Comeau Stewardship Advisory Committee

Minutes of Regular Meeting

October 20, 2014

The regular meeting of the C.S.A.C. was called to order by Grace Murphy at 4:05pm.

Present: Terry Antman, Grace Murphy, Jim Hanson, Pat Jackson, Richard Heppner, Jeff Viglielmo, Kathy Longyear.   Attending: Councilpersons Jay Wenk, Ken Panza, and Marita Lopez-Mena  of the Woodstock Land Conservancy.

Committee Minutes. The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed. A motion was made to accept the minutes by Jim, Richard seconded , all agreed.

The next meeting date of CSAC was set for November 10, 2014 at 4:00 pm.

COMEAU MAP AND BROCHURE

The new brochure that includes a map of the Comeau was presented. Joan Elliot had volunteered to create the map and design the brochure working with a sub-committee of CSAC. CSAC members collected for a gift of appreciation to give to Joan. The brochure will be used to explain the Comeau and its history to visitors and guide those using the trails.

TRAILS

Comeau Trails Crew has completed a re-location of part of the Eastern trail to a higher location away from the stream as the bank is eroding and becoming dangerous. The grand opening is Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 am. Jim announced the trail was completed under budget that leaves money in the trail account. Some of that may be applied to the proposed kiosk.

DOGWALKING

Jeff reported loose dogs near and on the soccer field. There are people who do not use the Comeau because of loose dogs. Jim moved and all agreed that Terry and Grace speak with Jeremy. Both means of enforcement and education will be discussed. All agreed to exploring with Jeremy the idea of “off leash” hours which has very positive results in many places. All agreed it is the CSAC mission to create an environment where everyone fees safe on the Comeau and be able to use the property.

UPDATES 

The new light pole has been installed in the parking lot.

Kathy reported the new signs will be ready next week. Poles are ready and may need to be treated. Maintenance will do the installation. Richard will work on the trail markers which will have to be ordered.

WHS fundraising will begin soon with events coming up.

BEST PRACTICES

Grace presented a sample of the Open Areas work that has been completed for discussion. Pat presented ideas for an outline modeled after another management plan. Jim and Jeff will work on researching Forest Best Management Practices. A small committee was formed that includes Rosalind Dickinson, Grace and Pat and Terry.

OTHER BUSINESS

Maintenance of the porto-potties on the soccer field was brought up. They are not maintained at the end of the season. Jeff and Keith will speak to Jeremy. As this is a maintenance issue, Grace will send a letter.

Grace moved to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.

Minutes submitted by Pat Jackson