motion to open the public meeting. So move >> second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> All right. Uh this is a hybrid meeting being conducted in person at the police station conference room handover teams. This meeting is being recorded for future viewing on the cable channel and
the town's YouTube page. Um members in attendance tonight to my left Paul Sullivan to my right Petoy, Steve Bush and Melissa Cadera. And
first order of business minutes uh discussion public engagement update. >> Was that you? What was that? Are you doing the um public engagement out there? >> Yes.
I >> can't hear. >> You're kind of kind of sound really low. >> Extremely can't you sound like you're whispering. Sorry. >> We can't hear you. Same problem here.
Something's going to change. of our master plan meetings where this is our sound has actually worked with anything yet. >> Correct. >> Correct. Cool. >> Yeah. >> Stop. Now he right now really low.
Can this not come out of the um >> Yeah, I think I got it. >> Okay. >> No worries. >> Can you hear us now? >> I can. Yes. >> Yes. >> Sorry about that. >> All right.
>> That's good. Thank you everyone. Um I apologize. So um I don't have much by way of public engagement right now since we are in the writing phase. However, I did want to provide some updates related to the timeline that will see the kind
of process for the final drafts of the master plan, the OSRP and the WMP which if we recall are meant to be their own separate documents um that are going to be being produced in tandem with the master plan. Uh, so just to confirm,
Victoria, they all got a copy of that timeline in their packet. Correct. It's the last page in your packet. So, but I don't know if I can share my screen. It might be easy to do that. Maybe. Yes. Okay, perfect. Um, so if I
share my screen here, I just want to run through the the kind of next few months. Um, make sure that we're all on board and in agreement. Um, so obviously we're here today, uh, November 13th, we're going to review the OSRP goals and strategies. So after I'm done with my
piece, I will hand it off to Joe and Sara. Next month, we'll look at the water management plan goals and strategies. And then in the new year, we'll see a full draft of the master plan. This is going to be laid out. Um,
it should be graphic. You will have maps, all the pictures, and that'll give you uh a month to review ahead of February's meeting, which will see the full open space and recreation plan. Again, that plan will be laid out, maps, pictures, all that. And then same with
the water resource management plan in March. This brings us to April during which we'll host a final open house basically inviting anyone from the public to um you know attend a meeting or however it is that we choose to kind
of organize that event um and give us their final comments for the plan plans I should say the three plans and give us at least a month to incorporate it so that way the final plan that you guys receive um will come in May. Does that
all make sense to you guys? Can I answer any questions? >> Any questions? Sounds good with that. Thank you. >> Okay, sounds good. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. >> All right, next order of business,
review draft draft chapter and action items. >> Good evening everyone. Joe here. Um we're just going to go over real quick just the overview goals of um the OSRP and then we're going to get into the
10-year action plan, which is how the OSRPs are set up. Um and to be approved by like Massachusetts, you have to have this 10-year action plan kind of um it used to be seven years, but now it's 10. So, we're just going to go over real quick um the chapter. This is the
writing from the master plan and this kind of just covers what is going to be all in the open space plan just with a lot more technical details and stuff like that. I just had a a quick question before you get into it. I'm sorry just looking at the schedule it was our usual dates are Thursdays but the March the
13th is a Friday night. I wanted to make sure that that was correct. >> Um no it should be the Thursday. >> So it should be March 12th. >> Yeah. Yeah. I can make that change. >> Yeah, >> thank you for touching that.
>> Yeah, I just put it in my calendar. So that's popped it up. Thank you. I'm sorry. >> All right, so I'm just going to read through these. Um, so during the development of the master plan and town procedure, development of open space and recreation plan. This chapter acts as a
summary for the 10-year action plan that makes up for actionable goals, the OSRP. For more information on these topics, please refer to the OSRP. um description of purpose to ensure the town of Kushnet's open space and recreation plan reflects the values and priorities of its residents. The community undertook a
robust planning process centered on the public engagement given that the town of Kushner completed its OSRP and master plan in tandem. The master plan committee also served as the open space and recreation steering committee. The project team gathered feedback through a combination of in-person events, stakeholder outreach, public comment
opportunities, including a survey and workshops. Residents were invited to share their thoughts on existing open spaces, recreational facilities, and areas in need of improvement with particular attention given to conservation priorities and preserving a Kushnet's rural character. The committee also reviewed feedback from local
organizations such as the Fair Haven and Kushnet Land Preservation Trust, Buzzards Bay Coalition, local community groups. Public comments indicated a strong desire to protect scenic landscapes, improve recreational aspect access, especially along the Kushner River in New Bedford Reservoir, and
expand outdoor opportunities for all age groups. All feedback gathered through the public engagement process directly informed the development of the goals and actions. This process shaped a vision for a Kushner that emphasizes environmental stewardship, equitable access to nature, and the creation of community oriented spaces that reflects
town heritage and natural landscape. statement of purpose, statement of open space and recreation goals. The community vision and this is also a chapter within um the OSRP is a community vision. So community vision articulated by residents showed a
commitment to preserving the town's rural character by enhancing public access to protecting natural resources. The residents of Aushna envision a future where scenic landscapes, critical habitats, productive farmlands, wetlands, and forest forest corridors are protected through planning and accessibility accessible by inclusive
recreational opportunities. Kushner wants to balance growth with conservation to ensure that development respects the natural environment. Central to this vision is the expansion of recreational access such as walking trails, canoeing routes, and nature-based programs, which involves environmental and community engagement.
The vision emphasizes collaboration of local organizations, land trust, and residents to create spaces that are accessible and reflective of Kushnet of Kushnet's values. By investing in open space preservation, trail connectivity, signage, and public guides, the town can build cohesive network of recreational
and conservation assets that serve all generations and reinforce Kushnet's identity as a naturerich community. Uh, goal number one, preserve open space and manage growth. Kushnet's identity is deeply rooted in its rural character, agriculture, heritage, and scenic
natural landscapes. As development pressures increase, the town is proactively planning for growth in a way that protects these protects these defining features and preserves open space for future generations. A key strategy is to secure long-term protection of high value agricultural
and open space lands, especially chapter 61A parcels, through permanent conservation restrictions and easements. These tools ensure that farmland, orchards, and other natural areas remain available for agriculture, passive recreation, ecological function, and
climate resilience even if ownership changes. At the same time, a commissioner recognizes the need for new and more diverse housing choices. Developing an open space and residential design bylaw, otherwise known as a conservation subdivision, will allow the town to cluster new homes on smaller
lots while preserving large portions of development site as permanent open space. This approach supports compact neighborhoods, protects natural resources, and provides flexible housing options that meet the needs of residents of all ages. Partnerships are essential to achieving these goals. Recent success
stories such as the acquisition of Keith's Farm in 2025 at the Fair Haven McCrishment Land Preservation Trust illustrate how collaboration between land owners, land trust, and public agencies can protect important properties while expanding community access to recreation. By continuing to
build these partnerships and strategically pursuing funding opportunities, Aushna can secure for for conservation, agriculture, and community use, ensuring that open space remains a cornerstone of the town's quality of life and guiding how growth occur occurs in the decades to come. Goal number two,
improve access to natural areas, parks, and recreational facilities. The Kushna is rich in natural resources, farmland, forest, riverfronts, and reservoirs. But access to these places can be limited or unevenly distributed. Residents consistently express a desire for more opportunities to explore the outdoors,
connect with nature, and participate in community oriented recreation. This plan prioritizes expanding and improving access to natural areas and recreation spaces so all residents can enjoy Kushnik scenic landscapes, trail networks, and waterways. Key opportunity
lies at Keith's farm recently acquired by the Aushna Berry Land Preservation Trust. Cultivating a partnership between the the town and the land trust among other organizations can support the development of community focused open space that support passive recreation, environmental education and seasonal
events without the compromising of conservation value. This model reflects a broad broader strategy of partnering with land trusts to ensure public access, tap into stewardship expertise and secure longterm protection of important natural resources. Kushna also
plans to expand trail networks on town owned land, including the Kushna River corridor to create more walking and nature-based recreation opportunities. Improving trail access and connectivity will link neighborhoods to parks, natural areas, support healthy lifestyles, and other offer equitable
outdoor options for residents of all ages. To help residents find and enjoy these sites, the town should establish a coordinated signage and wayfinding network and develop a twide open space and recreation guide. Together, these tools will make it easier for residents
and visitors to navigate conservation lands, identify canoe and kayak access points, learn more about local ecology and history, and explore Kushnet's recreational assets. Finally, expanding access to water bodies such as the Kushner River and New Bedford Reservoir will unlock new
opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife observation while reinforcing the town's strong connection to its natural environment through partnerships, thoughtful planning, and strategic investment in Kushnik will create a more accessible and connected open space system that strengthens community well-being and deepens the
residents relationship to the outdoors. Rule number three, provide more bike, pedestrian, and transit facilities in key areas. Kushton's current transportation network makes it difficult for residents to reach parks, trails, and recreational facilities without a car. Sidewalks exist only in
limited areas near downtown. There is no dedicated bicycle infrastructure and transit options are minimal. These present challenges for children, seniors, individuals with mobility limitations, and anyone seeking healthy active transport seeking healthy active transportation choices. To improve
access to recreation and natural areas, the town aims to expand safe walking, biking, and transit connections throughout Kushnet. A priority focus area is South Main Street, a key corridor that links neighborhoods downtown Kushnet via Kushnet River and
regional recreational amenities in Fair Haven and New Bedford. To enhance connectivity, the town may add protected bike lanes or shade use path improving access to recreational destinations such as parks, trails, and eventually the regional south coast bikeway. This 50-mi
bikeway network, now under development, will connect to Kushnet to multiple South Coast communities and a waterfront open spaces strengthening regional access to outdoor recreation. To guide future improvements, Kushnet will develop a town, bike, pedestrian, and transit access plan. This plan will
identify safe routes to parks, open spaces, schools, and conservation areas. Outline uh projects to close sidewalk and trail gaps, and explore opportunities for small-cale transit solutions such as seasonal recreational
shuttles or shared microtransit services to improve access to high value recreation sites like Keats Farm and Town Forest and Kushner River Corridor. The plan will also identify funding opportunities through the one-stop for growth program, Serpent's Unified Planning Work Program, and Community
Preservation Act. By expanding active transportation options and exploring transit connections to open space, Kushner can increase access to recreation, enhance community health, and ensure that parks and natural areas are reachable for residents of all ages and abilities, not just those with
access to a car. Goal number four, improve maintenance of existing open spaces. Lushna has a growing network of parks, trail systems, and conservation lands. But maintaining these spaces with limited staffing and resources is an ongoing challenge. Maintenance of
existing open spaces is just as important as acquiring new land or developing new facilities. To ensure the Kushnet's recreation areas remain safe, clean, and enjoyable for all users, the town should continue to build capacity to manage and care for these assets. With a part-time conservation agent,
Kushner may consider long-term roles to transition into a full-time role to encourage stewardship of conservation efforts, oversee land management initiatives, and coordinate with regional and state partners. In addition, reviving the town's parks and recreation commission will provide structured oversight for town recreation
sites, guiding programs, and serve as a central point for community engagement. Supplement town capacity. Kushnet may consider forming a Friends of Aushnet parks and open space, a group to organize volunteer maintenance of activities, trail stewardship days and community events. Partnerships with
local youth organizations such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and school service programs will further support stewardship efforts while fostering civic engagement. Finally, the town should explore potential funding mechanisms to support ongoing maintenance such as grants, userbased
revenue models, or dedicated budget allocations. Together, these strategies will help Christian's existing open spaces, ensuring that parks, trails, forest, and conservation lands remain highquality recreational assets for current residents and future generations. Goal number five, protect
natural resources and scenic character. Kush's natural landscapes, its reservoir, rivers, wetlands, forests, and agricultural lands are central to the town's identity and quality of life. These areas provide clean water, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and scenic beauty. However, invasive
species development pressures and shifting land use patterns threaten the ecology, integrity, and character of the community. Protecting natural resources is is essential not only for environmental health, but also for ensuring that future generations can enure continue to enjoy Kushnet's
distinctive rural and scenic landscape. To address these challenges, the town will make proactive steps to manage invasive species, including milk foil and common reed that threaten water quality and biodiversity in the Kushner reservoir and other natural areas. Evaluating the potential use of aquatic
eco harvester will help reduce invasive plant growth in a sustainable long-term manner. The town will also pursue the development of a water resource protection overlay district to guide development near green belts, aquafers, and wetlands, ensuring that the growth does not compromise critical water
supplies or ecological systems. Education will play a key role in stewardship. A public education campaign will help residents understand how individual act actions from yard care to recreational habits can support the protection of natural resources. In addition, Kushnet will review and update
their solar citing bylaws to reflect new state environmental standards, balancing renewable energy goals with preservation of scenic views, farmland, and open space. Through these combined strategies, Kushnet will strengthen environmental stewardship, protect its water resources, and preserve the scenic qualities that define the town's
character. So, >> take a sip of water. >> Yeah. Um, but these are the general overview goals and then um kind of like what SAR is going to get into is just kind of the breakdown of like the 10-year action
plan getting more detailed, but that's just kind of like everything the plan is going to cover. You know, it's a pretty long document that just goes over all it's going to have all the mapping in it, all the other stuff that we've gone over. It's going to have like the survey. Um, but based on like what we've
heard from you guys and the feedback we've gotten from residents through the survey or just talking to people, this is kind of what we've gotten so far. So, if you guys have any notes on anything in there, >> are you guys going to have a map of the
town and then like overlays of every conservation land? >> There's going to be like 50 maps of this. Okay. It's going to be it's going to be wetlands, waterheds, open spaces, critical habitats. There's going to be a lot. >> Years ago, they you on the town website,
there used to be like a trail guide, not a trail guide, but a property guide where, you know, not not necessarily trails, but >> I think it's good to highlight those areas. >> Yeah, we have we have a couple working maps right now of existing trails and
then um from the town and then also like what the Buzz Bay coalition has. >> Buzz Bay is really good about it. Yeah, they are. Yeah, they have some really nice properties in Kushnet. Um, but yeah, besides you guys don't have anything else >> and with that, I mean, it's, you know,
to Ryan's point, you know, a good overlay map basically outlining >> um what's even viable for economic development, what's left. I mean we between the the solar fields >> conservation >> houses coalition
property >> all that stuff when we first initially look at the map you can say okay we got all this >> available spot but we really don't >> you know stuff that's already under protection >> um presently and whatever is going to come forward with um anything else we got going on I mean that that it's a
huge I think it's a huge tool for um >> u the economic development portion of what we got going moment because it's it's a little deceiving. >> Yeah, that's what we look at right now is quite quite deceiving actually. >> Yeah, that's in the first section we
talk about chapter 61A land and there are some big portions of chapter 61A land in the town. Um that's the uh halfway swamp. There's like a really big area um of chapter 61A. But yeah, we have a map breaking
down who owns each open space, whether it's Buzzard Bay, Coalition, Fair Haven, and Bushman Land Trust. Um, and then the town as well. >> I'll start screen sharing. Um, is there any way to make
the Excel screen bigger and minimize everything else on the right side? >> Or at least just focus. >> I think this is as clear as it's going to get. Yeah, I don't think I can really.
>> This is as big as it's going to get. >> It's not just my ice cream. >> No, >> no, it is in your packets. But >> yeah, >> maybe. Okay, on your end. >> Sure. >> While we have a break, may I interrupt
for one second just to give some context here? Um, I know this is probably a little bit different from what we've done in previous kind of like draft review sessions and the reason for this is because the OSRP
uh their state guidance on how to build an open space and recreation plan. So, we're tailoring this um review session to the requirements of the uh state guidance for the OSRP. So, if it looks a little different, it's because we're following guidelines. of all the
information uh essentially is going to be uh you know provided in the same way with the master plan. Your existing conditions um your data and information your mapping um it's just kind of presented a little bit differently.
>> All right. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. things up. >> Would you all prefer if I read everything out loud to you or let you read and take it in at your own pace as we go line by line? >> I'm happy to read it my own.
>> Yeah. >> All right. We have which one? I think we you >> you what we were previously doing was you would go over each section and then we would tell you the priority. So if you if you want to read it off and we
can discuss it. >> Sounds good. So the first goal is preserving open space to manage growth and action one is monitor chapter 61A
land to prevent sale or development by working with land owners to apply conservation restrictions or easements and develop priority list to act on the right of first refusal. >> Oh, sweet. It's a little better.
And here we have a group of responsible parties. Let me know as we go along if you think any of these entities should be removed or if there's some entity missed that should be included.
Town Planner, Conservation Commission, Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, Community Preservation Committee, and your brand new conservation agent. >> I think we normally go to FinCom, too, right? When there's a right of first refusal,
>> does that go to Fin? You guys You guys don't vote on it? No. >> Nope. >> Not that I've seen in >> No years. >> Maybe it's planning. Does it go to planning? Does planning >> corrective planning process? Yeah, I Yeah, >> I think that's pretty good.
>> I think the assessors look good at chapter land too. >> And that high priority notification would say >> okay seem like they're high priority. I don't know how you choose one over the other. >> Right. >> All right. And what what would you call
the priority level? High, medium, low? I would say hi. >> Okay. >> And shall we say 2026 to 2036 the whole decade that the OSRP is valid? >> Absolutely. Yeah.
>> Yeah. Would you agree with this list of funding sources or are there any others you'd like to add? >> I think the funding that one's pretty much >> cut and dry. We probably need to go over
that one, right? >> Since that's based off like grant funding sources and that's more like any other student. >> It's pretty much Yeah, we'll take >> Yeah, we don't need to go over. All right, sounds good. That'd be my question is do any of us have the knowledge where we come back
and say wait a minute we could do >> that's not my our job is to >> yeah thank you though. Okay two is about developing an open space residential design OSRD bylaw.
So we think that would involve the town planner, the planning board and the bylaw review committee. Anyone else? Mhm. >> To clarify, this is the same or similar
to the conservation subdivision, >> right? Just cuz we've been using that term throughout the process. So, I just >> So, that's the same thing here. >> Let me make a comment. >> Okay. And would you say that this is the
priority for 2026 to 2028 or an even longer time frame? >> Yes. Now I would think bylwise I would say >> ASAP. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We just get the process started.
>> All right. priority. I would say that's high >> high priority. >> 13 is about supporting existing land preservation and recreation initiatives focusing early efforts at Keith's farm
under the direction of Fair Haven Akushet Land Preservation Trust. We're calling them FAL PT. So that would involve the town planner, conservation commission, community preservation committee, board of
selectmen, and the conservation agent. Anyone else? >> All right. >> What priority level should we designate? I I have no problem behind it.
>> Okay. Thinking behind it is we >> we're doing all of this for the town. >> If we're not going to wait until the end of 10 years to address it, then we're really not kind of doing it for the town.
>> So, should should this be accomplished by 2028? >> Is this Can I Sorry. Can I ask a question? Um, just is this the implementation timeline different than how we were doing it with the master plan? Because there was like a if we did
high priority, it was a certain amount of years. If we did medium, it met something else. Is that different in the OSP? Um the the way we usually do it is which ones you tackle first as far as like
what is like the highest priority for the town to >> so as far as like what what you would do first because you obviously don't start all these at the same time. That's how I've always read OSRP. >> So the OSRP the priority doesn't have to
do the >> Yeah, I think that importance and urgency are distinct. That's what you're saying, right? >> Yeah, I would say that. Yeah. Um, as far as like and some of the stuff for the timeline is just like continual stuff
>> like one one is just like you would do that >> right, right? But like events like this one >> um or one two and one three those are like those can be accomplished in like a couple years, you know, >> but some of the stuff just continuing. >> Okay.
>> And then the priority is just like which ones the town really wants to go after first, you know. >> Okay. So this one supporting existing land preservation and recreation focusing on
Keat's farm. Should that be completed by 2027, 2028? What do you think? >> I don't know if you put a completion date. >> I know. I I think that's ongoing. >> Okay. >> I say ongoing, but we'd want it at least started within a reasonable period of
time. We don't want to wait >> too long to break around, so to speak. >> Okay. Yeah, we have to get that conversation going with you interest Pierce >> because it will take time to build it into something that we're talking
>> right >> all right 14 continue and seek out new partnerships between private land owners land conservation groups and state and local government to enable future future
open space acquisitions. This would involve the town planner, the conservation commission, board of selectmen, town administrator, community preservation committee, and the conservation agent. Agreed.
>> Yes. Yes. >> And it sounds like it would also be ongoing through the whole decade. Correct. >> Absolutely. Is this also high priority? Everything has been high priority so far. >> Yeah.
>> Like everything in here is things we've specifically talked about. So I think >> if everything is high priority, nothing is high priority. >> Yeah. >> Got to have some low and medium. we've had, >> you know, that the low and mediums just fall in a different area. >> If if the biggest thing that
>> came from our engagement was the preserving the community, >> then that's going to be high priority items. >> There may be some there that are don't have to be acted on right away, but I would say most of this stuff is probably going to fall under high priority because that's one of our top concerns
for the town. >> Okay. I think everything in this category is high, but I think we'll eventually get to some stuff that can be medium or lower priority. But let's prioritize. >> All right. Goal two is about improving access to
natural areas, parks, and recreation facilities. cultivate relationships with the Fair Haven Aquishnet Land Preservation Trust and other regional land trusts to develop community oriented spaces and activities
and town planner, conservation commission and land trust would be the responsible parties. Anyone else? >> Oh, perhaps the new conservation agent, too. of luck. We should be on all of this basically because at some point you got
to pretty much either endorse it or not. These guys put some skin in the game during the process. So they have ownership, right? Board of select. >> Well, I don't have any money. CBC does. >> All right.
Is this also high priority? >> I would say so. >> Okay. And ongoing the whole decade? >> Yep. >> All right. 22. Expand walking trail opportunities
on town owned recreation or open spaces. And this would involve town planner, conservation commission, DPW, community preservation committee, conservation agent,
and anyone else. What are your thoughts in terms of How involved should the board of selectment be in all of these? Because there's a lot of them they don't have it on there and I don't want to throw board of selectment in there for everything if you wouldn't be involved with that portion of it.
>> So the only thing the board of selectment would be involved with is if there's any release of funds >> or authorizing spending. >> Okay. >> I would I would say on this one maybe some sort of local volunteer group whether it be the Boy Scouts or
something like that. Again, you know, may not be on DPW's perview on some things, but you know, you can get volunteers to do it. >> Yeah. >> Working with the Hong Kong. >> Okay. >> And this is also high priority. Is that
right? >> I would say medium. >> Yeah. Okay. Unless Unless somebody's, you know, knocking at the door to come do it. I mean, from a town end, I would say medium. >> I would say
2.3 to 2.6 would also be medium and inflammation time timeline ongoing. >> That seems like long-term things that are going to be difficult to get through. >> Yeah. Or need to be done in in stages.
Yes. >> Okay. >> Not to rush things. >> Yeah. >> No, it's >> just like the town meeting. We can take a block and vote. Yes, sir. On on everything at once, right? >> If you guys want to do that, go through
each goal, just what's under each one, three, four, and five. >> Okay. Anything on the timelines in um under goal too? >> I think I know we're on >> So do you think this this whole section
is done? Any more comments? >> I think two is >> two is done. >> Okay. Sweet >> other than potential funding obviously searching for whatever grants are available to accomplish it from the
planning aspect to >> yeah the in the one we have it's not filled in too much but the next draft you see you'll see more funding sources pointed out. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. All this green text are additions
from the last few days. Goal three, provide more bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities in key areas in town. 31, continue developing connections between the bike paths in Fair Haven,
New Bedford, and a Kushnet. So that would involve the bicycle and pedestrian safety committee. Would it also involve the finance committee or the finance department to pay for all that? >> Um
>> I wouldn't say they're not in the >> involved at that yeah for that part. But why don't we do just read the three strategies and then we'll discuss as a whole I think. >> Okay. Sounds good. >> Thank you. 32, create a townwide bike and pedestrian plan.
And 33, improve public transit networks to enable access to parks and open spaces. So, I'm thinking 32 needs to be the high priority because you can't do the others without it. 31 to medium and 33 would be
at the end of the stuff and make that a lower priority. >> My thoughts. >> Yep. Makes sense. Yes. >> High, medium, low. >> Medium, high. >> Medium, high, and low. Yeah. >> Oh, okay.
>> Number 32 would be the high. >> Yeah. >> Yep. You got it. Okay. That's right. >> I'm sorry. I don't see where you're >> She got it. >> Yeah. Yeah, but how could we do a time town bike and pedestrian plan if we don't know what our connections are with
Fair and India? >> I think the plan is what you need to do before you can work on a connection. >> Well, 31 is specific to the bike path >> and that's through like the South Coast bike way. So, that's actually already mapped out. It's actually already
planned for where the connections will be. I'm happy to share that if anyone's interested. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'd love to see it email wise. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Okay. >> I don't know with that information that's in there. I'm still thinking
medium for 31 because we need to where see where it falls in with the rest of the town in terms of priorities out of the group. That's what it hurts. >> I'd love to just be able to say, "Let's go out and get it done because I think it would be a nice boon for that part of
our our residents that would use it." But >> we need to find out where it falls in the rest of the town with what we want to plan on doing. >> People meeting. >> Okay. >> Timeline's good on those. >> We got to pay attention. I think that's
one of the things we end up paying attention to what's what money becomes available to, you know, development these these bike paths you know >> I would I would say the plan should be one to two years >> for 32 and then ongoing for the other 27 >> good catch
>> oh so two years so >> starting in 2026 >> I you have one to two years up on your timeline on one-2 >> and I would think you'd be doing the same thing you >> so one to two years
>> okay I'll add one more here then >> okay >> cuz ultimately this is all connected >> so to speak again it's all it's all part of it it's just a matter of >> kind of what falls and I think what comes in front of us first
>> all right moving on to goal four improve maintenance of existing open spaces 41, convert conservation agent to a full-time role to steward the town initiatives.
42 reconvene a parks and recreation commission to manage and maintain town-owned recreation sites and programming. 4. Three, consider convening an independent friends of group, a 501c3 or
nonprofit to support volunteer maintenance programming. 4.4. Cultivate partnerships with local youth community service organizations such as girl girl scouts and boy scouts.
Four. Five. to explore and establish funding mechanisms to hire a grant writer and increase revenue for maintenance and programming. Would you agree with the responsible parties that are currently listed out?
Any missing? Um, well, it's kind of hard to read on. We don't have that filled in on our sheet. >> Um, but I think it says Kongcom, Town Administrator, Board of Selectman, Fincom, and Finance
Department. >> I wouldn't really say finance needs to be >> Well, it would involve the finance department. >> They will be eventually. >> Yeah. income doesn't get involved until the board select want to move forward with it and then bring us
>> start at the very end of that. >> Yeah, the finance profit aspect of it is just >> just part of the process basically regardless. >> Okay, so >> we can get rid of that. >> Just a comment on 4-1 that quite frankly right now is
unrealistic >> to think that that's going to happen. And um I don't know, we've already got a an it exploded budget in town. We're looking at even further
cost to the town and I I just don't see it happening anytime soon. But maybe some of you with us have other ideas about that. >> Nope. That was in my mind a low priority based on >> the expected financial
>> position of the town. put it as a low priority and extend the timeline to the whole 10 years. >> Yeah. I mean, we'd love to have it. It would be awesome. But >> and if there's funding for it that comes up where we could add it and it's not out of the town budget, per se, then
that would be great, >> which makes me think five is the high priority for as soon as possible. Yeah. >> Which is the explore and established funding mechanisms to generate revenue for maintenance and >> program. Ultimately, you can do an awful lot that cost money without exploring it
and getting that done first. >> Ultimately, like all of these are just the suggestions from what we heard and you guys can go after any of these that you want and hold off on some of them later down the line. Yeah, >> I do want to take a second to show you
some of the funding sources, ideas regarding grant opportunities that could pay for making that conservation agent a full-time role. There's the MVP action grant. There's the EA planning assistance grant.
It could maybe work to adjust the fee schedule to better reflect staff workload and earmark a portion to support the the agents position. This is referring to the fee schedule of the conservation commission for all the
filings and permits they review. the wetlandsconervation revolving fund authorized by town meeting or creating a new line item warrant article at town meeting.
>> Yeah. See the grants and assistance would be yes. All of the others are going to ask the town to spend more money where we know have the challenge. >> I I would disagree there because the wetland conservation revolving fund is is funds from filing fees, >> right? But they're saying increase the
filing fees in order to pay for it. >> Oh, yeah. Well, I mean, yeah, that's that's tough to say, >> right? >> But we do have a fund. The town does have a fund that is I don't know. I don't know. It's not sustainable to hire somebody full time. But I mean, it
would, you know, collect, you know, combined with the part-time pay from the town, half, you know, half the budget. I mean, I don't know how long it would be able to go for. >> An MVP action grant would be nice, too, >> right? Yeah. or as Kevin would say, with no crazy touch. >> Yeah.
>> However, the the town doesn't have a grant writer right now. I mean, I believe it's Victoria who's going to have to do that on a part-time basis. >> Yeah. >> So, how realistic is all this stuff? >> Just throwing it out there.
>> Well, it's still the plan or the goal, right? >> Yeah. So, >> and then we also help out with grant writing as well. >> Yeah, we can support Victoria. If you decide to pursue the next MVP action grant round, we can work with you to develop the scope of work, the
narrative, all of the necessities. Thank you. >> So, does that support from SER going to cost the town? >> We can use G3A funding for that.
>> That sounds good. fighting comm. >> That's what we end up doing for a lot of different towns and plans like especially hazard mitigation planning like in Mansfield. I'm looking into writing grants for them after they just finished like their house mitigation plan just cuz you know Serpent stays
here. We're not going anywhere. So like we can stay along with the timeline of like all these plans and help you guys get right grants. >> Nice. >> Okay. >> What does DTA stand for again? District local assistant >> technical assistance >> it comes from the state
>> comes from the state every time the next one should >> we stop now at 7 or go until 7:15 >> the manager >> why don't we try to priorities >> yeah okay
>> so we got to put somebody in charge of follow through >> the remaining priorities for 42 43 44. What do you all think is high?
>> We were just talking about that. >> I'm thinking 42 should be high because we need to have a group of our own residents that are going to make the decisions on what the priorities are on it because it's not going to fall back on us. >> Agreed.
>> Sounds easy. And then I would put the 43 and the 44 down his medium because if we can get volunteer support from the community to take over some of the maintenance of what we want to do or start to to
implement then not only does it get their skin in the game and and get them involved, but it keeps our expenses down. >> Medium for both. >> I'm just saying my own. I just >> That's what I have. Yeah, I already >> I'm sorry. I'm the one that always talks
out loud. >> No, that's fine. That's fine. >> So, I don't mean to try and take it over. I just >> No, it's fine. >> Okay. >> Very good. >> I know it's been quiet the last couple of months because I couldn't be here. Sorry, folks. >> You'll hear from me if I disagree.
>> Good. >> I'm married. I'm used to it. All right. Goal five, protecting natural resources and scenic character. 51, manage invasive species growth,
including mil foil, fan wart, and common reed/fragmmites townwide. And we added the townwide to make the distinction between 51 and 52 because 52 is referring to a specific area. apply
for grant opportunities to fund the purchase of an eco- harvester to assist in long-term maintenance efforts in the new Bedford Reservoir/ Lake Street Ponds. 53 develop a water resource protection
overlay district to protect water resources during development activities surrounding green belts, aquafers, and wetlands. 54 pursue a public education campaign and increase public engagement in
volunteer work to emphasize the importance of protection and maintenance of Aushnet's natural resources. 55. Align the solar ordinance bylaw with new state environmental standards
to enhance town stewardship of solar sighting. >> I'm thinking 53 and 55 should be high. >> Yep. >> Yep. And I'm thinking 54 should be low and the other two be
echo harvest are probably low too just because of the costs. >> That makes sense. >> And we don't know as well. >> Yeah. Okay. That makes sense too. >> So 51 and 54 medium. >> Yeah.
I would love to >> I I would I mean we want to manage the invasive species >> how you know >> realistically how >> right I mean if it's grants it's always
high that's going to if it's if we have it as high priority and that's going to increase our potential grants I would leave it at high. >> Do you have potential funding on those? >> Yes. Yep. >> Great. >> That's awesome.
>> Okay. So, we're okay with what's listed then? >> Uh, names public education campaign. I would probably put that down as well as well, but I have no problem if everybody wants to put it.
>> It just helps with the We get grants, >> right? >> Yep. >> Okay. >> And then it would be how to maintain it from that point on, right? Volunteers priorities up on the grants become available. It's, you know, we get the
potential of doing it. >> Yeah. >> And and getting through it and getting things established, >> you know, and figure out how we're going to manage it financially. >> Yeah. Yeah, you know, >> just having the action items in the plan is a huge help when you're going for a
grant. So, I wouldn't get too hung up on the >> high priority is not set in stone for anyone. You wanted to make a low on the highest because >> the all of a sudden available and they understand that you know opportunity arise that we can use it for that you
know good. Thank you. All right. >> Anything else guys? Good. You guys good? >> All right. Um, what's our next meeting?
Our next meeting is Thursday. >> Thursday, December 11th. >> 11. >> Thursday, December 11th. Uh, here at the police station conference room. Uh, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. I'll make a motion. Is there a second? All those
in favor? All right.