Peter E. Joseph

The meeting covered several key discussion points, including planning for the upcoming Purple Heart Ceremony, noting improvements needed for promotion and the handling of Taps, and confirming approval for next year's event location. The committee discussed outreach efforts concerning PNSY, with one member leading contact with Public Affairs regarding York hosting a future submarine. The Freedom Monument has arrived and is in storage at the York PD, with its final placement awaiting State DOT approval. A discussion occurred regarding 'mission creep' related to involvement in various community events like Trunk or Treat, acknowledging resource strain but making no immediate changes. Plans for Veterans Day/Week support, including Norma's Breakfast, were discussed, with one member volunteering to coordinate with schools regarding personnel changes. The Committee reviewed and approved the York CVA Priority List based on questionnaire responses. A motion was passed to return monthly meetings to the Police Training room pending confirmation. Other items included the approval of York Veterans Support Decals (pending a second quote), planning for the next Memorial Day parade speaker, passing information about a veteran's wife's funeral request to the appropriate contacts, noting upcoming monument tours, and discussing a potential Post 56 Veterans coffee and donuts quiet session project. A new member was welcomed and volunteered for Monument Inspection and Maintenance duties.

The Conservation Commission (CC) discussed several ongoing items, including scheduling a meeting with Planning Board members and a consultant to review proposed amendments to the Open Space Conservation Subdivision Ordinance. The commission addressed continuing violations at the Bayberry Woods easement, noting the Town attorney would send a formal letter to the HOA, failing which the CC would transfer monitoring responsibilities to Town employees. Key discussions also covered regulations for pesticide application on town-owned properties related to a regional invasive plant initiative, completion of the mulching phase for the Goodrich Park invasive plant project, and participation in the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, focusing on promoting native plants. Furthermore, the CC reviewed a site walk form for future use when interacting with the Planning Board and considered educational opportunities related to pesticide use for the Comprehensive Plan.

Key discussions included the Route 1 study kick-off meeting and resulting focus areas such as intersection design, speed limit rationalization, sidewalks, and bike lanes, with one member designated as the primary committee representative to the Steering Committee. The committee continued discussion on Complete Streets policies, noting that current town actions are largely consistent with the philosophy, and considered approaches for developing a formal written policy/plan to ensure continuity. Discussions regarding crosswalk visibility and safety, particularly on Long Beach Avenue, were held, with potential solutions involving bike corrals or parking restrictions near crossings; however, detailed design work was deferred pending future input. The committee also addressed concerns regarding the illegal operation of Out of Class Electric Vehicles (OCEVs) and discussed prioritizing the next phase of Mountain Road improvements relative to the Eastern Trail network integration.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on public comment regarding parking management at Sohier Park, emphasizing that current boundaries limit adequate parking capacity. The Gift Shop update noted improvements to handrails and lights, with visitation statistics provided before its scheduled closure. The committee discussed fundraising opportunities for park improvements, requiring further detailed financial information before proceeding. Finally, the committee expressed intent to schedule a work session dedicated to addressing current and future parking issues at Sohier Park, involving relevant volunteers.

Key discussions centered on the garden expansion project, including a review of the bid submitted by Abbot Brothers for site clearing and preparation, which detailed estimated costs ranging from $12,400 to $15,900, plus waterline installation costs. The committee also discussed the garden expansion plan, noting the need for a decision on a lilac hedge location, the necessity of a waterline to serve lots near Ferncroft (potentially requiring historic commission approval and culvert installation), and the process for issuing an RFP for land clearing work, setting a bid submission deadline of February 14. Future plans included advertising garden plots in March and hosting an open house to promote community awareness.