Parks Commission

Montpelier Parks Commission May 20, 2014 / 7-9:05 p.m. / Montpelier Police Department meeting room Present: Alec, Bryan, Cara, Emily, Geoff, Kip, Lyn (no members of the public attended) 1) April 17 Minutes – Approved unanimously on Lyn's motion and Cara's second 2) City Council Liaison update – Nothing major to report 3) Hubbard Park Road Closure – Geoff reports that the park gates will be locked tonight (20 May) for the first time this year, based on the “pent road” policy. The Montpelier Police Department has agreed to the closing. On three recent evenings, parks staff has found “big messes” at the Old Shelter. “If the gates had been closed,” Geoff said, “I don’t think it would have been a problem.” 4) Park House Lease – Forwarded to the city manager to review with the city attorney. 5) One Taylor Update – Kip and Bryan reported on the first scoping meeting. The commission discussed taking a more formal position on parkland at One Taylor. The result is the testimony (attached) drafted by Bryan on May 21, 2014. 6) Update on Adjoining Land to Hubbard Park – Geoff is in contact with landowners to the north and east. 7) Cara nominated Lyn to be the Parks Commission representative to the City Conservation Fund. Bryan seconded. Approved on a unanimous vote. 8) Alec reported favorably on his attendance at the three-day Vermont Coverts training on managing woodlands for wildlife. Among the benefits of the workshop is a “welcome wagon” package of materials for new woodland landowners. As parks caretaker, Alec will present the landowner north of the park with these materials. 9) Geoff will point out on the Parks web site that bike trails are open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, with exceptions to that period dependent on trail conditions. 10) Parks Visioning Update – Geoff plans to meet with the city’s new planning director to discuss options for parks planning and visioning. The commission will continue to explore funding options for long-term parks planning. It appears that key deadlines for funding will be closer in August. Accordingly, the Commission will extend its search for funds through November. (See next item.) 11) MAMBA Proposal for Hubbard Park – The Commission continued its consideration of the Montpelier Area Mountain Bike Association proposal to open certain Hubbard Park trails to mountain biking. Given that long-term park planning won’t start until fall or winter at the earliest, the Commission discussed how to proceed with the MAMBA proposal. Cara pointed out the benefits of considering the proposal in light of potential expansion of Hubbard Park, which may offer better options for multiple uses (including mountain biking). The commission generally agreed that it would be best to consider MAMBA’s proposal as part of the broader park planning process. If the Commission cannot move forward with this visioning process, however, it will hold a hearing on the MAMBA proposal in fall-winter 2014-2015. Emily will send a letter to MAMBA pointing out: a. The Commission has tabled discussion of MAMBA proposal.  b. The Commission is exploring options to expand Hubbard Park, which could present new trail opportunities for MAMBA. c. The MAMBA proposal will be considered as part of the Commission’s greater planning/visioning process. d. If that process doesn’t happen this fall or winter, the Commission will take up the MAMBA proposal in time for any approved trail work to begin in the spring of 2015. e. The Commission invites MAMBA to submit biking event requests in time for consideration (and public comment) at its June meeting. These events could help the Commission and the community get perspective on mountain biking in Hubbard Park. 12) Alec had an idea: “Seven Chefs, Seven Fire Places” — Have Montpelier chefs cook at park the grills. This could be fundraiser for the park or have some other goals. Alec will continue to consider the idea, which drew favor from commissioners. 13) The Commission voted unanimously to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matter. It emerge from executive session a short time later without taking any formal action. 14) Next meeting: June 24 at 7pm. Note that this is the fourth Tuesday rather than our customary third Tuesday.  Comments on Montpelier’s One Taylor Street Redevelopment from Geoff Beyer and Bryan Pfeiffer on behalf of the Montpelier Parks Commission May 21, 2014 O n behalf of the Montpelier Parks Commission, we’re thrilled to offer and echo ideas for public green space at One Taylor. Geoff Beyer has served city parks for 33 years, 17 of which as Parks Director. Bryan Pfeiffer is one of five elected parks commissioners. For those of you unaware, the Parks Commission’s responsibilities include the city’s current and future needs for park and recreation land in Montpelier. As many of us already know, One Taylor is a rare opportunity for our city. And it’s too bad that it’s rare. Montpelier is a city of rivers. But opportunities along our four rivers are scarce. We dwell not enough beside these waters. So while we recognize the merits of commerce along the Winooski and North Branch, the Parks Commission also sees opportunity and benefits in the form of recreation there as well. We’re already hearing the green aspirations of city residents for One Taylor. We’re eager to hear more. But we shall leave you this evening with four general thoughts to help guide your deliberations for the site:  A meaningful portion of the property (and, when possible, adjoining properties) should be dedicated to green space where city residents and visitors can enjoy a closer relationship with the two rivers in a park-like setting. It’s long overdue for downtown, and would make the project even more inviting for commerce and neighborly gathering.  River access would be essential – either for launching unmotorized boats or for simply relaxing or picnicking in the company of the main-stem of the Winooski or the North Branch.  The recreation path’s route and landscaping should invite enjoyment of a healthy riparian zone.  Finally, please recognize that the Parks Commission and our city’s dedicated park staff are ready and willing to take on the responsibilities necessary from designating green space in and around One Taylor as official city park land. Thanks for your time tonight. The Parks Commission hopes to hear more from city residents. And we look forward to developing our general ideas into a determined strategy for turning the city – in a greater way – toward its rivers.