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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-14 Minutes Draft minutes – Not yet approved by Committee NOTES OF MEETING OF SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HELD TUESDAY JUNE 14, 2011 AT 7:00 P.M. Present: (Voting) Karin Murphy Tim Lizotte Clayton Morgan David Best Brian Reid (Chair) Geoff James Michael Goleski Jim Cleland Staff Present: Peter Windolf Regrets: Pat Mulcahy Absent: Warren May – MNR Councillor Corrina Traill Greg Wells – GRCA 1. Agenda Additions -Trails -Future planting projects Acceptance of Agenda MOVED by Clayton Morgan, seconded by David Best THAT the agenda for June 14, 2011 be accepted. CARRIED 2. Introductions of new members Tim Lizotte and Karin Murphy were recently appointed by Council to the SWNA Committee. Tim is a former dairy farmer and recent faculty of education graduate who lives east of Kendal. Orono resident Karin Murphy is a retired teacher and has been a member of the SWNA committee for several previous terms. Chair Brian Reid welcomed both to the committee. 2 3. Minutes of May 10, 2011 Corrections None Approval of Minutes MOVED by Jim Cleland, seconded by Michael Goleski THAT the minutes of May 10, 2011 as amended be approved. CARRIED 4. Sub-Committee Reports The site maintenance sub-committee met Wednesday May 18 to clear weeds from around the perimeter of the parking lot. On a separate date Jim Cleland also cleared some small trees from around the new viewing platform location. The parking lot and trails have yet to be graded by Operations so they will be reminded that this is an outstanding issue. Jim Cleland reported that a young oak tree planted last year along Toronto Street south of the railway tracks was leaning. He has straightened it with a stake but it requires a longer stake to support the upper portion of the tree. Geoff James, Brian Reid, and Pat Mulcahy have distributed posters for the Birds of Prey event to several different groups and schools. The weather forecast is good for June 18 so there could be a good turnout for the event. 5. Updates Kiosk Construction Taxis Contracting is currently framing the kiosk in their shop. They will be on-site the week of June 20 to dig post holes and pour footings. Page Graphics is preparing the final graphics for both sides of the sign panel and should have a copy for review the week of June 20. Viewing Platform Construction Willow Brook Contracting is starting construction of the viewing platform on June 15. Both projects are anticipated to be completed by July 15. Birds of Prey Event June 18 The Mountsberg Raptor Centre has been hired for a Birds of Prey themed event at the SWNA. Their presentation will give the public an opportunity to observe live birds of prey and learn about their characteristics, biohistory, and their adaptation to the habitat they live in. The location for the presentation is along the Waterfront Trail on the east 3 side of the SWNA. Since the presentation involves exotic animals it required a Council exemption from the Municipality’s Exotic Pet By-Law which prohibits the keeping of raptors within the municipality. The exemption was approved at the June 7 Council meeting. A one page brochure providing an overview of the SWNA and the Management Plan will be handed out to residents so that they can learn more about the area. The handout will also contain information about how the public can access and receive updates from the SWNA blog. Extra Garbage Cans The Operations Department has confirmed that they will supply 4 additional garbage cans. The committee would like to place 3 of the new garbage cans on the Toronto Street side of the SWNA and one on the Cobbledick side. They will be delivered in advance of June 18 so that they can be moved into place after the Birds of Prey presentation. 6. Other Business Trails Jim Cleland reported that there is a leftover pile of woodchips along the trail leading to the barrier beach. These woodchips can be spread to improve the existing trail. A date for that work will be established by the site maintenance committee. Future Planting Project Michael Goleski recommended that we investigate a future planting project. Most of the planting projects recommended in the Management Plan are complete or partially complete. One project that has never been undertaken is Barrier Planting along the creek to control foot traffic along the edge. There are several worn paths created by fishermen along the creek edge. The compaction of the soil and loss of vegetation from these paths can lead to creek bank erosion. This type of project has been discussed by previous committees but was never undertaken due to concerns that the barrier plants will be tramped. The GRCA will be asked if plant material is available from them for a fall demonstration project at a location that would enhance fish habitat and create a barrier along the edge of the creek. Accessibility Training David Best inquired about future dates for accessibility Training since he missed the June sessions. The Clerks Department will be asked if they have established any future dates for the training. Motion to Adjourn MOVED by David Best seconded by Karin Murphy THAT the meeting be adjourned. CARRIED 4 Adjournment: 8:15 P.M. Tuesday August 9, 6:30PM Next Meeting: On-Site at the Toronto Street parking lot Notes prepared by P. Windolf