Minutes:
12 April 2005 Steering Committee Present: Holly Boyce, John Fedor, David Cunningham, Jean Butman, Cecilia McGuire, Nancy Elkington, Tina MacMillan 5:10 PM David called the meeting to order Minutes of 19 March 2005, 31 March 2005, 7 April 2005, and 8 April 2005 approved. Whit will attach a copy of the document he signed last friday to the 8 April 2005 minutes. Discussion of maps: We need to get going on this soon so that they may be used at events. Fourth PLACE event: Reviewed Brian & Phil’s revised agenda
Question at the end of #3: Ask Brian and Phil if this is rhetorical or if they expect answers from the audience. We suspect it is rhetorical, to introduce the discussion to follow.
Use of term “Conservation”: If Brian and Phil plan to use the word, they must define exactly what they mean to the public before using it. The definition that the Steering Committee likes is: “The protection and preservation of the environment, and the careful use of natural resources.”
Use of term “Land Conservation”: We prefer they use this term as little as possible, but if used, it must be defined. Many people in the audience will have different views of what “Land Conservation” means.
Part 4B: It is important for Brian and Phil to repeat what audience members say so that everyone in the room can hear the answers.
Part 5 & 6: What about non-residents who attend the event? Will this be covered in ground rules? Brian and Phil probably have lots of experience with this sort of concern. Ask them their thoughts on this issue so that information learned / data are not skewed by non-residents. We don’t want to prevent non-residents from participating, that would be rude. Perhaps we can have them participate in a separate “small group.”
Part 6, Last Bullet: Change “strategies” to “choices.”
Use of term “Landscape”: This term must be defined because it means different things to different people. Ask Brian & Phil to define the term before using it.
Send above comments to Brian and Phil.
Review Timeline: It’s OK. Survey: Much Discussion
Point 2 from Brian & Phil’s comments: Ask them how to ask this without using the words zoning or land use regulation in the question.
Many changes made to draft of survey. Revised version will be circulated soon for Steering Committee’s and Brian & Phil’s review.
If space is tight, eliminate question about Indians.
Discussion about sending survey to children (Grades 7-12): Approximately 80 children times postage and return postage is about $65. Do we send it? We have no money in the budget for this. Consider hand delivering and picking up from Grades 7 & 8 only? Discuss this at next meeting.
Mail surveys on 21 April 2005, to arrive the Friday or Saturday after the Fourth PLACE event.
Print 677 copies of survey as soon as possible.
Set Dates & Times for Events: Slide Show: Wait to hear from others
Recreation forum: Ask Brian & Phil for dates when they are available
Conservation Fair: June 18th from 10 AM - 2 PM
Check with Town Clerk for use of lawn
Check with Community Hall Committee for use of upstairs in case of rain
Contact VLT, TNC, PC, etc to invite them to have booths
Interviews: Discuss at next Steering Committee meeting
Field Trips:
Amphibian: 23 April from 9-12
Clayplain: David will lead Saturday May 7 - Meet at Town Office
Historic Places in Benson - Walking tour of Village: 14 May 10AM
ask Lois or Joe to lead, use information from Genevieve Trutor’s self tour guide.
Find out from Claire if she has any others planned.
Hike up Phylo Hill (to see view) - Let Joe pick date
Recreation Forum - Get dates when Brian & Phil are available and continue discussion at next Steering Committee meeting Next Meeting: Monday 18 April 2005 at 5 PM at the Community Hall Agenda:
Discussion of Recreation Forum
Discussion of Jean’s coding of surveys
Finalize dates of events
Discuss Interviews
Adjourned at 7:15 PM Respectfully submitted, John Fedor | 
