By Suzanne Laurent
slaurent@derrynews.com
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LONDONDERRY — Conservation Commission member Mike Speltz came back to the Town Council Monday with a revised draft of the 2010 Open Space Task Force Committee report.
At his first presentation two weeks ago, councilors were concerned whether residents still wanted to continue with the open space program and about stewardship for the current open space land.
The new draft included provisions for more public involvement and long-term stewardship.
Speltz presented the plan in four phases that would first develop detailed information on the town's needs for natural services, included drinking water quality and quantity, plant and animal habitats, and outdoor recreation in a natural setting.
The second phase would assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the provision of each of these services.
The third and, most important phase, would solicit community input.
"We want more public involvement," Speltz said. "We want to know what types of open spaces residents value and how much they support financial investments."
The final phase would be to develop plans to sustain current and acquired open space.
Councilors Mike Brown and John Farrell said they would move phase three up to the top of the list. But, in the end, it was left as it with the addition of a "phase zero," as suggested by Town Manager Dave Caron.
"Take inventory of what we have and how it's being managed," Caron said. "Then more forward. Maybe it's a five-phase approach."
Councilors agreed not to appoint a representative from the council to task force.
"Maybe we should appoint new representatives from other committees to have some new blood," Councilor Tom Dolan said.
It was agreed to have an 11-member panel with representatives from the Conservation Commission, Heritage Commission, Budget Committee, Recreation Commission, Planning Board and Londonderry Trailways. The council seat would be replaced by a member of the Solid Waste Committee. Additional members would include a state representative and a School Board member.
A preliminary report with findings and recommendations to the Town Council is due by March 4, 2011, with the final report due June 30, 2011.
Councilors agreed on the new draft, 4-0. Councilor Sean O'Keefe was absent from the meeting Monday.
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