HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpen Space Comm. 01/09/2023Open Space and Recreation Committee Meeting
Town of Mansfield RECEIVED
Minutes of meeting f()j�N CLERKS OFFICE
January 9, 2023 1p73 OR 21 A 10* 11
Present: Rebecca Foster, Chair; Katelyn Gonyer, Environmental and Consel^viI•tioi�E
Sharon Friedman, Kristen Whittle h 1;'t S S A 1' S 5
Not present: Sally Fehervari and new member Kellie Ansermoz
1. Open meeting. The meeting was called to order at 5:07pm.
2. Welcome new member. Ms. Foster informed the committee that Ms. Ansermoz will be
joining the committee and will be attending the next meeting.
3. Review the Open Space Goals.
Ms. Gonyer reviewed the work done so far with looking at the old goals from the 2016 Master
Plan and reviewing their interface with the current Town of Mansfield Master Plan which was
approved in 2020. She remarked that the community process that was used to develop the
Master Plan will suffice for the community process in developing the new Open Space and
Recreation Plan. The committee members present gave the following guidance to Ms. Gonyer
regarding the writing of the goals.
a. Goal 1: merge goal 2A from the master plan with goal 1 from the 2016 open
space plan to address access expansion, wayfinding, on -site events and programs,
create and improve access to water bodies, etc.
b. Goal 2: add greenway corridors that are connected by bike and pedestrian
infrastructure.
c. Goal 3: using SNEP resources, develop a comprehensive climate change
resiliency program for the Town of Mansfield.
d. Goal 4: Continue to update existing and create new recreational areas including a
dog park (incorporate some of the elements of 2B from the Master Plan).
e. Goal 5: Expand and develop reasonable budget for the management and
implementation of the Open Space portion of the Open Space and Recreation Plan
f. Goal 6: Preserve Mansfield's natural resources, wildlife habitats and remaining
agricultural lands.
For the next meeting Ms. Gonyer will further develop these goals to include the expanded
objectives.
4. Department updates.
a. Trails Steward Program is up and running — currently 25 participants
b. Ms. Gonyer will be speaking to a HS senior class to promote the TSP
c. Non -Profit Gift Fund awarded $12,000 for new kiosks at Sweet, Corporal Hardy,
and Strese as well as new trail markers ( looking into metal ones)
d. Ms. Gonyer is working with SNEP on the climate resiliency plan
e. The Town Planner has resigned
f. Ms. Gonyer is working on a Hazard Mitigation Plan
5. Approval of October 17, 2022 minutes. Motion by Ms. Whittle, second by Ms. Friedman
to approve the minutes as presented. Vote: unanimously in favor.
6. Adjourn. Motion by Ms. Whittle, second by Ms. Friedman to adjourn the meeting. Vote:
unanimously in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 5:49. The next meeting is scheduled
for 2.13.2023 at 5:OOpm.
Respectfully submitted by Sharon Friedman
Rebe Oster h ' Date