Draft Minutes of Parks Advisory Committee Meeting of

October 7, 2009

Acting Secretary-Sue Harrington

Present; Sue Harrington, Tom Harrington, Jennifer Kaufmann, Penny Potter

I. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.

II. The minutes from the June meeting were approved.

III. New Business;

A. The Old Spring Hill Field management plan was discussed. Jennifer reported that the invasive removal was complete but would have to be monitored yearly. Native shrubs have been planted in deer exclusion areas and are taking hold. The addition of walking paths will be added in the future and the annual mowing schedule was discussed.

Sue and Tom will try to get out and monitor the bird population this spring.

B. There was a discussion of the plans to revise all the management plans using the new template so they are simplified and more general.

IV. Continuing Business:

A. Fall FOMP programs – FOMP is sponsoring 4 walks in the Last Green Valley Walktober event. They will take place in the Dunhamtown, Fifty-foot, Merrow Meadow and Sawmill Brook parks.

B. Winter programs – With the winter brochure coming up soon, the possibilities for winter programs were discussed. Jennifer will try to set up another star party. Sue will offer a walk at Schoolhouse Brook Park in March and possibly a tracking program in January

V. Staff Report-

1. Open Space Bond referendum – Jennifer informed the committee about the need for the referendum because the funding had expired.

2. Common Field bird blind project – An eagle scout will be building the blind with his troop on October 10. The town is providing the materials.

3. NAV workdays – Three workdays have been held this fall with participation from UCONN volunteers.

4. River Park Rain Garden – The garden was planted September 25 and has been damaged by heavy rains. Repairs are planned.

5. River Park is now online at the Mansfield website.

about it.

6. A grant has been submitted for an Accessible trail at Bicentenial Pond.

7. Jennifer reported that the annual report was due and would be submitted with

VI. Other- 1. Open Space and Conservation Commission minutes were included but there were no comments.

VII. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.

Respectfully submitted, Sue Harrington , Acting Secretary