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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-02-GCC-minGreenways Corridor Committee 2 June 2022 4:30 to 6:00 pm via Zoom Conference Members Present: Mal Crawford, Alex Dohan, Peggy Enders, Eileen Entin, Bob Hausslein, Bobak Moshiri, Keith Ohmart (chair), Stephen Perkins, Mike Tabaczynski Other Attendees: Mark Sandeen (Select Board liaison), Sheila Page (Planning Department), Susan Kenyon Meeting Minutes of May 5, 2022 approved unanimously. Reports/Updates: Bike/Ped Plan Sheila Page of the Planning Department spoke about the upcoming bike ped plan. Maybe no RFP because the zero vison plan being created by the Environmental Partners contractor will be wrapping up at the end of July and the contractor is appropriate to do the bike ped plan so they may just stay on and continue. The Bicycle Advisory Committee did a useful comparison of other municipalities’ plans. The timeframe for the RFP starts in late August with the goal of appointing a contractor by November. It is anticipated that producing the final plan will take approximately 8 months. Robust public participation is desired but paced for better quality feedback. There will probably not be a separate oversight committee because the Transportation Safety Group has reps from many committees already. Some concern was expressed as to whether there would be enough town staff resources to significantly implement the bike ped plan. It was suggested that rather than speak of the cost of executing the plan instead reframe the resource question in terms of the net benefits and transportation cost savings for the town. The plan is required for the town to qualify for certain federal transportation monies. It is not too early to start gathering details of suggested transportation improvements. The importance of focusing on students and kids, and sidewalk quality and network completeness was discussed. Meagherville “Muddy Angle” The Conservation Commission approved the wetlands permit submitted by Peggy. Start is possible this summer start because 3 scouts have moved over from the stalled Cataldo boardwalk project. One scout has already purchased materials. Conservation is in discussions with DEP concerning their letter about the Cataldo project and its ramifications for other trail projects. Brochure/Map redesign update The new brochure version is in good shape. Final edits due by Monday. Walks are scheduled this weekend to get better cover photo candidates, which will be decided Tuesday, followed by final edit to the graphic designer. We expect to have a proof from the printer by the end of June and the printing done by mid-July. Bob H is ready to pick up, store, and distribute the brochures. Condition of the field dispensers is believed to be pretty good, but we should plan on replacing a dozen and there should be PIR $ available for that purpose. Bob H will replace whichever dispensers he is told about. There are about 175 old brochures left, which will be distributed to the visitor center, the well-attended farmers market, and key dispensers. Concord Avenue Land Management Plan In discussions with Conservation, it was decided there will not be an opportunity to start the survey work early, which would trigger a barrage of voluntary public input needing to be handled. No activity is expected on this project until July 1, 2023. In the meantime Keith has a land management plan consultant quote and will obtain a surveyor quote so things can hit the ground running when the fiscal year begins. The planned Brookhaven area trail and ACROSS connections are expected to be in place in 2024. Landlocked Forest Permission The Burlington Landlocked Forest sign and trail name group has officially submitted its permission request to the Burlington Selectboard and is waiting for an agenda slot. Approval without issues is expected, after which GCC can submit its request for an ACROSS route through the Forest. Field visits to plan that route are likely this summer. Spring route auditing for missing signs, etc. All except routes A, D and F are done. Bobak will audit A and Eileen will do F, and Bob will do H. Turning Mill Trail Brushing Needed According to a report from a trail user. Keith will contact Amber to inquire if a local steward is available. Bob H thought a power tool might be needed to get the work done quickly and volunteered to see what he could do in the meantime. ACROSS Marketing Susan is proposing to survey ACROSS users and start a rough marketing plan in the fall. Various target demographics were discussed. Some possibilities are to raise the web presence in search engines and look at social media presence. Stay tuned. Pending Items: Archive options for maintaining copies of ACROSS artwork, etc. The meeting was adjourned around 5:35 pm. Next Meeting: September 8, 4:30-6 pm, location TBD. On July 15 emergency rules end. No legislative change yet allowing remote participation after that, the chair (or their delegate) and a quorum would need to be in person unless the state passes new laws. The public would have to be allowed in person as well as remotely if available. Masks can be recommended but not required indoors. Future Meeting Dates: October 6, November 3, December 1