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 April 20, 2017 Present: Bryan Pfeiffer, Bill Johnson, Carolyn Grodinsky, Sarah Swenson, and Daniel Dickerson Convened: 7:05pm in Police Station Meeting Room Agenda: Agenda amended and approved. Motion by Carolyn; Bill seconded. Zoning/Greenprint Update: Carolyn, Dan and Geoff had previously attended a Conservation Commission meeting to discuss the proposed zoning update. Geoff summarized the meeting and described the possibility of promoting an official city map, on which the Parks Commission could prioritize areas of the city for future parks and/or trails. Commissioners discussed the concept of an official map and then had a general discussion about the zoning update. Carolyn then moved that the Parks Commission vote to approve the creation of an official city conservation map reflecting the Parks Greenprint and other conservation priorities in partnership with the Conservation Commission. Sarah seconded and the motion passed. Revenue/Budget Discussion: The city-passed budget did not include funding for an Americorps position. The Parks Dept., Recreation Dept., and Senior Activity Center need to collectively raise $20,000 to fund the position in FY18. Commissioners voiced concern that Parks is generally not a revenue-generating operation, whereas, the Recreation Dept. and SAC can raise various activities fees. The Commissioners discussed being more proactive at budget time to avoid future funding gaps. Director and Caretaker Updates: 1. Group Permission forms. The Director has received shelter rental forms for two gatherings. One rental would be July 1 for approximately 120 people at the old shelter, and the other would be June 25 for approximately 70 people at the new shelter. Dan moved and Brian seconded to approve the two rental requests. 2. Signage. Alec passed around samples of new signage for park trails. Commissioners discussed signage locations and what landmarks should receive signage focus. Commissioners voiced approval for ongoing efforts. 3. Bandstand. Commissioners discussed a possible permanent bandstand to be constructed in a field near the old shelter. The complicated part of the work could be done for $1500-$2000 and NCCC volunteers could finish the rest. This could be an extra rental item. Commission voiced approval to construct the bandstand with potential leftover capital fund dollars. 4. NCCC. Nine volunteers will arrive early May and stay until June and will work on removing woody invasives from the park and possibly work on trail improvements in North Branch Park. Parks Dept. received an $8k grant to buy trees and shrubs to replace the invasives and provide year-round shade th to prevent future invasives. Commissioners will hold a potluck for the volunteers on May 4 . 5. Nature Trail Bridge. Commissioners discussed a possible bridge to lead from the vernal pool uphill to an existing trail (~200 ft.) and provide a wetland interpretive experience. Commissioners voiced approval. 6. “Parkapalooza.” All is well. Carolyn moved and Bill seconded to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters and property issues. Motion passed. Dan moved and Carolyn seconded to exit executive session. Motion passed. Dan moved and Carolyn seconded to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:15pm. www.montpelier-vt.org/464/Parks-Commission parks-commission@montpelier-vt.org 802.223.7335