Parks Commission

Carolyn Grodinsky Bill Johnson Bryan Pfeiffer, Chairman Sarah Swenson Geoff Beyer, Parks Director Alec Ellsworth, Parks Caretaker Montpelier Parks Commission – Meeting Minutes October 18, 2016 Commissioners Present: Sarah Swenson, Bryan Pfeiffer, Carolyn Grodinsky Staff: Geoff Beyer, Alec Ellsworth Meeting Start: 7PM Review, revise and approve this agenda (including items suggested by citizen visitors) Dan moves to approve agenda with removal of caretaker house discussion. Sarah seconds. Unanimous. Approve September meeting minutes Dan motioned, Sarah seconded - approved Montpelier Zoning Update (including Sabin’s Pasture) and letter to Montpelier Planning Commission Carolyn to send final language of letter to the Montpelier Planning Commission, with a reference to suggest that our emphasis “includes, but is not limited to,” Sabin’s Pasture Motion (Carolyn) to provisionally approve of the letter with text that it isn’t specifically linked to Sabin’s Pasture. Dan seconded. Unanimous Community Services Department Commissioner discussed current plans for merging city department, including the Parks Department, into a Community Services Department. With concerns about autonomy of Parks and the effectiveness of the merger, the Commission will continue its discussions at future meetings. Parks Budget The Commission reviewed preliminary capital budget figures, and will consider the Parks Budget in greater detail at a special meeting on Tuesday, November 1, at 7PM, at the Police Department Conference Room. Bryan suggests that Geoff sends the budget to Parks Commission by October 29. Two Parks commissioners could tweak the budget before the Nov 5th budget meeting with the city. Parks Director and Parks Caretaker reports • Vernal pool fencing – Conservation Commission will pay for the rest of the materials needed. This work may be completed this fall. Geoff will let us know if we need any volunteers and if so, how many. • Parks staff replaced two bridges in the North Branch River Park and need to do two more § Enchanted Forest update – A huge success. Appears the event net $2500 to the Parks Department. Next year, need to insure fees paid to artists is within the budget Sarah motioned to adjourn, Carolyn seconded. Unanimous. 8:55PM www.montpelier-vt.org/464/Parks-Commission parks-commission@montpelier-vt.org 802.223.7335