HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 04/12/2021
Recreation and Parks Committee
April 11, 2021 5:00-6:30
Agenda
This meeting was held virtually via Zoom.
In attendance: Katie Langrock, Holly Reese, Jennifer Kochman, Bill Barber, Will
Sudbay, Mike Simoneau, Betty Milizia, Caroline Henne, Lauren Wedam
Absent: Jon Pence, Christy Pilsucki
5:06 Katie called meeting to order.
Holly added 180 Market Street Opening timing and plans to agenda
No comments from the public unrelated to the agenda.
5:10 Katie highlighted two committee seats that are up for renewal. She
has heard from one committee member and is awaiting word from
second member. Both positions require re-application process.
5:17 Betty Milizia of Dog Recreation Task Force/ Dog Park Committee
commented on long history of DPC to work towards designated area
at Underwood property and still awaiting actual construction of
project. Justin is coordinating DPC meeting tomorrow night and will
update folks regarding updates concerning project timeline.
5:23 Holly provided update for Jessie to begin Onboarding as New City
Manager. Process to be coordinated by executive committee (Kati
5:29 Mike provide update DRB, re: 1730 Spear St—49 units, combination
of SF homes, duplexes and triplexes. They have plans for open space
to include variety of options to community. Current plans appear to
be thorough and will likely move through IZ review. Holly added that
this property is a key component (“gap connector”) to backwoods of
Underwood property and Southwood properties and South Village.
5:35 Katie addressed the committee to inquire about the prospect of
establishing a work plan “action” plan in which individual members
of the RPC can select an item on the work plan and be responsible for
updating fellow committee members on action related to this item.
Holly added comment about communications and pervasive lack of
community spirit related to beach fires, disregard for scoop laws with
dogs, lack of respect for trash.
Will expressed concern for similar behaviors in Burlington and the
need to create a public campaign to draw attention to these issues
and rally people to take action and encourage community members
to be vigilant and help each other keep our parks and recreation
paths clean.
Holly noted that Green Up Day not as coordinated an effort with
Land Trust as before, but will be taking place on May 2. Need to beef
up efforts to include more community effort to clean things up.
Recreation and Parks can provide bags and gloves to get people
involved to help take on some of the burden. How do we message
community to encourage engagement in this process?
5:48 Holly presented Directors report. Process for City Hall offices will
begin in June and all offices should be back and running as of July.
After that time, may have more opportunities for committees to
meet in person. Paul Connor has indicated uptick in community
involvement with COVID changes and many committee members
able to attend meetings remotely, but may have challenges with in-
person attendance due to work/childcare challenges. Might be
hybrid system moving forward.
180 Market Street opening celebration planning is in the works.
Awaiting guidance from governor’s office regarding in-person
gatherings. Details TBD
SoBu Night Out—tentatively scheduled for Thursday nights to begin
July 1. Will be opening up to as many as possible in anticipation of
loosening guidelines as more and more people get vaccinated.
Katie
Updated software for Recreation and Parks Department that is cloud
based and more user friendly. Should make registration easier for
programs.
Senior Center is on schedule. Recreation and Parks planning move
and working with Coralee to make preparations for physical
relocation. Will retain space at City Hall for operations.
Will be getting new offline vehicle for use by recreation and parks.
Currently three staff members and will post for senior center
program director. After that is filled, will fill Ben’s position.
6:03 Coralee provided information regarding use of Google Drive.
Consolidation of information in one location. Google Drive through
City Web Site. It is a repository for committee members to view
documents as part of committee work and have one location to
update and track historical data or working documents. Coralee will
send link to sign in. Begin by clicking on Google Drive icon (triangle).
Options located on left sidebar. Click on Shared with Me and will be
connected to individual committee folders which contain public
documents. Be aware of Open Meeting Law and restrictions
concerning modifications of documents by committee members.
6:20 Holly continued director’s report. Chalk the Walk to happen again
(dates TBD). Thursdays in June food trucks at Veterans Park. Meal
opportunities to be organized throughout the summer in
coordination with schools. Also looking to do CIT trainings
throughout the summer. CIP-Farrell and Wheeler updates, as well as
basketball courts updated to include pickle ball lines to support
increased need. Veterans Park bathrooms slated to be updated in
October. Increased user groups warrant this upgrade. Overlook Park
pavement plan took place and next phase is completing buffering
plan to remove pine trees, which has started with planting of Cedar
trees. Fully up and running with field maintenance and start of
lacrosse and baseball programs. HR is working on filling vacancies for
park maintenance at large. Katie recommended that posting be
placed on Facebook to alert local college kids who may be looking for
summer work.
6:32 Mike motioned to call the meeting.
Next Meeting: Monday May 10