Parks Commission

Montpelier Parks Commission Meeting November 21, 2013 Commissioners Present: Cara Robechek, Aaron Brondyke, Emily Boedecker, Lyn Munno, Kip Roberts Staff Present: Parks Director Geoff Beyer, Parks Caretaker Alec Ellsworth Public Present: John Akielaszek, Danis Regal, Marilyn Mode, Lauren Bailey, Dan Voisin 1. Minutes for October Meeting Lyn Munno moved that the Commission adopt the October minutes with modified suggested edits from John Akielaszek. Emily seconded, and the minutes were approved unanimously. 2. Dog Waste Committee update All dog waste collection stations have been installed with the exception of perhaps one on Stonecutter’s Way. Private contributions to date total $1,800. The City Council provided $5,700 for the stations from the Park Impact Fee. 3. Updates on Proposed Mountain Bike Trail in Hubbard Park MAMBA representatives Dan Voisin and Kip Roberts reported that they met yesterday with trail consultant Hardy Avery to obtain a cursory assessment of existing Hubbard Park trails and to evaluate existing terrain for potential future trail development. This meeting was not an official Parks Commission meeting. Avery sees certain sections of the park as already densely developed with trails and others that could support additional trail construction. He recommended serious trail planning and a community information- gathering process to determine if Hubbard is adequately serving the community before new trails are constructed or trail use is expanded. Hardy also noted the lack of trail signage, some confusing intersections and possibly repetitive trails. Dan and Kip relayed that Hardy questioned if some trail layouts led to an inordinate amount of maintenance required by Geoff and his crew. Emily suggested that perhaps the decision about mountain bike access in the park should not be considered in isolation, but should instead be part of a larger planning process that engages other user groups. Cara agreed that such a process could be useful, adding that she has always had interest in providing a rustic play space for children within the parks. Emily considered having conversations with the Bike & Pedestrian Coalition about the best way to secure grant funding to enable such a planning process. Geoff suggested that the Planning Department VISTA volunteers might be able to help with such a process as well. He suggested that taking a look at the Vegetation Management Plan might be part of that planning process as well. Kip and Emily agreed to do some investigatory work on behalf of the parks commission to research how this type of land planning process might go. That effort might enable us to have a more informed discussion at a future meeting, including where funding could come from for such a process. Geoff agreed to contact the Planning Department to inquire about that. Kip agreed to contact the Bike and Pedestrian Coalition in this regard. Marilyn Mode cautioned the Commission about making this a completely transparent process, and ensuring that more groups than only MAMBA are consulted. John Akielaszek commented that each trail in the park is unique. And the multitude of trails enables multiple users to run or otherwise use the trails with less conflict. Lyn agreed. Cara read from comments emailed by Marilyn Skoglund stating concern over bikes traveling at high speed, and potentially under poor control by young or inexperienced riders. She recommended that bikers be directed to more challenging terrain, and that Hubbard Park be kept free of bikes to allow for a more relaxing experience. Cara read from comments emailed by Ben Parker, adding a “hope that the Parks Commission will invest in professional and highly visible reflective metal signs for Hubbard Park. I think that speed limit signs, codes of conduct, and trail markers should all be installed throughout the park.” 4. Dog Policy Proposal Discussion. Code of Conduct Discussion “Cara read aloud an email submission from Todd and Lauren Bailey and Kip responded to clarify his emailed comments”. The Commission discussed the language proposed for the Canine Code of Conduct at the October Meeting. There was considerable discussion about the following proposed statement within the Code: • Carry a leash for each dog you walk, and be prepared to leash your dog if requested. The Commission discussed changing the language “if requested” to read, “if needed or requested.” Marilyn Mode stated that she thought that “as appropriate” was acceptable. Lauren Bailey agreed. Lauren Bailey feels that the proposed language grants power to people to direct dog walkers to leash their dogs. John Akielaszek feels that we are penalizing the good people for asking them to adhere this kind of language. Danis Regal agrees with Lauren Bailey and John Akielaszek. She stated that, “the atmosphere in the park is toxic,” adding that less punitive language would be better. Geoff Beyer and Aaron Brondyke both pointed out that the Canine Code of Conduct is not regulatory. It is only a code. There will be no tickets or fines. Cara read from Todd and Lauren Bailey’s emailed recommendation to the Commission that the phrase "and leash when requested" be replaced with "and leash your dog as needed" or "when appropriate.” There was also some discussion of this proposed language within the Code: • Dog owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste appropriately. Lyn suggested adding “dog waste receptacles and bags are provided.” Emily suggested adding, “Use receptacles provided or carry out.” Dan Voisin liked Lyn’s receptacle language. Cara Robechek believes that the Code needs to be posted in prominent locations. Cara, Emily Boedecker, and Lyn all agreed that they like the words, “if requested,” in there but stated that they would be willing to remove it, in the interest of increasing harmony among the dog walking community. Ultimately the Commission crafted the following language, based on their discussion and the input from the public: Hubbard Park • Dogs are welcome in Hubbard Park and may be off leash. • City Ordinance requires dogs to be under voice control or leashed at all times. • Always keep your dog in sight. • Don't assume others want to interact with your dog. • Carry a leash for each dog you walk, and be prepared to leash your dog as needed. • Dog owners must pick up after their dogs. Use receptacles provided  or carry out. • Dogs must have current rabies vaccine. North Branch River Park • Dogs are welcome in North Branch River Park and must be on a leash at all times. • City Ordinance requires dogs to be under voice control or leashed. • Don't assume others want to interact with your dog. • Dog owners must pick up after their dogs. Use receptacles provided or carry out. • Dogs must have current rabies vaccine. Lyn moved to adopt the Code with changes incorporate. Kip seconded. Four commissioners voted aye. Aaron voted nay. Incident reporting Discussion No comments were received on the incident reporting form proposed. Cara reported that she had spoken with the Police Chief about the form we’d proposed. Todd Bailey proposed via emailed comments that any incident report record be allowed to be kept confidential, but not anonymous. Geoff believes that we could keep the name confidential, unless the person wanted to press charges. Then, the name would need to be made public. Geoff committed to ask the City’s attorney to clarify the rules about maintaining the confidentiality of a complainant. Discussion of other suggestions from the Dog Policy and Communication Committee and Friends of Hubbard Park reports, to determine which will be voted on at the December meeting. At this point in the meeting, it was getting very late. The Commission decided to discuss this item at the next meeting. At the Commission’s request, John Akielaszek indicated that he is willing to come to the January Meeting to discuss emerald ash borer as a representative of the Tree Board. 5. Park Budget Planning for FY 15 Geoff reported that the Parks Commission has been asked to cut $1,200 from our proposed budget. Geoff suggested cutting $1,200 from operating supplies, and attempting to fundraise that gap over the year. However, without those funds, we will not be able to invite the International Volunteers for Peace. Park Updates Park Gates No update. The gates are open through the winter. The Commission will revisit this issue at a later date. Caretaker House Update The house is now very livable. Geoff agreed to work with the City’s attorney regarding finalizing the terms of the lease. Alec suggested that perhaps Shannon and Simon and Linden should be recognized for their contribution to the house renovation. The Parks Commission discussed the constraints of the Parks Budget. Geoff has requested $1,200 from the Park Impact Fee and $6,000 from the Parks Special Fund to finish the project. No response from Bill Frasier on that yet. Geoff hopes for a response from Bill on Monday. ORS Winter Bike Races in Hubbard Park Onion River Sports has organized a bike race in the Park for the past 4 years. Kip proposed holding two races this winter, in January and February, on Sundays, precise dates to be confirmed with Geoff in advance. Races would be held on a Sunday on trails where biking is currently allowed. Notices will be posted on a kiosk a week in advance. Aaron proposed approval of two races on Sundays, in January and February, on dates to be determined, provided that, if ORS is forced to use a very limited section of pedestrian trail for the race due to challenging conditions, disclaimers are provided to the racers about the normal prohibition on bicycle use of pedestrian trails in the park. Emily seconded. All voted in favor. Other Due to numerous scheduling conflicts, the Parks Commission will cancel its December meeting. The next meeting will be January 8, 2014. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 PM.