Minutes
Gustavus Mental Health Lands Group
October 15, 1998
Called to order 7:15 p.m. at the library by Meadow Brook. Attendance list attached.
Old Business: Follow-ups on action items from last meeting
Map update by Heidi
Checked at park to see about existing data layers. There are layers but accuracy is questionable. Park is interested in assisting with GIS support. That would be a project. So for now we are interested in blowing up quads and marking them up. But we want to think ahead; mapping applies to more than just this project.
Walking the Parcels
No one had anything to report from looking at the parcels. Heidi asked that people out looking make attempt to locate monuments and let her know where they are. Would assist in GPS mapping.
Involving people.
Seth, Paul, Eric and Meadow talked to several landowners about the process of establishing conservation easements. The people Meadow talked to were initially supportive of the idea, but it could break down when getting to specific parcels. Seth and Eric got similar impressions. Paul invited some people to meeting who didn't come.
Naming of this group
Discussed possible names of this group.
Motion: Mental Health Lands Group.
No objection.
Survey
Draft survey circulated by sub-group.
Comments and discussion:
Morgan: Ask about which parcels people actually use as well as which sound good.
Greg: Yes, and also consider which we will be using when they are the only
remaining public lands.
Larry: Question C: Who is the "we" who will purchase.
Heidi: Clarify C by changing to "the community" would like "outright
purchase or easements to be made."
Liz: The wording will have to be changed and clarified after the introduction is written.
Judy: Leave big comments area and solicit specific knowledge of parcels.
Morgan: Solicit comments about how these lands foster your mental health.
Meadow: Use table. Add mental health.
Morgan: Use names for groups of parcels instead of numbers -- 6 or 7.
Meadow: Lump where homogeneous, but split where unique values exist.
Tanya and Morgan: Add creeks, roads, residences to help respondents.
Jim: Instead of putting all the parcels in the table, let people write in the ones that
matter to them.
Seth: Problem with grouping is that we wouldn't know what parts of larger areas are most
deserving of protection.
Larry: Columns for parcel numbers, current use, and potential use, with codes for types of
use.
Nate: Column for "Not important," "Somewhat important," or "very
important" for preservation.
Tanya: Have the people list the parcels in order of priority instead.
Someone else: Or by "lump."
Jim: Offer an address for donating to the committee (small amounts for administration and
organizing).
Nate: Remember to put surveys at store for those who don't get electric bills.
Judy: Introduction should make clear that this is a beginning. It won't be the last chance
to comment.
Heidi: Include next meeting date.
Kathy: Is needed to sign to authenticate? Meadow thinks no.
Nate: Solicit e-mail addresses. Include contact information and web address.
Tanya: Give them an opportunity to put their names. (optional).
Areas of agreement on survey revision:
- Comment by "lump" or parcel number. Write in lump or parcel numbers (don't have pre-listed).
- Rate each as a "not, somewhat, or very" important piece to preserve. Make it clear that the importance should be based not just on current use or vegetation types or development levels, but on future developed areas.
- Have columns where users can check off significant values such as hunting, gathering, recreating, wildlife habitat, mental health. Then a column where people can write in other uses and values, such as greenbelt, watershed, wildlife corridor, public access, firewood, lumber, trails, etc.
- Instructions should ask respondents to list any specific information or knowledge about the place in the comments section later on.
- D. 1. Change to "a group appointed by the community."
- E. Would you be willing to be a member of the mental health lands group? (Include your name, address, phone, e-mail).
- Ask for specific knowledge of parcels.
- Name, address, phone, e-mail, fax, check here if you wish to be kept informed.
Orange Binder
Is at library with minutes of meetings and other information on this issue.
Communication
Meetings -- suggestions for getting out word about attending the next meeting included e-mail to SEAKnet members and GLBA Employees and using a phone tree and posting at the store as well as the usual posting at Post office and PSAs.
Actions for next meeting:
Nate and Larry are working on revising the survey form.
Next Meeting:
Thursday, October 29, 1998, 7 p.m. at the library.
Meeting Adjourned about 8:45 p.m.
Liz Marantz Carolyn Elder Kim Ney Rusty Yerxa Karen Schot Larry Platt Nathan Borson Heidi Robichaud Larry Basch Meadow Brook Paul Barnes Jim Healy Seth Koch Kezia Graham Morgan DeBoer Eric Syrene Tania Lewis Judy Brakel Greg Streveler Kathy Streveler
(Minutes compiled by Nathan Borson)