HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Dog Recreation Task Force - 11/09/2021
Common Area for Dogs Committee
DRAFT
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Members Present: Betty Milizia (Chair), Muriel More, Justin Palmer (Vice Chair), Linda Chaisson, Lisa
Yankowski, Mike Simoneau Molly Bezio
Staff Liaison: Justin Rabidoux
Member of Public: Barbara Sirvis, Andrew Gill (Director of Development – O’Brien Brothers), Carolyn
Orben (Landscape Architect – O’Brien Brothers)
1. Adopt Agenda: Agenda was adopted
2. Evacuation/Emergency: Justin R. described evacuation route in the event of emergency.
3. Public Comments: None
4. Proposed Dog Park at Eastview Development
Andrew Gill, Director of Development at the O’Brien Brothers, presented their plan for the dog
park at their Eastview Project. The park is roughly 1.8 acres which is isolated from the rest of
development to preserve the quiet enjoyment of nearby residents. The park will be fenced in with
a chain-link that would wind in and out of existing woods. The park is separated into two areas, an
area for large/social dogs and an area for small/timid dogs. The entrance, which includes gates, will
be stabilized with stone dust or something like it. There will be sitting areas scattered throughout
the park. A section of the dog park is on top of an archaeological site (roughly a foot under the soil),
which is protected by the state. All the benches and new plantings will be placed outside the
boundaries of the archaeological site. There is an opportunity to bring in a water line off the main,
but development would look to the city for the maintenance of the water line for change in
seasons. The park would be open to the public where those in the surrounding area could walk to
from their homes via recreation or by driving. There will be roughly 20 parallel parking spaces for
use by the public who visit the park.
Andrew projected that the project would start by fall 2022 and become finalize something in 2025-
2026.
5. Workplan for Committee on Common Areas for Dogs
Betty presented a draft of the Workplan including visions and priorities for the Committee. Most of
the work would require partnership with the Recreation Department. The Workplan was grouped
into four priorities:
(1) Work with Recreation Department to integrate the recreational needs of dogs in other city
initiatives.
(2) Establish public policies that address the inclusion of dogs in community life.
(3) Educate people on personal and social responsibilities regarding dogs.
(4) Community engagement and develop public/private relationships.
Betty highlighted an immediate need for off-lease space for dogs for the interim until a long-term
solution can be found. Betty, Justin P. and Molly will meet separately to come up with potential
solutions before next Committee meeting.
Betty will distribute draft Workplan to full Committee for further discussion during next meeting.
6. Other Business
None noted
Next Regular Scheduled Meeting: Tuesday, December 7th 6 – 7:30 PM