HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Dog Park Committee - 02/03/2020
Dog Park Committee
APPROVED
Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 3, 2020
Members Present: Larry Kupferman (Interim Chair), Mike Simoneau (Vice Chair Recreation & Parks
Committee, Linda Chiasson, Maggie Leugers (City Advisor), Betty Milizia, Kate Lukas, Molly Bezio
Members Absent: Muriel More
City Staff Present: Justin Rabidoux
1. Safety Procedures:
Maggie directed the group to exit through administration offices to back parking lot of building
2. Appointed Clerk:
Molly Bezio
3. Adopt Agenda:
Agenda adopted as presented.
4. Minutes:
Approved January 6, 2020 minutes.
5. Update Wheeler Homestead Wetlands – Justin
a) Lamoureux & Dickinson of Essex has been engaged for new dog park design including request to
maximize space available while remaining practical to get through local permitting process. For
timeframe, March meeting for sketch plan review to assist with framework with preliminary
plan. To ensure timelines are met, it is recommended that several meetings are held in advance
of sketch plan review. DPC may want to plan for a public forum between sketch and preliminary
map of Wheeler Dog Park. Estimate of $4K for initial work by consultant. Justin will check in with
consultant to see if end of February is possible to have rough draft available.
b) For wetlands that may be present within potential dog park, it may be possible to fence off area
to protect wetland area.
c) Project is in FY21 budget which begins July 1, 2020. Construction cannot begin until funds are
available unless we get approval from City.
d) Plan is to start the permitting process in March. Fencing companies typically only require 3-4
weeks lead time. Rough estimate to install outer fence is roughly 1 week.
6. Upgrades to Farrell Dog Park – Justin
a) DPC needs to decide where and what type of water provisions are desired at Farrell Dog Park.
There is an existing water line on Southern Border of Farrell Park, through the park and into the
woods. Spring construction is not allowable until April 15, 2020.
b) Setting/resetting corner gate posts on small dog park side. There is potential to put in a new gate
to allow larger equipment into the park. For winter maintenance, could possibly spread gravel or
crown and regrade surface to allow for water run-off. Justin has fill available from another recent
project.
c) One user of Dog Park had requested handicap parking spot, which Justin noted may already exist.
d) If competing for land use such as parking, there are low key options available such as overflow
parking in employee parking of correctional center or signs to designate parking space for Park.
7. Reports
a) Friends of Dog Parks (Betty)
i. Brochure drafted to be handed out with licenses
ii. Valentine’s Day Event on Saturday, February 8th to be held at Wheeler from 9 – 11 AM
iii. Shared proposal for temporary sign to place at Wheeler to indicate placement of future
dog park
b) Recreation & Parks Committee (Mike)
i. No need reports
8. Future Agenda Items:
a) Plan for design and construction phases of Wheeler Dog Park
b) Implementation of fundraising strategies
c) Future site planning
d) On-Going Evaluation Plan
e) Continue Public Forums
9. Meeting Schedule:
a) Thursday, February 20th, meet at 7:30 AM at Farrell
b) Monday, March 2, 2020 – 6-7:30 PM
Meeting adjourned at 7:21 PM.