Parks Commission

Carolyn Grodinsky Bill Johnson Bryan Pfeiffer, Chairman Sarah Swenson Geoff Beyer, Parks Director Alec Ellsworth, Parks Caretaker Montpelier Parks Commission – Meeting Minutes April 19, 2016 Commissioners Present: Sarah Swenson, Bryan Pfeiffer, Carolyn Grodinsky, Bill Johnson Staff: Geoff Beyer, Alec Ellsworth Meeting Start: 7PM Announcements and Housekeeping Kip Roberts has informed Bryan than he’s resigning from Parks Commission, effective immediately. (Discussion on a replacement later in the meeting.) Sarah motioned to approve agenda as revised, Bill seconded. Vote: unanimous. Carolyn motioned to approve March, February minutes, Sarah seconded. Vote: unanimous. Concerts in Hubbard Park Alec will need help/support to do it again this year. Fundraising target for the music: $1500- 2000, already raised $500. Bryan to ask larger funding source for funds to sponsor concerts. Vernal pool update Wooden fence along road. Vinyl covered square metal wire fence to go along back of fence. This vernal pool protection is a step-by-step process, as funding allow. City Dog Ordinance Review Committee Update The city working group is looking at the Vermont League of Cities and Towns template for guidance. Looking at current fees for dogs at large or running away. Not at this point looking to change city leash laws. Best if the ordinance is citywide (including the Parks) Education needs to be part of the solution. Although there seems to be interest in having a dog park or two, there is currently no formal discussion of having one of these in Hubbard Park. Geoff has, however, considered a site for a dog park in Hubbard Park that wouldn’t be a detraction from its historical use (long rectangular site on right between pond and ball field). But the Commission is not currently considering segmenting off a Dog Park in Hubbard Park or elsewhere on city park land. Shelter Reservation Fee: (see Bill’s handout) What can Parks do to raise revenues because our city budget requires it more than ever this year. The Commission reviewed and discussed various reservation fees for Hubbard Park shelter reservations. The Commission will review and most likely approve a new fee structure at its May meeting. Parks Director Report • Trail name changes o New trail signs will be made from black locust (longer lasting), people are donating trees (Front Porch Forum request for such trees). Parks will take the trees down and www.montpelier-vt.org/464/Parks-Commission parks-commission@montpelier-vt.org 802.223.7335  get them milled; Geoff and Alec will track costs and time to determine if this is preferable to purchasing pre-fab posts. • The Commission also discussed Geoff and Alec’s role in preventing and removing illegal “encampments” in Hubbard Park. • Events: o Invasive work and tree planting in North Branch, potting up fruit trees at the park o Arbor Day – work day with Tree Board o Green up day – projects at the park Kip’s vacancy: Bryan will double-check with city officials on the Parks Commission’s own prerogative to appoint Kip’s replacement. The Commission will probably seek application letters from selected candidates. Park’s Workplan The Commission had a discussion – with no action taken – of priorities for the year, and how each commissioner might work outside of commission meetings to accomplish goals, which include (but are not limited to): • Land acquisition and the Greenprint. • Long term budgeting and preparing for Geoff’s retirement • Closing the “pirate trail” in Hubbard Park, addressing stealth biking and a corridor-connector bike trail • Improving park maps • Marketing and promotion of parks events. • Fundraising • Parks Commission role in folding Parks into Recreation and Senior Center. Hubbard Park Shelter Reservations Two requests approved unanimously. Adjournment Carolyn moved to adjourn, Sarah seconded. Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:20PM Tentative May meeting agenda items • Work plan reports • Reservation fees proposal • Budget discussion • Subcommittee reports • New Parks Commissioner appointment