Parks Commission

05/17 Parks Commission Meeting Minutes – Meeting commenced 7:05 Commissioner’s present: Bryan Pfeiffer, Bill Johnson, Sarah Swenson (3 out of the 4 active commissioners). Revise and Approve this agenda: -Marilyn has questions about signs - moving the “caretaker cabin” discussion to the end of the meeting Bill moves to approve the above changes to the agenda and Sarah seconds, all in favor. April Meeting minutes - Sarah motions to approve, Bill seconds, all in favor Reservation Fees Proposal (7:10) The background on this proposal is that there is a new “fees” item in the revenue part of the budget this year, meaning that the Parks Department is obligated to raise $1000 from shelter reservations (and $3000 from the Enchanted Forest event). There was questions about how much was raised in the past, Geoff said a rough average raised was about $1500, after expenses. The commission had a discussion of appropriate fees for different user groups, and came up with a new fee structure that will be enacted starting with shelter reservations where the date of the reservation is after June 1st. (attached as a separate document). Bill Johnson made the motion to approve this fee structure, and Sarah Swenson seconded the motion. Parks Director and Caretaker Reports and items (7:35) - Dog ordinance - The dog ordinance committee will be meeting tomorrow. After they come up with suggestions those suggestion will be sent around for review before going to city council. The above committee is currently looking at other models and the fine structure for license violations. - Storywalk – the event has been held in the past and this year it is being proposed by a book author. There were no objections from the commission as there is no commercial operation in the park. - Volkssport Association Walk – Geoff gave an update of the group and described that it is mostly a walking a group. No objections came from the commission. - Community Service Forum – Alec gave an update about the city going through a process to combine the Parks with the Rec. Dept., MSAC and the Cemetary. He and Geoff are suggesting that the Parks Dept. take a commission meeting to pull in Parks constituents to both inform them about this merger and take input. The commission decided to start the June meeting early at 6:30.  - Concerts in the Park: The commission is now looking at a one-time event this summer. The commission agreed to leave the issue to Geoff and Alec to coordinate. - Yoga at the Old Shelter: the Senior Center would like to reserve the shelter for up to 12 weeks for sessions during the daytime on a weekday. The commission decided to let the yoga session happen without a fee (but suggesting a donation) this year but warn them of a fee for next year. A discussion ensued about when to implement reservation fees. Bill put forward a motion to repeal the above motion to enact the new fee schedule for reservations after June 1st. Sarah seconded, all in favor. A new motion was made by Bill to enact the new fee schedule for reservations where the use is after July 1st (the new fiscal year). Sarah seconded, all in favor. - Marilyn Mode brought to the commission that she has spoken with an attorney about setting up a 501©3 for the “Friends of Montpelier Parks” to help form an organization to raise money for the parks. She is looking for members to serve on the board of this organization. - Sign discussion – Marilyn Mode expressed an interest in moving the dog code of conduct of sign that was put up near the winter st. entrance. The commission agreed to move it across the road. Work Plan Reports (8:30) – skipped since there are no work plans to report New Parks Commissioner appointment (8:30) Sarah makes a motion to go into executive session to discuss the parks commissioner appointment and the cabin at the caretaker’s house. Bill seconds.