Town of Edgecomb
Minutes for Schmid Advisory Committee Meeting

May 21, 2003

1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Bob Leone, Chairman, at 7:00 p.m. Committee members present were Andy Abello, Jim Beam, Bob Leone, Deborah Sondergaard, David Tonry and Bob Zak. Also present were Jo Cameron, Janet Blevins and Betty Twarog.

Public Input: A discussion on signs was postponed to Other Business.

2. Chairman’s Report - Bob Leone

A. Review of Minutes: Under Public Input, the first name should be Faith Coakley and the spelling of Maureen Hoffman’s and Mark Desmeules’s names were corrected under 5.C.

B. Next Meeting: June 18, 2003

C. Summer Meetings: There will be no meetings in July and August.

3. Selectman’s Report - Bob Zak

A. Town Meeting Recap: The two Schmid Preserve warrant articles were passed unanimously. Bob Zak has been elected as Chairman of the Selectmen and he introduced Jo Cameron, his replacement on the Schmid Committee.

4. Land Acquisition, Boundaries and Roads - David Tonry

David Tonry said that boundaries will be re-marked next year but he wanted to make sure all boundaries are marked and asked committee members to inform him of any that need marking.

5. Public Relations and Stewardship - Andy Abello and Deb Sondergaard

A. Trail Opening Recap: Bob Leone thanked everyone for helping at the May 10th trail opening. He read a letter of appreciation from Bob Brown for whom the parking lot was named. All trails are marked on the map in the brochure which is available in boxes at the kiosk and at Town Hall

B. LFMF, RiverLink: Andy Abello said that the preserve was the top priority in phase one for the $250,000 grant, of which the preserve has applied for $38,000.

The preserve has also received a grant of $4,000 from the Boston Foundation. Andy will attend a meeting on June 17th to supply any additional information needed. Mark Desmeules will email a summary of the forms that will be required, such as appraised value, purchase price, grants, donations, etc. The committee has an opinion of value, but it may be necessary to get an appraisal. Bob Zak recommended that the committee stay in the process with LFMF for phase two for funds to purchase parcels that may become available. This subject will be put on the agenda for the first meeting in the fall.

C. National Trails Day: It was decided to invite the public for a hike of the Haggett Loop to be followed by a picnic lunch at Haggett Field. Bob Leone will bring hotdogs and Deb Sondergaard will bring iced tea. Bob Leone will find out the exact date and notify committee members.

D. Newsletter: Andy Abello asked for contributions of articles from the committee members. David Tonry will provide information on mileage and difficulty of trails, Bob Leone will summarize the parking lot dedication acknowledging donations from Poole Bros. Lumber and PenBay Glass, Deb Sondergaard will provide the names of stewards, Amanda Russell will write on a section of the management plan and Andy will give a funding update. Bob Brown will be asked to write the history of the dance hall if space allows.

6. Trails - Jim Beam and Dick Oulton

A. New Trails: Suggestions included a link from the Ridge Trail to the Moose Trail and another linking to the end of the Brook Trail. A date to work on the bridge will be decided at the June 18th meeting.

B. Wildlife Habitat: Jim Beam suggested nesting boxes around the Haggett field and wood duck boxes in the gravinoid swale. Deb Sondergaard suggested contacting the boy scouts who might be able to assist in this project. Andy Abello said that in addition to pruning apple trees, it was necessary to clear the area around apple trees. Andy Abello will build bluebird houses.

Bob Leone said the gates on Old County Road which are closed are not locked and the locks are missing. He volunteered to obtain new locks.

7. Other Business

Bob Leone said in the future the committee should consider a kiosk at Old County Road and will need volunteers to build it. It was suggested as an Eagle Scout project and Andy will call Martha Speed to see if the scouts would be interested.

8. Public Input and Comment:

Betty Twarog said the old sign at the preserve was not appropriate and should be replaced. Bob Leone said a discussion on signs will be on the next agenda. David Tonry suggested that a sign indicate the preserve for 911 purposes.

Deb Sondergaard suggested contacting the art teacher at the school to investigate a possible field trip and art work from the students for the kiosk.

9. Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.