About the Open Space Task Force

Overview

• The Open Space Task Force meets the first Monday of the month at 5:30pm.
• Special meetings are rare.
• Established July 1994 as a temporary committee to write Ordinance #136 made a permanent standing committee.
• 12 members as follows:  Council-appointed task force is composed of a member from the Parks & Recreation Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands Agency/Conservation Commission, Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Committee, at least two members of the public, Superintendent of Parks and Grounds, Director of Planning (or any designated member from the Planning Department), and any other members that the Council may appoint.
   

General Powers and Duties

Report directly to the Town Council in an advisory capacity. Some duties include:

• Undertaking the writing of Ordinance #78-33- Subdivision Open Space Use and Maintenance Ordinance along with the Implementation Program.
• Walking each subdivision and non-subdivision property that is put before us by the Town Manager and Town Council. For this, the Task Force has established a ranking and rating system.
• Applied for State Grant Monies for purchase of Town-owned open space. The grants that were approved and monies received, the Task Force followed up on any regulations that are required, and advised Council of such.