HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Dog Park Committee - 03/12/2008 DOG PARK COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MARCH 12, 2008
PRESENT: Lisa Ventriss, Jamie Heins, Joan Jarvis, Claire Williams, Howard Goldberg,
and Tom Hubbard
ALSO PRESENT: Chuck Brodsky, Betty Milizia, David Scheuer&Michelle Holgate of
Retrovest Corp.
First meeting of formally organized meeting, Lisa as Chair.
Betty Milizia commented on talking with animal control person 10 years ago about
developing a dog park, excited to see something now in the works.
David Scheuer presented some idea of plans for South Village:
-South Village community of 340 homes-
-talking with city about recreation needs and recreation impact fees
-South Village had been considering a dog park for residents and said if we
wanted they would build a dog park if we (city)would run it.
-want rec. areas in South Village to mesh with city facilities.
-project is an 8 year build out
-originally proposed a small dog park on Southern end of property wanted to
consider some parking on local street in the development.
-they"want to be host of 1st public dog park in So. Burlington"
Lisa inquired as to how decisions are reached regarding the placement of facilities on a
site. Tom indicated that discussions are ongoing at this time with Recreation, Planning&
City Manager. All decisions require City Council approval.
South Village land for dog park&rec. areas would be deeded to the city.
One of the proposed areas for a dog park would be a little more than an acre.
Claire clarified with David that South Village would build the dog park according to best
practices.
Joan asked about the timing for building the project and David said he would tie this in
and it would coincide with recreational fields build out. David also confirmed that this
would be a public facility for all users, not just residents of South Village.
Joan asked what was being proposed to accommodate parking. David is currently
awaiting the standards from city zoning.
Southern end is actually all or partially in town of Shelburne. If this location is selected,
the dog park would have to follow Shelburne regulations.
Claire expressed some concern about how far it is to South Village location. Initial
conversation with Chuck Hafter has indicated that if this plan does goes through,there
could be consideration for an additional dog park somewhere else in the city.
Tom says with regard to South Village location City would require off-street parking and
at the very minimum, at least one acre of land.
Lisa confirmed with Chuck Brodsky on pricing on Starr Farm build out, from previous
minutes. Chuck verified that the amount was correct 7 years ago ($5300)but it did not
include the cost for the parking lot. Water was already in place as a former community
garden lot area.
Committee reviewed the results of the survey from residents registering their dogs with
the City Clerk's Office. So far 28 surveys have been completed, and it should be busy
over the next few weeks with the April 1st deadline approaching. Tom expressed his
appreciation to the Clerk's office and staff for their willingness to assist with this effort.
Initial results are very favorable and encouraging.
Committee reviewed the scope of work and formally adopted it as a guideline.
Public parks and lands were discussed as possible options for a dog park site. Red Rocks
is already on the committee's list to visit, and while other areas might accommodate a
dog park, such as Farrell Park,the crucial need for recreational field space can not be
compromised at this time. Szymanski Park also has significant acreage,but is nestled
closely between neighborhoods and noise would present a problem, as well as lack of
parking.
Betty suggested the Dorset Park natural area as a consideration, close to where she lives
at the Village at Dorset Park. The area is currently used as a leashed area for dogs.
There is concern about this area designated as an open space area, and whether or not
there would be city support for this site.
Other possible site locations included Technology Park, Wheelock Farm,Leduc Farm,
Cider Mill Farm area and Butler Farm area.
There was some general discussion on East Woods area and concerns about parking and
dog safety.
Committee approved the site inventory&analysis criteria sheet.
Discussion on city wide meeting as outlined in scope of work and what would be
presented at public forum focus groups. Lisa recommended that we would review our
findings thus far, and what has been done by committee to date. Lisa suggested doing a
public commentary meeting the last part of April-projected dates are April 29 or 30th.
rti Advertisement in Other Paper for 17th&24t. Tom will work with Lisa to draft the ad for
The Other Paper.
Lisa asked for everyone to confirm schedule to be available for 29th or 30th and respond
to Tom.
Lisa asked for a vote to approve phase I of scope of work. It was moved and seconded
and unanimously passed to approve Phase I scope of work.
April 5th was discussed as best date for site visit to various locations. Details will be
confirmed by email.
April 9th was confirmed as next committee meeting date.
Lisa suggested time be spent on 9th discussing what would be presented at public forum
meeting. Suggestion was made to hand out surveys to attendees at public forum and that
perhaps we could include a more inclusive survey,more detailed.
Lisa suggested how the dog park would be managed, funded,being discussed at June
committee meeting.
Meeting adjourned 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Jarvis, Secretary