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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Common Areas for Dogs Committee - 05/10/2022 Common Area for Dogs Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Members Present: Betty Milizia (Chair), Justin Palmer (Vice Chair), Muriel More, Linda Chiasson, Lisa Yankowski, Molly Bezio-Joy (Clerk) Staff Liaison: Holly Rees (Recreation Director) Public: Barbara Sirvis 1. Adopt Agenda: Adopted 2. Public Comments: None 3. Review and Approve Minutes from April 12, 2022 Motion was made and seconded to approve minutes following correction to spelling of Muriel’s name. 4. Update on Farrell and Wheeler Dog Parks Holly noted that the basic ground preparation has started at Wheeler. Holly requested an update from Adam Cate on the date for the installation of fencing. Once she hears back she will send a note to the group. Signage would need to go through branding review to ensure they are consistent with other park signage, which will take roughly 6 weeks for fabrication. Farrell wetland delineation was complete with favorable results (so far) and have favorable results w/o significant permitting. Without significant permitting, the Department of Public Works (DPW) can lay PVC drainage around the perimeter of the park on the outside of the four sides of fencing that drains into the ravine. Groundwork can be performed to the middle to create crowning so that water drains to the outside PVC. Since this is in the scope of DPW, work wouldn’t be contracted out unless there is a time constraint. Holly suggested temporarily closing Farrell for maintenance once the Wheeler is open. Justin noted that the shovel supplied at Farrell for hole maintenance walked off. Holly will follow-up on missing shovel. Justin recommended a shed be added to house maintenance tools at Wheeler and provide for shelter/shade. Barb noted that build of shed/shelter would be a great project for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and/or YouthBuild. Barb suggested a fundraising idea to have donor(s) name the shelter. Muriel noted that the Farrell fencing remains an issue and latches on gates are flimsy. Holly offered to request a quote from Middlebury Fencing to get estimated cost and timeline for repairs or new fencing. Muriel brought up concerns that Wheeler is opened without the amenities we previously discussed and agreed upon as part of Phase 1 (water, benches, signage, bag/waste dispenser, trees, walkways, etc.). Muriel also reminded the group that the plan was also to bring in water to Farrell pre-pandemic. Can the amenities be added simultaneous with the fencing? Holly will check in with Tom DiPietro to understand where water source would come from, cost and timeline. Muriel requested that we have a landscape architect provide for best use of space. Justin and Linda expressed concerns with holding up opening of Wheeler for addition of amenities as the public is extremely frustrated that Wheeler is still not open. Holly will draft a memo for the June meeting to include pricing and timeframes for additions and improvements to Wheeler and Farrell. 5. Update on Park and Recreation Committee & Natural Resources Committee. Holly reported that the requirement members appointed from the R&P, Natural Resources Committees and a member with “expertise” about dogs, is unique to our committee. It can be difficult to have someone volunteer to be on two committees. Betty shared that it is important that our committee have some type of direct relationship with each of these committees. But there should be another way for this to happen. 6. Update on Dog Incident Reporting Holly has been logging incidents regarding dogs. She is aware of the significant frustration posted on Front Porch Forum and Facebook, regarding off leash dogs and human interactions. There were also two lost dog incidents with quick recovery since they were licensed. Further discussion ensued regarding the postings and recommended signage for off leash dogs (screenshot from posting referenced below). Holly shared that July is National Parks Month and recommended Parks and Recreation purchase two dozen signs to place around problem areas with off-leash dogs. Holly noted she could have signage drafted for June meeting, for placement in July. 7. Dog Park Rules Betty presented edits to the Dog Park Rules, recommended by the previous Dog Park Committee: Facility Usage: Muriel recommended we replace “owner” with “guardian,” whereas Linda preferred “person”. It was agreed to use “guardian,” “human,” or “person”, depending on the context of the rule. The rule “No commercial or professional use” was removed. A limit of two dogs/person already exists. Human Responsibilities: Revise first bullet to read “Dogs must be leashed until entering the park.” The bullet “no digging allowed” was removed “Shovels and sand available” was added to the bullet regarding “Fill in any holes created by digging.”. There was discussion about reminding people that the city is providing mutt mitt” bags available” to the rule that reads “Pick up after your dog”. “No extended talking on phone or texting” was added to “Pay attention and maintain control of your dog(s)”. Restrictions: “Dogs must be healthy and free of communicable disease(s”) was added. “No dogs in heat, injured or sick” was replaced with separate bullets: “Dogs must be spayed or neutered (altered). Holly reported an incident at Farrell Dog Park where an un-neutered dog was being aggressive towards several other dogs. A patron requested the person remove their intact dog. But they refused. Animal control was contacted. But nothing was done because there is presently, no rule against it . Molly noted that “unaltered” dogs generally have a different temperament than altered dogs due to hormones which can result in aggressive behavior with other dogs. The scent of unaltered males often causes neutered dogs to react negatively towards them, and males will often fight over a female in heat. Other: Holly will address the necessary language addressing contact information for emergent and nonemergent situations as well as assumed responsibilities for using the Park. Phone numbers for the Recreation and Parks Department and Police. The Committee approved the Rules as edited. Signs will be installed at Wheeler and Farrell Dog Parks. 8. Work Plan Holly reviewed the current Work Plan that aligns with the four overarching “categories” in the city’s Comprehensive Plan. They include 4 goals: 1) “Affordable and Community Strong” 2) “Opportunity Oriented” 3) “Walkable” 4) “Green and Clean” Our workplan will have unique goals that correspond with the 4 categories. Holly and Betty have identified some of those unique goals: 1) Education; Community Survey; Stewardship Program, Committee Composition; Policies and Regulations; Community Engagement; 2). CIP initiatives; 3). Gap analysis of specific dog areas; 4). Mitigate Dog Waste in Public Areas. Committee members are encouraged to review the whole DRAFT workplan and provide feedback to Betty by the start of June. Betty and Holly will make the appropriate changes for the committee to discuss and hopefully, adopt at the June meeting. The intention is to adopt a final version that can be submitted to city leadership, committee liaisons and city council to review and approve at their summer retreat. 9. Agenda for June Meetin • American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds List • Approve Work Plan • Memo for additions/improvements to Wheeler & Farrell including pricing and timelines • Draft realtor signage • Draft progress report 10. Future Meetings 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 Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM EST.