HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Dog Park Committee - 02/20/2019
South Burlington Dog Park Commi ee
APPROVED
Mee ng Minutes
February 20, 2019
Present: Barb Sirvis (at-large), Linda Chiasson (at-large), Be y Milizia (NRC), Mike Simoneau (R&P), Maggie Leugers (staff)
Public Guest: Kate Lukas
1. Safety Procedures. Maggie briefed the group on safety procedures.
2. Appoint Clerk. Linda Chiasson served as clerk.
3. Adopt Agenda. Mike Simoneau moved/Be y Milizia seconded. Agenda adopted as slightly amended.
4. Minutes of February 4, 2019 – Be y Milizia moved/Mike Simoneau seconded. Minutes approved.
5. Review results of SoBu Dog Park Survey.
The Commi ee reviewed the results of the Survey and noted the following points of greatest importance. (See
a ached.)
6. Review Community Forum results.
The Commi ee reviewed the notes from the Community Forum and iden fied points of greatest importance.
(See a ached.)
7. Iden fy trends in the Community Forum and Survey results.
The Commi ee compared the results of both the Survey and the Community Forum. There were significant
overlaps. Of greatest importance was the comment: “Be thorough and get it right!” (See a ached.)
8. Prepare for Jus n Rabidoux mee ng on March 4th.
Be y Milizia presented examples of non-rectangular site designs. A lively discussion ensued about design
considera ons. Some members of the DPC want to explore op ons related to expansion of the exis ng dog park
at Farrell. That will be a topic of discussion with Jus n Rabidoux.
Barb will contact Jus n tomorrow to provide ini al parameters for discussion on March 4th. These will
include:
a. Farrell Dog Park expansion possibili es?
b. Timeframe for modifica on of exis ng and/or construc on of new parks?
c. Amenity op ons: non-rectangular fencing (and non-chain link op ons), parking/accessibility,
drainage, running water, shade (natural or constructed), pea gravel surface.
Others on the DPC want to proceed with review of the previously-iden fied sites. Ul mately, the Commi ee
agreed that Barb Sirvis (Chair) would contact Paul Conner to discuss City-owned but not necessarily Parks &
Recrea on property that might be considered for a dog park. If appropriate, she will invite Paul to the March 4th
or a subsequent DPC Mee ng. Barb will ask Paul to consider property that may be considered by some to be of a
non-tradi onal shape.
9. Adjournment. Mike Simoneau moved and Linda Chiasson seconded the mo on to adjourn at 6:45 p.m.
SOBU DOG PARK COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 20, 2019
REVIEW OF SURVEY RESULTS
· Loca on
o Parking
o Reasonable distance
o Near Chamberlin
o Dorset Street
o Walk/trails
o Not happy with Farrell
o Size
· Ameni es
o Different surface
o Running water
o Shade
o Place to sit
o Natural areas
o Shape/corners
· “Rules”/opera on
o Cleanliness
o Opera ng hours
o Control their dog
o Individual responsibility
o “Self-policing”
· Other
o Educate the community about “why” no longer at Patchen or Kirby (private property and FAA)
[Starr Farm = no amendments to surface; weather use; ini al/outset issue?]
Pea gravel = inexpensive; water down once/month; wood chips absorb urine
REVIEW OF COMMUNITY FORUM COMMENTS/DISCUSSION
· Loca on
· Ameni es
o Running water but no bowls
· Other
o Puppy classes/dog training
o By-products
§ Social opportuni es
§ Reduce environmental damage in prohibited areas, e.g., Wheeler & Red Rocks
§ A rac on to new residents
TRENDS IN THE SURVEY & FORUM RESULTS
Forum reinforced survey/DPC efforts
· Loca on
o Large and places for dogs to run
o Separate for small and large dogs
o Enough distance away from residents to avoid noise nuisance
o No flat surface necessary (with ADA access)
o Natural areas/ameni es – trees, shade
o Both sides of town!!
· Ameni es
o Shelter/shade
o Running water
o Benches
o Poop bags
o Trash containers
· “Rules”/opera on
· Other
o Be thorough and get it right!!
· Future plans/needs
o Must have vs. nice to have??