommendations for us to consider at the next meeting. All agreed to not reinvent the wheel. Key is understanding principal functions.
Assessment: It was agreed that we assess the information already compiled by the town that would be relevant to our charge, then identify what information is still needed. A natural resource inventory was suggested, along with use of Bio Finder and VT Conservation Design sites.
Meetings: Will be held when possible the 3rd Monday of each month in the library from 7-8:30 PM. Three are needed for a quorum. Next meeting is June 17th.
Projects: Jon B is waiting for confirmation from the school regarding tree planting on June 4 with 34 3rd-6th graders. Hardwood volunteers will be dug in advance to be planted by teams of 2 kids. It was suggested that the kids be given information about the conservation commission to take home and or ask that something run in the school newsletter, if there is one.
Randolph and Braintree commissions have been in touch with Sue and asked if we want to join them in a poison parsnip removal project in the coming weeks. She will be in touch with them and report back.
The Commission will be presenting at the Old Town Hall in September. Content to be decided.
Several ideas were shared, as was the importance of educating the community, not only about our existence as a commission, but the importance of the mission. Building an inclusive constituency early is important. It was agreed that we would try to do an activity each season, along with projects. It was suggested that we get clear on our purpose and vision for the organization as a means of guiding future decisions.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Kinter