HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-18 Town Forest Committee MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MA.
2022 APR 13 AM 9 2
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Town Forest Committee
Date: 2022-01-18 Time: 7 PM
Building: Location:
Address:
Purpose: Town Forest Management Session:
Attendees: Members - Present:
Thomas Gardiner, Kurt Habel, Jeff Lamson, Susan Bowe, Brian Scouten,
Nancy Docktor, Tm Kirwan, Bill Sullivan
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Jane Kinsella DPW; Kathy Kelly & Ben Ream, Trail Com., Martha Moore
ConCom, TF bike riders
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Bill Sullivan
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting was held by video conference due to the COVID pandemic.
• Pine Tree Die -Off
o Pre -construction meeting with the logger will be held on 1/20/22
o Notify the public on social media and the Chronicle about the work
o DPW will install a message board and warning signs
• Discussed the Town Forest work day to repair boardwalks, signs and kiosks, and
pull invasive plants as a joint event by Trails, TF and Conservation
• Discussed holding a separate TF appreciation day with nature walks and mural
painting
• A sub -committee was established to plan the work day and appreciation day
• Discussed dog waste control. DPW added a trash can by the Council Ring for
dog waste. Thank you DPW! Dog waste bag dispensers at Strout Ave and the
Council Ring.
• Discussed how to address large groups of unleashed dogs not under voice
control as required by the Town bylaw. Multiple complaints have been received
from people being intimidated by large groups of unleased dogs with one bite
reported. Discussed how to limit the number of dogs off leash to three per walker.
Will need to change the current bylaw that does not limit the number of dogs off
leash. Invite RPD to the next TFC meeting to discuss dog incidents in the TF.
• Committee voted against installing memorial benches in the TF
• Discussed bike etiquette. Members of the biking community said that
International Mountain Biking Association rules say bikers yield to walkers. Post
the biking rules on a kiosk?
• Next Meeting: scheduled for 2/8/22 at 7:00 pm
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