CITY OF NORWALK OAK HILLS PARK NATURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (OHPNAC) REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 9, 2016 ATTENDANCE: ABSENT: Elsa Obuchowski, Chair; Lisa Meserole, Peggy Holton, Audrey Cozzarin, Bill Wrenn (7:05), Anthony Carrano (7:05) Joe Tamburri CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Ms. Obuchowski. A quorum was present. January 12, 2016 Meeting. APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING S MINUTES The following correction was noted: On Page 2, Paragraph 2 under Subsection Planting Plan was attributed to Ms. Meserole but should be attributed to Ms. Holton. ** MS. HOLTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CORRECTED MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 12, 2016 MEETING. ** MS. COZZARIN SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Fountain Garden REPORTS The object of the discussion was to respond to the planting plan. Ms. Meserole had researched all planting included on the plan and expressed approval with the variety and emphasis on native plants, especially the planting that will provide food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and bees throughout the year including plants that will provide winter interest. Mr. Carrano and Mr. Wrenn joined the meeting at 7:05pm. Ms. Obuchowski voiced approval for the staggered bloom times of the plants included in the plan. February 9, 2016 Page 1
Ms. Holton had devised a referencing system for the plan for easier discussion with general group approval, except for the word gazebo, which the group agreed to change to pergola. Ms. Holton questioned why Buddleia, commonly known as butterfly bush, was not included in the plan but Ms. Meserole responded that they are considered invasive in this region and are can be detrimental to butterflies as they lure them away from host plants. Mr. Carrano suggested Clethra as an alternative to Buddleia, since it is similar but a native plant. Ms. Obuchowski agreed to raise it with the planting planners and Ms. Meserole cautioned that removing one variety in favor of another type of plant may spoil the arc of the plan, which takes into account seasons, height, light requirements, and layout of the park. Discussion moved to benches and there was general agreement that there are three and maybe a fourth unlabeled. Ms. Meserole stated that three benches should suffice for the space with Ms. Obuchowski in agreement. Ms. Holton questioned weather three benches would be enough for elderly people who might need to rest more often or might want to sit to watch events in the pergola. Ms. Cozzarin responded that organized events will probably provide seating. Ms. Obuchowski noted that adding benches would increase maintenance costs. Ms. Holton questioned whether the benches are to be made of wood or recycled material but Ms. Obuchowski responded that the planners had not responded to their previous inquiry into the building material. Ms. Holton suggested a follow up inquiry on the subject to the planners with Ms. Obuchowski in agreement. Ms. Obuchowski asked the members if there was anything they wanted to change in the plan of if they only had inquiries for the planners. Ms. Cozzarin responded that the only change she thought should be brought to the planners was the red twig dogwood as it is a deer food and asked the members for recommendations on a substitute.. Ms. Meserole reiterated that changes should be left to the designers in order to maintain the integrity of the design. There was general agreement the red twig dogwood issue should be presented to the planners as a question and that some should be left in and some replaced. Ms. Holton stated that she was hoping to see birches as they are especially beautiful in the winter. She also requested Leucothoe and Weiglea and Ms. Obuchowski noted that they are already on the plan as alternatives. Ms. Obuchowski questioned whether there are enough mid-height plant to create a smooth transition and asked the group if they thought the magnolia at the entrance was too much or whether it provided a nice transition into the garden. Ms. Meserole stated that she thought it was supposed to be a focal point to draw the eye to the park. Ms. Obuchowski questioned whether the magnolia trees should be put into planters but Ms. Holton responded that the planters are more suitable for annuals and cascading plants. Ms. Holton informed the group that there are 16 planters that the Merritt 7 is looking to remove from its parking lot. The committee has about one month to arrange February 9, 2016 Page 2
from transportation before Merritt 7 removes them and Ms. Obuchowski confirmed that Oak Hills has agreed to transport them, although they had not committed to a definitive storage plan. Ms. Holton responded that they re about 4 feet by 4 feet, weight about 500 pounds, and are a mixture of cement and fiberglass so inside storage might be an issue but they are can be stored outside. Mr. Carrano asked about planter placement in the park. Ms. Holton responded that two could be used to set off the entrance, two could be placed on each side of the pergola, and a few could be used to define the entrance to the great lawn. General agreement was to use ten throughout the park and Ms. Obuchowski suggested that the golf course and restaurant building might make use of some of the others. Ms. Holton stated that the Land Trust might be interested in the remaining six. Ms. Holton suggested adding ferns to the Fountain Garden for undergrowth. Mr. Wrenn agreed and Ms. Obuchowski agreed to add them to the list of inquiries for the planners. Ms. Cozzarin asked whether the group thought there should be additional space for annuals but Ms. Obuchowski and Ms. Meserole noted that the entrance is reserved for annuals and Ms. Holton added that the pots will provide additional space and are best suited for annuals. Great Lawn Ms. Obuchowski asked for clarification on a symbol on the plan and the general assumption was that it was existing forest overhang, but she agreed to ask the planners for clarification. The members agreed that that the extension of the path under the existing forest was well planned, so that the existing woodlands would not be torn out and park users could get an introduction to Connecticut woods. Ms. Cozzarin noted that it was unclear if there were benches in the area and that it should be added the query list. Ms. Obuchowski asked if Ms. Meserole was satisfied with the northern pollinator seed mix and Ms. Meserole was enthusiastic that the plan will include a meadow, which will be more wild than the Fountain Garden. Ms. Cozzarin asked if the rest of the grass in the Great Lawn will be golf course grade turf. Ms. Obuchowski responded that Jim had said that it would be more comparable to golf course grass on the rough rather than the turf on the fairway. Ms. Cozzarin asked whether clover and ajuga could be added in as further food for fauna, since a weedless lawn is not a priority for the park and they would not hinder mowing. Ms. Obuchowski agreed to include it in the query list for the planners. Ms. Obuchowski questioned the inclusion of the Cockspur Hawthorne, as thorns in some varieties can grow up to five inches long. There was general agreement to include it in the query list. Ms. Obuchowski questioned if the group thought there were enough mid-sized plants. Ms. Meserole responded that she thought the Viburnum, Witch Hazel, and Red Buds were sufficient. Ms. Holton asked if Viburnum is dear food and Mr. Carrano responded that it does not attract deer but is prone to pests, although it depends on the variety. February 9, 2016 Page 3
Ms. Obuchowski stated her intention to email it to Ms. Holton to be incorporated into the existing records on the issue. The Million Garden Pollinator Challenge Ms. Obuchowski stated that the Million Garden Pollinator Challenge could be a spring board for the garden s publicity and visibility. Ms. Meserole stated that it is an ongoing project without a deadline so no immediate action needed to be taken on it. McNeil Annotated Map and Boundaries Ms. Obuchowski said that she had not been following up on this or with the walking trails but instead was letting the focus stay on the permitting process. Ms. Cozzarin confirmed that she, Ms. Meserole, and Mr. Wrenn planned to walk the trails as soon as weather permitted to finalize the exact spots of trees and points of interest so that they could get exact ricing for plaques and markers. Ms. Obuchowski questioned whether the members also wanted to put flora and fauna markers in the garden and there was general agreement. Educational Outreach Ms. Holton stated that the Land Trust had not set the date for the volunteer training but that she had spoken with the organizer to reserve three seats for group members. After clarification that attendance did not mean committing to being volunteers, Ms. Obuchowski, Ms. Meserole, Ms. Holton, and Mr. Carrano committed to attending. Art Project Ideas Ms. Obuchowski said that this is on hold at the moment but that group members should stay in communication with the Arts Commission and that the Fairy Shrine remained a possibility. Grant Opportunities Ms. Obuchowski informed the group that the grant recommended by Ms. Palescki that were previously discussed were matching grants. Volunteer hours could be counted but only a minimum wage, so thousands of hours would be needed to total any appreciable amount. She noted that there might be other grants better suited to their needs if they looked. Ms. Cozzarin asked if the project qualified as an adopt-a-spot but Mr. Carrano responded that the adopt-a-spot program is very difficult to qualify for and has very strict rules that would hinder a project of their scope. February 9, 2016 Page 4
Mr. Carrano left the meeting at 8:00 GOALS OF THE COMMITTEE More precisely defining the boundaries of the no-build areas to be preserved This was not discussed and is contained in the McNeil Report. More securely protecting those areas as permanent open space This was discussed under Old Business. Plaques to identify trees and wildlife This was discussed under McNeil Annotated Map and Boundaries. Field trips and educational opportunities for young people Development of the designated Fountain Garden and Great Lawn for areas of enjoyment by the general public This was discussed under Fountain Garden and Great Lawn. Encouraging sustainable land use practices in Oak Hills Park Marketing This was discussed under the Million Garden Pollinator Challenge. Budget Time frame OLD BUSINESS February 9, 2016 Page 5
Articles for website about nature with tips for environmentally friendly practices This was not discussed at the meeting. Letter of intent to Mayor and Common Council committee chair re old leaf dump and niblick parcels, approved unanimously as park land by full Common Council October 13 Ms. Obuchowski asked Ms. Holton if she had talked with John about pursuing the easement previously discussed. Ms. Holton said she thought that John would agree if OPA were to sponsor it. Ms. Meserole asked about the Conservation Commission, since Alexis said there would be less opposition to that group. Ms. Obuchowski said that she thought once the Common Council had designated it Park Land it could not be changed and Ms. Holton responded that the Common Council could change it at any time. Ms. Cozzarin stated that the group should be looking into more permanent solutions and Ms. Obuchowski agreed to keep it under old business. NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 8, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Lounge. ADJOURNMENT ** MS. HOLTON MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MS. MESEROLE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted F. Lambe Telesco Secretarial Services February 9, 2016 Page 6