HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Common Areas for Dogs Committee - 01/11/2022
Common Area for Dogs Committee
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Members Present: Betty Milizia (Chair), Justin Palmer (Vice Chair), Muriel More, Linda Chiasson, Lisa
Yankowski, Molly Bezio (Clerk)
Staff Liaison: Holly Rees
1. Adopt Agenda: Incorporate Adverse Human/Dog Interaction with review of Draft Work Plan
2. Public Comments: None
3. Committee Meeting Schedule for 2022
Tuesday, February 8th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, March 8th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, April 12th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, May 10th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, June 14th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, July 12th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, August 9th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, September 13th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, October 11th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, November 8th, 6 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday, December 13th, 6 – 7:30 PM
In-person and virtual options will be available.
4. Review Draft Work Plan
Betty reviewed the draft Work Plan which outlined the vision and priorities of the Committee for 2022.
Committee will need to go into more detail for each priority within the Work Plan. For example, with
respect to Priority Four bullet 2 of Draft Work Plan, describe what the needs are to maintain parks and
where stewards can support the parks. Committee in conjunction with City liaison should obtain RFP’s to
factor in estimated costs to execute plans. Holly can partner with Adam Cate of Public Works to obtain
information on requesting RFP’s.
Ideal is to have a Dog Park in each of the four voting districts of South Burlington, with adequate acreage.
Important to understand potential municipal owned and privately owned amenities.
Holly noted that the City will be hiring an outside consultant to put together a Master Parks Plan in 2022,
which will include dog parks (i.e.., gap analysis, how people are traveling to parks). This Plan will be critical
to location and development of future dog parks.
5. Master Spreadsheet for Adverse Human/Dog Interactions
Holly volunteered to maintain a spreadsheet tallying current dog park communications along with notices
of adverse interactions between dogs and humans (i.e., contact name, location, date, etc.). The best way
to get Committee and City Council involved is through data. Muriel is interested in taking responsibility for
this activity. A form soliciting specific data will be drafted for next meeting.
6. Update on Committee Liaison and Expectations
Committee can reach out to Holly when faced with maintenance issues at the dog parks. Holly will
communicate any issues to Department of Public Works.
Holly would like to share information with Committee through Google Drive so everyone has access to
materials.
Committee will need to be mindful of funding when moving forward with plans (e.g., maintenance,
amenities, etc.).
7. Update on Wheeler Dog Park Construction and Timeline
Holly will provide updates to Committee along the way.
There was no appeal to DRB for Wheeler plan, therefore Holly will start with permitting process.
Holly noted presence of dead trees that will need to be removed. The Committee noted that logs would
be preferred to keep on site as amenities for the dogs.
Adam Cate is in the process of obtaining quotes for fencing. There is ledge present on the site, that will
have to be addressed or avoided. Betty raised concerns about the impact of this on the size of the park.
Betty expressed the need for further discussion about design details that were not included in the site
plan, noting surface materials, accessibility and gated areas need to be clarified.
8. Update on Maintenance Needs at Farrell Dog Park
Holly noted that a barrel with sand and a shovel should have been left at Farrell but will check on it in the
morning and follow-up with Adam Cate if needed.
Holly also suggested a sign be put up at Farrell Dog Park with her contact information for anyone with
concerns or questions.
9. Agenda for Next Meeting
To be determined offline.