Vassalboro Conservation Commission
Minutes: Sept. 9, 2008

Members present:
David Jenney, Mary Ellen Johnston, Paul Mitnik, Steve Jones, Holly
Weidner, and Guest, Ginny Brackett, Chair of the Planning Board.
7:00 PM, town office

Agenda items discussed:

1. Potential boat launch site: reviewed progress on this subject. There are still some locations that have not been walked so we need to set the dates to do this.

2. Ginny Brackett joined us to talk about the Planning Board’s interest in developing an Open Space component to a revised Site Development Ordinance. Ideally, we would identify areas in town that are prime for development but already large tracts of wildlife habitat. There are ordinances used by other towns, and resources available at the State, to help us develop a template for open space and habitat protection in appropriate locations. The Strategic Plan lists a number of tasks to be completed by various committees. This led to a more general discussion about the Strategic Plan and how it is, or isn’t, being followed. While the VCC was created as a result of this recommendation, other committees have not yet been formed. The roles of the Town Manager and Selectmen were discussed, and whether they should become more involved in the implementation of the town’s Strategic Plan. Holly Weidner volunteered to meet with the Town Manager, Mary Sabins, and bring her up to date on these activities.

3. David Jenney has worked on the Town’s web site, up-dating it with guidance from the Town Manager. Meeting notes and other information should be posted regularly to this site. The VCC wants to hold more information sessions for the community to raise awareness and get people involved in conservation activities.

The next meeting of the VCC will be held on Oct 14 at 7PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ellen Johnston, Chair