MINUTES

Mar 31, 2003

The Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) met at the Town Office at 7:00 PM with the following members present: Judy Bourget, Bruce Heintzelman, Liz Budd and Rayna Leibowitz. Carol Bailey was absent recovering from bronchitis.

Reports:

Conservation Commission: Judy reported the Conservation Commission is involved with a Project Canopy project with Libby Tozier and Carrie Ricker schools which involves planting trees between the two schools. Test holes will be dug to evaluate the drainage capability of the soil. Trees are expected to be planted in early June and the school children will be invited to take care of them. The gravel pit issue is expected to be on the Selectmen’s agenda for 4/14. The request will be to formally designate the unused portion of the expired pit as open space and approve recovery plans that include paths and landscaping efforts. A mapping effort has been started that will result in several pieces of information being developed possibly as layers of mylar over the basic map of the town. The Trails Project is progressing. Judy advised the materials for the Welcome bags for newcomers to Litchfield are being prepared. Judy will contact helpers to assemble them.

Economic Development: Rayna reported that only two members attended the previous meeting.

Historic Preservation: Liz reported the location of known cemeteries is being confirmed with the intent of organizing some work efforts in the spring to improve the conditions of several that have been allowed to fall into disrepair. The Ring and Jack cemeteries were mentioned. A survey of Litchfield’s older homes is being performed with Lori and Helen Holman working together to take digital and regular photographs for the purpose of documenting them. Another project planned is involving the middle school-age students in evaluating buildings and homes to study architectural styles and determine important features. Plans will be made soon for a spring work bee at the old Town House Museum to remove artifacts, clean them, inventory and catalog them and return them to a clean(er) environment. Additional repair work will be done on the building when warmer weather arrives.

Recreational Committee: Judy reported the snack shack at the Veterans Field was broken into over the winter. Several senior recreational projects have been planned for including a trip to the museum in Augusta, historical houses in Portland and the Musical Wonder House in Wiscasset. The skate board park has not been developed due to lack of interest and the funding may be diverted to create a basketball court in town. Richmond has a skate board park that can be used by Litchfield residents as it is open to the public. Ball teams are being organized and registration will be happening soon.

The next scheduled meetings of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee are scheduled for April 16, and may 13, at 7:00 at the Town Office.

Respectfully submitted

Rayna Leibowitz

Prepared 4/1/03