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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Recreation and Parks Committee - 02/22/2021Recreation and Parks Committee February 22 5:00-6:30 Agenda This meeting will be held virtually. Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/169296797 You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (646) 749-3122 Access Code: 169-296-797 5:00-5:05 Call meeting to order: Katie Changes or additions to the agenda Comments from the public not related to the agenda Approval of minutes from January 11, 2021 5:05-5:15 Kevin/Ilona- Ballot Review Q and A 5:15-5:50 Paul Connor- PUD presentation 5:50-6:00 Package Creation for Onboarding New City Manager 6:00-6:10 Develop strategies for ongoing communication to City Council 6:10-6:15 Public Outreach of Park Maintenance Status etc. 6:15-6:30 Work Plan Review Next Meeting: Monday March 8 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE Monday January 11, 2021 5 PM-6:30 PM Meeting Minutes Present: Mike Simoneau, William Sudbay Lauren Wedam, Katie Langrock, Christy Pilsucki, Jennifer Kochman, Jon Pence, Bill Barber Staff: Holly Rees Absent: Caroline Henne Guests: Betty Milizia, Michael Mittag, Janet Bellavance Meeting called to order at 5:04pm by Katie Langrock. Changes or additions to the agenda None Comments from the public not related to the agenda None Approval of minutes from December 14, 2020 meeting Motion to approve by Jennifer, Mike seconded the motion. Jennifer asked for formatting to be corrected prior to approving minutes and she would like the statement to Marla (Lauren was to draft this) to be the in the minutes record. Holly will correct format and include statement prior to submission. Jennifer moved to approve with additions, Mike seconded. All approved. Review of Annual Reports (Committee and Department) - Katie & Holly Holly said she is Happy to answer questions on the reports. Jennifer inquired about the plan to hire a Director of the senior center who will oversee programming and be autonomous. Jennifer said she would like to know if this person would work in concert with Holly still. Holly said yes, they would function independently but have oversight by Holly. Jennifer inquired about after hours programming at the center. Holly said yes, Brett and Ben from R&P will program that space in the evenings and weekends. They will use it for supplemental rental space during these times as well. Jennifer would like detail of the Director Job description and to know how programming will take place on evenings and weekends. Jennifer thanked Katie for doing the work on the plan. Katie said Holly did most of the legwork to create the plan. Director’s Report-Holly R&P plans to have a departmental level meeting to plan for next 6 months priorities. After that, they will plan the next six months after Tom and Kevin’s retirement to pave way for incoming administration. Holly said biggest priority is a new software system and that it needs to communicate with other systems within the City. Another priority is planning the physical movie to 180 Market including identifying what areas we retain for storage in current space. Holly said it is important to know City Council’s long-term plan about securing an indoor rec facility. The IRF has been a dropped subject since Covid. Discussed about the vote in March. Jennifer said it was not a direct vote up or down, it was an option tax that was voted down. Option tax could have covered a lot of things, so it was not a direct vote on IRF. Jennifer said it would be good to clarify this in the Director’s Report so there is no misunderstanding in the community. Holly said she will insert the actual ballot language into the Director’s Report. Holly said R&P priorities right now are the senior center and understanding the implications of the budget freeze. Discussed ongoing issue of off leash dogs at Red Rocks and other areas. If there is a plan for increase enforcement, will need seasonal park rangers back and there will be budget implications of this. If budget stays frozen, will need public messaging around this as the public may not know. Cents for Conservation Discussion- Jennifer This is an initiative from South Burlington land trust to add 2 cents of taxes to conservation fund for City to buy more open space land and preserve natural resources. They are thinking about Changing the name to Climate Change Action or something more desirable. Jennifer said some people are thinking of not signing up or signing up to communicate their feelings that people do not want increases in taxes. Jennifer added that the maintenance of current city land is deferred and not going at the pace we would like due to budget constraints; Holly would need another person to assist with this. Question for group, do we want to weigh in on this as this may come up on the March ballot? Jennifer said it is not a good time with City priorities and R&P priorities to add the 2 cents for conservation. Katie said the issue is that there are lots of people engaged in South Burlington, which is great, but the appetite for taxes does not match. The City needs to prioritize identified needs by all the committees in the City and decide. Mike said Affordable Housing committee voted to oppose the measure. Mike said he would like R&P to consider going on record opposing it as well. He said the 2 cents will increase with amortization. Mike said we need to support one another in opposing the open space agenda as their interests have dwarfed other agendas and there needs to be equity. Mike said it is a taxation and resource allocation issue. Jennifer said conservation is an R&P pillar though and so opposition does not need to be as aggressive, we should focus on our priorities like Katie said. Betty said it makes sense that affordable housing would be in opposition of it as they need space for housing. Katie said a year ago we asked the CC to hold all the priorities together and make decisions, not to just go with the first ask. Jan Bellavance said she is on the SB Land trust board, agrees there are lots of engaged people and the City is better with these rich conversations. Jan agreed with the limited resources and need to figure out as a City which direction we want to go. Jan said she wanted to correct Incorrect information that the Land Trust is not open to development in SE quadrant, they want to plan for a path forward to conserve land. Discussed that how we maintain open space is a concern and cautioned committee from moving into camps of open space good/bad, development good/bad. Jan said she wants to encourage people to think about climate change and how open space will help deal with some of the implications of it. There are a lot of extreme positions on this. Jennifer said we can be positive about R&P’’s our own priorities. Holly added that this is the second time in her short tenure that this has come up (Penny for Pathways, which was successful). Holly said she would like to return to the symposium where all committees present their priorities, and it is not the loudest that gets the attention. CC then looks at all the committees, the larger picture, identifies prioritization and a long-range work plan. Holly said this is a good opportunity to engage with one another as committee/board members. Michael Mittag said it is not a question of conservation or housing, can do both, it is not an either/or. Michael said there is plenty of space for both, just have to figure Out how and where. The Other Paper Connection: Holly Holly said R&P has had their relationship with the OP ebb and flow. Discussed importance of having R&P story told and having a connection with them. As things settled with management of OP, it would be a good idea to touch base with them and plan for ongoing communication as it has been sporadic more recently. R&P does not have as much of a voice as other committees do in the OP. Discussed helpful education campaigns (dogs, pack in/pack out, taking care of open space, etc.). Holly said we need to get our foot in the door with them. Jennifer said she likes the idea of every other week R&P report where we talk about positive things R&P is doing, upcoming plans and where to go with comments or questions, Katie inquired if the staff can keep up with something like this or can the committee help with this in some way? Holly said it is a good question and she will give it some thought. Holly said she likes Jennifer’s idea of an R&P report in the OP, states it will take time and an organized effort, but it is worth it. Dog Recreation/Dog Culture Task Force-Holly Holly said there has been discussion of creating a task force and plan is to move forward with this. City Manager said it is fine to set up without sitting in front of CC. Holly said there was some discussion that Mike was planning to be on it, Mike said he did not agree to this and would decline. Mike said he would be willing to sit on it temporarily until someone else can step in. Holly asked if someone from R&P would be willing to sit on committee to represent us. Holly said it would involve looking at ordinances, educational programs, and management practices. Holly said the goal is to try to get to a positive place between dog owners and non- dog owners, it is divisive now and would like peace and practicality. The committee will involve natural resources, Dog Park, R&P, members of public, and staff members. Holly would like someone to volunteer tonight or call her tomorrow to discuss. No one volunteered. Review South Village Open Spaces: Discuss DRB liaison Holly said DRB wants input from R&P often which is great, but they meet twice a month and R&P only meets once a month. Marla suggested a liaison from R&P committee would be helpful. Discussed that it may be good to have committee members assigned to other committees as well, this used to be the practice. Mike said each of us could be a liaison for different committees, Mike said he might have been the DRB person in the past and would be willing to do it again if no one else wants it as it is a natural fit with his profession. Jennifer said when they were assigned committees in the past it was mainly monitoring, not a liaison. She said it involved looking at minutes or attending meetings, in some way keeping up with the business. Question was raised that, even if we had a liaison with DRB, how would that person get input from R&P as we still only meet once a month? Jennifer suggests tabling this issue for now. Katie asked people to think about it. Current issue for DRB review - community pavilion at Lot 11c. They are looking for input on access and parking. Mike said it would be good to clarify if it is the association or the developer that is asking. Holly asked the committee if it would be okay for Mike and Holly to move forward with this and be the ones interfacing with the developer. Jennifer and committee feel fine with this. Creation of Annual Work Plan- Katie Katie said her initial question about the work plan is why the committee would have different priorities than R&P department. Jennifer said a focus for work plan should be looking at policies around open spaces and monitoring them. Holly said an example would be the IRF which is a desire for the Department, but advocacy and fundraising would be more for the committee. Reviewed priorities the committee sees right now: IRF Open space use Park asset management Social equity R&P access for all members of community Review of policies Summary of NRPA report Katie will flush out some of these areas. Other ideas: Bill Barber said he would like to see something related to graffiti in the parks and how to eliminate it Holly said formalizing the process, structure and expectations of park maintenance would be helpful Jennifer said two-way communication with public, including messaging of accomplishments, needs and priorities. Jennifer said this is an important part of our roles as committee members. Katie will take feedback, flush out, share with group and then resubmit it to City. Holly said it there are targets we need to hit (like facetime with CC), would be good to build that into work plan. Adjourned at 6:29pm. Motion to adjourn by Mike. Seconded by Bill Barber. Respectfully submitted, Christy Pilsucki 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov TO: Kevin Dorn, City Manager, City of South Burlington FROM: Ashley Parker, City Project Manager Cc: Tom Hubbard, Deputy City Manager SUBJECT: Current Status of Open Space Projects and Funding DATE: December 3, 2020 At the end of the fiscal year 2020, the Open Space Project Fund expenditure balance was approximately $794,123.32 with approximately $87,600.00 spent on improvements, land stewardship, and projects; and $123,635.87 spent on the loan repayment. The Open Space Task Force had created a list of Open Space Priorities that were both project specific and on-going for the following City Natural Areas: Red Rocks Park, Wheeler Nature Park, and the Underwood Parcel. Attached is that original document with an added update column indicating current project status. Below is a snap shot of which projects or related tasks have been completed to-date, as well as those projects that are underway for possible FY21 completion. It is important to note that many projects did experience some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic as staff was furloughed and there were conflicts with many of the consultants working with staff on projects. As a result, there are many projects that are now looking at implementation in late FY21 or FY22. The projects/tasks completed to date are: Red Rocks Park: • Professional invasive plant management services throughout the growing season, including training of new City volunteers in connection with the Weed Warrior Program. • Design and installation of new wayfinding signage in the park, including kiosks and interpretive signs. • Consultants have completed the first phase of stormwater analysis at the park to assist us in determining permitting needs for the trail and stormwater projects. • Continued conversation with state and local permitting authorities to discuss permitting requirements for the needed work at the park. • Wetland delineation was completed in September. This was a requirement by the state for permitting. • Working with consultants to continue permitting work with the goal of permitting and constructing at least two projects at the end of FY21/beginning of FY22. Projects wrapped into this permitting include: trail improvements, stormwater facilities, culvert protection at the beach, shoreline stability, and parking layout improvements. 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov • Held two successful Community Hike events that were led by several representatives of the South Burlington and Williston Master Naturalist programs. More events were planned for the calendar year, but COVID cancelled many of them. These events are an effort to bring people into City Natural Areas to learn more about them and become more engaged in their management. • Formed Management Plan Task Force and began meeting to discuss the revision/update process of the existing Red Rocks Management Plan. Project is in the update phase with the goal of presenting something to Committees in March/April 2021. Wheeler Nature Park: • Professional invasive plant management services throughout the growing season, including training of new City volunteers in connection with the Weed Warrior Program. • Completed a review of existing wayfinding signage. • Received language for five new interpretive signs created by a UVM NR206 group. • A second UVM NR206 group completed mapping of invasive plant populations at Wheeler to upgrade the information already contained in City files. • Working on design of all new wayfinding signs, to be installed end of FY21/early FY22. • Received completed trail assessment report for the park, and set plan for phasing of needed trail maintenance projects. • Completed maintenance on two trail segments – the Goldenrod Trail and the Park Road access trail. New puncheon was installed along the Goldenrod Trail, and stone stairs were installed along the access trail. Staff is planning out the implementation of additional trail projects to occur end of FY21/early FY22. • Held two successful Community Hike events that were led by several representatives of the South Burlington Master Naturalist program. More events were planned for the calendar year, but COVID cancelled many of them. These events are an effort to bring people into City Natural Areas to learn more about them and become more engaged in their management. • Began conversations with Audubon Vermont and US Fish & Wildlife to consider bird habitat management projects at Wheeler. Fish & Willdife has grant money that is provided to Audubon to work on projects. Wheeler is a great site for invasive plant management that will support unique and rare bird species, and they would like to conduct this kind of work there. This work will build off the work already being done by City staff and through our Weed Warrior program via Mike Bald. Staff is working on finalizing an agreement with Audubon that would allow this work to take place over winter (during FY21). Underwood Parcel: • Professional invasive plant management services throughout the growing season. The Weed Warrior program was not able to kick off here this year due to COVID. 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov • Staff worked with Common Roots to identify location for well and utility access and installation. • A UVM NR206 group completed mapping of the existing trails on the Underwood parcel to aid staff in the planning of a more formal trail network. This group also identified places where wayfinding could go, as well as noting points of access throughout the property. • Staff selected a design/engineer consultant to begin design of Phase 1 park facilities, including a proposed ~1,500 foot long shared use path connection. Plans are at 30% completion and have been presented to Committees for review and input. These plans will be going through the permitting process, with a goal of construction summer 2021. • Staff released an RFP for the design of a viewing area, on-site parking, and pedestrian connectivity elements. These pieces were separated out from Phase 1 early on so that a more specialized consultant could be brought on to help create a more rustic feel for this element. Staff is hopeful that the construction of this element could be coordinated with the construction of the shared use path in 2021. • Staff reviewed possibilities for on-street parking to allow for better access to the park by the public. DPW is able to stripe parking on Nowland Farm Rd. Adding markings to the street would also help slow traffic down on Nowland Farm by narrowing the lanes of traffic. Staff hopes to do this work in conjunction with the formaization of the trail network (spring 2021/early summer 2021). • Staff engaged with a consultant to complete a trail assessment report to aid in the planning for trail formalization at the park. This work should begin fall 2020/spring 2021, with implementation planned for summer 2021. Projects Underway for FY21 Completion: Red Rocks Park: • Completed permitting at the state and local level for proposed trail and stormwater projects within the park. • Implement two priority trail improvement projects, including the formalization of a side trail, closure of CWD metal staircase and other unnecessary trails, and installation of relevant stormwater infrastructure. Plan implementation of other trail and park projects. • Complete design work for shoreline stabilization project, to potentially include new plantings and riprap. • Complete design work for the parking lot formalization project, to potentially include paving, striping, signage, fencing, and new gate. • Complete design work for the beach culvert protection project, to potentially include a swale and a removal of the partially exposed pipe on the beach. • Completion of another season of invasive plant removal work, including work by professional consultant and the City’s Weed Warrior program. 575 Dorset Street, South Burlington, Vermont 05403 | 802-846-4107 | www.southburlingtonvt.gov • Draft Update to the existing Red Rocks Park Management Plan prepared by the Management Plan Task Force. • Submission of grant application(s) to supplement Open Space Funds for the trail improvement/stormwater work at the park. • Continue Community Hike series at the park (schedule at least 3 hikes). Wheeler Nature Park: • Complete three additional trail maintenance projects identified in the Trail Assessment and Report (may initiate in FY21 and complete in FY22). • Fabricate and install new wayfinding signs for the entire park. • Completion of another season of invasive plant removal work, including work by professional consultant and the City’s Weed Warrior program. • Continue Community Hike series at the park (schedule at least 3 hikes). • Initiate review and update of the existing Wheeler Nature Park Management Plan (work to be led by Management Plan Task Force). • Initiate bird habitat management work in partnership with Audubon Vermont and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Underwood Parcel: • Complete the permitting, design and engineering, and construction of the shared use path connection, viewing area, on-site parking, and pedestrian connections as laid out in Phase 1 and Phase 1.2. • Continue and expand upon the invasive plant removal work begun in FY 20, including work by professional consultant and the City’s Weed Warrior program. • Initiate Community Hike series at the park (schedule at least 3 hikes). • Begin the design of wayfinding signage – identify the location of all signs and begin design of what information we need to display. • Complete formalization of trail network on the property that will improve public access, including the identification of meadow and wood loops that clearly connect to each other. • Upon completion of the Phase 1 and Phase 1.2 park elements, begin drafting park management plan in coordination with the Management Plan Task Force. Priority & Work List for July 2020 - June 2021 The committee’s themes remain consistent year over year, supporting our mission, the Recreations & Park department and our community. 1. Continued focus on creating an Indoor Recreation Facility for the future in South Burlington a. Advocacy i. Initial advocacy around education that the March 2020 vote was not against an indoor facility but rather an increase in taxes to support this project. b. Fundraising c. Costing Review d. Begin planning for timeline 2. Provide ongoing review and input to development projects in the community that promote opportunities or potential opportunities for recreation that serves all members of the community. a. Consider official committee liaison to work with RDB. This Liaison would have the support of the committee to work with the RDB and developers with the expectation that some of the projects will need to be presented to the committee. Work is needed to outline this committee position, responsibilities and expectations. 3. Prioritize social equity and the role that the committee has in providing recreation and parks access for all members of our community 4. Research and document South Burlington’s Recreation & Park Department in comparison with appropriate national data. Using annual update from NRPA study to identify trends. 5. Open Space Management a. Continue to have a perspective and voice in the use of South Burlington’s open space. b. Advocate for recreational access for all in our community on city owned property 6. Park Asset Management a. Formalize process, structure and expectations of park maintenance from the perspective of the committee and of the community that visit our parks 7. Review the opportunity to increase communication with our community. a. Ensure Recreation & Parks Department has opportunity to present to the City Council at least annually. b. Committee & Departmental outreach around education & advocacy i. Sharing the recreational and park needs, priorities and accomplishments