Chairman Bob Leone called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Members present were Jo Cameron, Bob Leone, Chris Riser, and Deborah Sondergaard. A quorum was not present. Others attending were Janet Blevins, Faith Coakley, Barry Hathorne, John Markowski, Betty Twarog, and Michael Woodruff. There was no public input.

1. Budget:
   Bob Leone reported that the draft budget for the Schmid Preserve Advisory Board had been increased by $150 to cover an additional $50 for mowing and $100 for the cost of a bridge over the Haggett Brook as part of the River~Link trail. The total budget is $1,400. No money has been allocated for an additional kiosk, which may be built by volunteer students, or for woodcock management, which will be funded by the State. He will be meeting with the Budget Committee on March 3.

1. Church/Lallis update:
   Bob Leone reported that he had attended the January 28, 2008 Selectmen’s meeting and read a portion of the minutes from that meeting:

   Lallis Property: Bob Leone and Andy Abello presented the BRLT's proposal of February 28, 2006, for trading their purchased property from the Estate of Glenice Church (some 101 acres) for the 95-acre Lallis property once it is free of federal and other liens.

   Jo said that according to lawyer David Ferguson, the term of the federal lien had expired in October, 2007, and the IRS has not renewed the lien.

   Stuart said that he advocated keeping the Lallis property intact indefinitely, to provide a landbank for the Town to offset the coming budget shortfall, and certain land purchases for which the Town is committed.

   Bob, Andy and Barry Hathorne said BRLT had spent money on a survey on the understanding that the trade would be made. The Schmid Advisory Board advocates the trade. Jo will look through the Selectmen's minutes and Town Warrants for the vote or agreement language.

   Bob Leone said John Johnson agreed with Stuart that the property should not be traded. They claim there is no written agreement between the Selectmen and the BRLT for the exchange, which Bob Leone said was probably true. The three selectmen at that time, Rodd Hopper, Frank Perkins and Jo Cameron, did not have anything to sign as only a proposal had been made. The voters approved the trade at Town Meeting, but the language of the warrant did not specifically talk about the Church/Lallis exchange because of the federal lien on the Lallis property. Stuart Smith at that time had advised Julie Lamy, BRLT, that there was no need for any additional vote. Bob Leone said he had reviewed the Selectmen’s minutes and his files and found that although no agreement was signed, the intent was clear. He suggested that the Selectmen join him in walking the property, as there has always been the plan to develop two three-acre lots.

   Janet Blevins said that the town, rather than two people, should make the decision on the property exchange. A petition was suggested, and Barry Hathorne volunteered to circulate it for signatures. A petition would need 65 signatures and would have to be submitted to the Town early in March in order for it to appear in the Town Report. Bob Leone said the Schmid Advisory Board, as advisors to the Selectmen, although supportive, could not be involved in drafting or circulating the petition.

   Jo Cameron has invited Julie Lamy to the February 25 Selectmen’s meeting.

   In response to comments about the many meetings where the exchange was discussed, Bob Leone said that the Selectmen were aware of the history of the proposal, but since there was nothing signed, they had decided against the exchange. Many members of the public who were present were critical of the Selectmen’s decision to not honor an agreement made by the Town.

2. Snow-plowing and winter access:
   Bob Leone reported that he had spoken to Scott Griffin about plowing the Bob Brown parking lot; however, at this point the snow is too deep and hard to plow.
3. Town Report:
   Bob Leone will write the Schmid Board report for the Town Report.

1. Woodcock Management Committee:
   Members of the ad hoc committee are Andy Abello, Jim Beam, Mark Warren, Cris Riser and Barry Hathorne. They will report to the Board on their activities.
2. Annual Newsletter:
   The draft newsletter was distributed and suggestions and corrections were made. Additional comments will be sent to Andy Abello as soon as possible.
3. Updated Comp Plan:
   Bob Leone will prepare material for the comp plan if requested.

1. River~Link Summer Hike:
   River~Link has scheduled a hike on the Schmid Preserve section of the trail on August 21.

None.

None

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.