TOWN OF SOUTH HERO
Conservation Commission Meeting
Tuesday, October 22, 2024, 5:00 P.M.
at the South Hero Town Office
and via Zoom
Minutes
Members: Bob Fireovid, Cynthia Kelley, Mark Naud
Public attendees: Kathy Magill
1) Call to Order – Mark called meeting to order at 5:05p.
2) Public Input (items not on the agenda) – No public attendees until near meeting
adjournment.
3) Agenda revisions – None.
4) Approve minutes from August 20 and September 17 meeting – Bob moved for approval
of 8/20 and 9/17 minutes; Cynthia 2d. Unanimous.
5) Nomination and election of officers – Dave Hobbs resigned from the Conservation
Commission as of 10/14/24. The Commission members thanked him for his service to
the community.
There was a discussion of the role of the CC in the context of the Land Trust and other
conservation minded organizations regionally or statewide and how can the CC
reorganize and expand membership for effective work.
The present members agreed to a slate of officers consisting of Mark Naud as Chair,
Cynthia Kelley as Secretary and Bob Fireovid as Treasurer. Bob moved; Cynthia 2d.
Unanimous.
Cynthia asked that we move the meetings to 4:30p on the 3d Tuesday. Agreed.
6) Commission Membership Recruitment – Mark noted that he would have a discussion
with SHLT staff re: membership recruitment; and perhaps post during voting day and
Cynthis suggested at the Worthen Library. Mark will also call Jens at ANR for his insights
into nascent commissions and their efforts at recruitment. Personal recruitment is likely
key.
Cynthia questioned whether our FaceBook account still exists and if that could be used.
She will contact Cristin or Bridget have access to the account for our use.
7) Budget – Bob suggested that we nominally fund our commission with $500 to maintain
the Commission’s work. There was a discussion to have some additional funds to be
sure the Commission is not hampered with its existing efforts and can be sustained. She
suggested it is important to have that level of support to engage members and be
relevant.
The NRI is a significant piece of work that will need some follow-up as we ascertain the
gaps in data available to fill for deficiencies identified in Town Plan.
Mark will follow up from his meeting with SHLT as they transition leadership and
priorities.
8) Kestrel nest box project planning – Mark still needs to connect with Julie Pidgeon re:
Folsom for kestrel box construction project, and for students, parents, others to support
the project. Cynthia suggested CIDER volunteers and Bob noted Tony Kaye is also
available. We need to get a date scheduled soon.
9) Statewide Conservation summit follow up – Mark gave his update on the summit and
his perspectives on the presentations and issues/opportunities. He previously noted his
short meeting with Jens there to discuss the membership issues and how to function
with barely a minimum of members. Mark will follow up with Jens before the next
meeting.
10) Next Meeting (November 19) – 4:30p. There will be an agenda sent out in the next week
or so.
11) Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 6:30p.