The open space plan was a primary focus of the meeting, with members expressing varying opinions on the timeline and priority of its development. The existing plan from 2018 necessitates an update by 2027, prompting discussions on the collaborative effort required from various town committees, such as the community preservation and lake management committees. A public meeting to gather community feedback was suggested to ensure broader involvement in the plan’s development. Community input was highlighted as essential to address specific objectives like the protection of aquatic ecosystems and the establishment of wildlife corridors, which may require coordination with neighboring Connecticut.

There was a notable debate regarding the prioritization of the open space plan, using a grid created by a member named Norm as a reference point. This sparked a conversation about the need for collective decision-making rather than relying on individual assessments. The timeline for the next plan’s update was identified as a factor influencing its prioritization.

To enhance the management of open spaces, the Planning Board discussed the inventory of existing open space documents stored in the land management meeting room. Members recognized the importance of organizing these materials, which include reports and surveys dating back to 2003. Digitizing these documents was proposed to create an accessible archive, though the task was acknowledged as labor-intensive. The board considered whether this review should occur during a public meeting or as a separate task.

The management of local open spaces, particularly focusing on collaboration with the Graanby Land Trust, was also on the agenda. The board discussed informing the public about existing leases, such as fields used for haying, which could impact other activities like birdhouse placement. The idea of establishing local stewards for open space properties was proposed to improve oversight and maintenance. However, concerns about the authority and responsibilities of these stewards necessitated consultation with the conservation commission.

Clarifying the board’s relationship with other town authorities, like the conservation commission and the select board, was another significant topic. Members debated whether they function as an ad hoc committee of the conservation board and agreed that further verification was needed to ensure they adhered to proper protocols.

The board members also spent considerable time on procedural matters, such as the election of officers. Connor Flurry was elected chairman, with Phil Price serving as vice chairman and Martha Kaine as secretary. They discussed the frequency and scheduling of future meetings, ultimately deciding on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, with first and third Wednesdays as backup options. The importance of timely posting of agendas and minutes was underscored, as was the need to align their meeting schedule with that of the conservation committee to facilitate communication.

During the meeting, the Planning Board acknowledged the complexities of open meeting laws, particularly concerning communication among members. They emphasized avoiding deliberations via email to comply with legal requirements. The members agreed on submitting priorities or questions to a designated point person before meetings to streamline discussions.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a desire to define their role and expectations within the broader context of open space planning. They acknowledged the necessity of collaborating with other committees and commissions, recognizing the intersecting objectives related to open space and land management. Plans were made to meet with the conservation commission to clarify their responsibilities and explore potential collaborations.