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 February 21, 2017 Present: Bryan Pfeiffer, Carolyn Grodinsky, Sarah Swenson, Bill Johnson (Dan Dickerson on deployment with the Vermont National Guard) Summer and Winter events The Onion River Sports snowshoe event was well attended and well regarded; Alec estimated about 100 people there. Alec proposed a Summer Festival in Hubbard Park, from July 21-23 (in collaboration with Senior Center and Recreation Department). Estimated cost: $10,000, most of which to be covered by fundraising. Camping, music and events. The Commission supported this festival and will continue to monitor its progress. Budget update The Commission discussed options for raising an unexpectedly high level of revenue in the coming fiscal year to fund parks operations; commissioners were concerned that the task would detract from routine park management (trails, signs, etc.). Caretaker housing The Commission will review terms and conditions requiring the Hubbard Park caretaker to rent the house in the park to determine if it is fair and appropriate for the caretaker’s salary. Bryan will incorporate all the information into a unified document, then take it to Bill Frasier, after Parks Commission approval. Signs Geoff and Alec will develop a new series of signs for the park. The Commission will review initial designs and strategies at coming meetings. Executive Session The Commission entered executive session to discuss property negotiations. Upon ending the executive session and taking no formal action, the Commission voted to adjourn. March Agenda: • Approval of December and February minutes • Vernal pool management • International volunteers • Discussion of ways to raise revenues • Kiosk info update - Fab • Summer festival update www.montpelier-vt.org/464/Parks-Commission parks-commission@montpelier-vt.org 802.223.7335