Parks Commission

Dan Dickerson Carolyn Grodinsky Bill Johnson Bryan Pfeiffer, Chairman Sarah Swenson Geoff Beyer, Parks Director Alec Ellsworth, Parks Caretaker Montpelier Parks Commission – Meeting Minutes December 20, 2016 Present: Bryan Pfeiffer, Carolyn Grodinsky, Sarah Swenson, Bill Johnson (Dan Dickerson on deployment with the Vermont National Guard) Convened 7:03 in City Hall meeting room Agenda and November Minutes – Agenda amended and approved; minutes approved with minor amendments (to be reflected on final version of minutes). Budget Update — Parks budget survived with a small cut, which Geoff says is reasonable given the city’s budget constraints. Cut mostly out of capital equipment and improvement. If Parks generate extra revenue, Geoff says, we can spend it. Community Services Department — Arne, Jana and Geoff presented on the “merger” at last City Council meeting. Not much by way of inquiries from the Council. “It’s moving forward, as if it’s happening,” Geoff says. Fundraising and grant writing will be a big part of this transition’s success. Caution (from Geoff): He remains concerned about parks with a “one-director” model. Parks Director Report — We used up Conservation Commission funding for fencing for vernal pool. Most important sides are up. Recent rain was hard on trails, making them icy and with post holes; it’s taking more grooming time. Fire Department responded to emergency call at Old Shelter: a teen-ager wanted a selfie from between the beams. Fire Department had to pull a beam to free her. So that’s a repair job awaiting. Geoff believes the building is structurally sound, but he’ll watch it if we get more snow and might have to close during a rain event. Alec is gone until January 6 and our AmeriCorps worker, Emily, is away. Geoff is “holding down the fort.” Executive Session — To move acquisition forward, Bill moves to make an offer at appraised value on two parcels, pending approval from the City Council. Carolyn seconds. Bill motion to adjourn. Sarah seconds. We adjourn at 7:57PM Next Agenda: • kiosk management • revenue ideas • getting more parks volunteer support www.montpelier-vt.org/464/Parks-Commission parks-commission@montpelier-vt.org 802.223.7335