1/19/1978 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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mentioned that presently one exists Frith the Falmouth Rod and Gun Club., adding that theirs is a larger piece of land, but doesn't see why the Conservation Com- mission shouldn't take a smaller piece. She said that in the case of the Hous- ton's ous- tonrs other lot, she doesn't know what the assessors would require. It was mentioned that other towns are lowering the tax assessment. Mr. Houston said that Bourne just adopted new restrictions and it was men- tioned that the state adopts it if written by the local conservation commission., Mrs. Studley said that the assessors have Trude up the formula in this particular case, adding that Dennis has it also. Mrs. Houston said that as far s the swamp is concerned, she would like to make an outright gift to the town if her husband concurs - as long as the Houstons have jurisdiction. Mrs. Studley said that when Mr. Alper,gave the land to the town, with a restriction to the Audubon Society, it meant that if it didn It remain in the town's hands, it vD uld revert to the Audubon Society, I The problem of fires was discussed and Mrs. Houston said that their pro- perty is a wooded area. She said that when kids go down to skate, they build fires to keep warm at might. She mentioned that kids are not really that re- sponsible and they. could want to' protect the whole of the area and would want to maintain some kind of control and suggested having it written in that they be resident caretakers. Mrs. Studley said that it would have to be held as a. conservation restriction, leaving the land in the Houston's cu it y they would then be able to regulate the activities, Mr. Houston asked what theomlss. on lets people do on conservation area. Mrs. Studley said that the Commission prefers to leave it in a natural state. Mrs. Houston said -that someone would want to go and chop down a Christmas tree -- they could use it for skating - that won't hurt anything. Mrs. Studley said that the ,dire Chief is in change of fire breaks and has found it necessary to cut through for the brushcutter - that would be .uan er his Jurisdiction. Mr. Houston asked what the Commission would rec mment - leaving it to the town and if they don't want it, to the Audubon Society? He said it is nicely wooded - they have 5 acnes valued a $26,000 - he says he can't talk to the as- sessors, s- s ssors, that they promised that they would cut them down. His value has gone up because of splitting it up, pointing that $17,000 for a piece of swamp is ridiculous. Mrs. Houston said "Let's Face it - we're not rich and we cannot afford to keep a $17,000 pime of property and pay taxes on it to satisfy our aesthetic tastes.t1 Mr. Houston asked ghat has to be done in order to make a proposal - does the Commission do it or do they? Mrs. Sloane suggested they -retain a lawyer. It was de ter rained that Marcel Ki ten had handled the Alper gift, as well as the gifts of small portions of lana over there. Mrs. Houston said she would trust the Commission to do the right thing. Mr. Houston said that he is willing t give that to the town, as Alper did, if the Commission is reasonably sure that he can have some control. Mrs. Studley asked if they would consider the following, if they think this is what they would like to do - make an appointment with Marcel Kisten in al-- mouth and ask him how he suggests they do it., making sure to mention the Alper grant to him so he is thoroughly familiar with it - thea he could advise them' as to the technicalities. She pointed out that Kisten can't advise thea as to what the assessors would do. Mrs.. Houston asked if they went to see Mr. Kisten, would the Commission thea be willing to go along with whatever he said. Mrs. Sloane said, "Ifyou trust u - we trust him.11 Mr. Houston asked if he would have to pay a legal fee and Mrs. Houston asked if they go to Kisten, would they assume the whole of the iea.i fees attendant