HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Common Areas for Dogs Committee - 03/21/2023
COMMON AREA FOR DOGS COMMITTEE
Draft Meeting Minutes March 21, 2023
Members Present: Betty Milizia (Chr), Lisa Yankowski, Muriel More, Robyn Birgisson (remote).
Staff Liaison: Holly Rees
Missing: Molly Joy & Linda Chaisson
No public attendees
Betty called the meeting to order at 06:10 pm
1. Changes/deletions
• Regarding the Comprehensive Plan, Kelsey Peterson, SB Planning, wants to
know if the committee had anything for her consider adding into the 2024
update. Lisa thought new should include new developments with apartment
buildings need to provide green space for the residents and space for dogs of
the residents to recreate. Muriel says we need to include maintenance and
accessibility for city parks.
• Towards the end of the meeting, adding discussion about committee
members and terms that may be expiring by June 2023.
2. Approval of January & February meeting minutes
a. Muriel moved to approve the January minutes, Lisa 2nd. Muriel moved to
approve the February minutes, Robyn 2nd. Unanimously approved.
3. Incident Spreadsheet.
a. Most of the incidents involve dogs off leash. Feb ‘22- Mar ’23, 33 reported
incidents, 21 about off leash. The newest incident was yesterday, at Wheeler, an
off-leash dog, a family with small children and escalated “conversation”. There
had been a physical confrontation reported at Red Rocks previously. One person
asked, “What is the ordinance?” It seems the ordinance varies per park. Red
Rocks is clear with signs stating “DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH” and pickup after
your dog. The Rec Path has dogs on leash, 6ft or less and pickup after
them. Wheeler, dogs can be off leash but must be under owner control. But
does under control mean? Robyn uses a special collar when her dog is off leash.
b. Holly suggested the committee look at the ordinance. The language needs to be
clear and concise. This will aid the police in enforcement. Dog owners will know
what the rules are and what is expected of them. And the rules need to be the
same for all the parks. Muriel supports consistency Betty thinks we should look
for solutions from the public. Lisa mentioned wildlife and dogs off leash. We will
need to put forward a clear vision of what the public can expect when visiting
our parks.
c. We need solutions from the public. Muriel asked about some of the out-of-the-
way spots, city owned that dog owners could maybe let dogs off leash. We are
not sure about the former Auclair Farm so Holly will ask Paul Conner about
possible spots. If might take pressure off the larger parks. Parking could be a
concern.
d. Betty suggested this group meet with the NRCC and work with planning to get
developers to take more responsibility in providing areas for their residents’
dogs. Possible joint meeting for May. Lisa will work on this and forward the list
of identified open space we have identified. The committee will have a possible
special meeting for May 3, 4 or May 17, 18.
4. April Stools Day
a. Holly has a UVM intern who has been pushing dog owners to pick up after their
dog on social media. She has written an article that will be in “The Other Paper”.
She is organizing a table for April Stools Day at Wheeler for April, 9-11am. This is
to encourage others to come and help clean the dog park up. Petfood
Warehouse has donated dog treat bags, donuts & coffee from Dunkin Donuts
will be available. Holly and her intern will work out the logistics for the event
and dogs will be kept out for the event.
b. Discussions led to issues of questionable dog behavior at Wheeler. Betty has
been in discussion with a dog behaviorist. We are hoping to be able to use her
skills and knowledge to educate the public. It would be nice to have her attend
April Stools Day. Betty would like to have creative events to incentivize people to
pick up poop. Committee members are encouraged to bring ideas for other
events like a “Bark in the Dark in the Park” or a Canine Keg Crawl, etc.
5. Farrell Dog Park Update
a. No Update budget-wise so we do not know what the price for the upgrades will
be. We have $60,000 approved in the budget. These funds should not be used
toward the cost of reworking the bike path.
6. Wheeler Park Update
a. Phraseology on dog park rules signs is not clear about spayed or neutered dogs.
The sign will be changed and moved to an optimal spot outside the gates. The
park is currently very muddy. The grass that was there when it opened is being
eroded and scratched off as dogs play. Do we close the park to let the mud dry
up and for new grass to grow in? Lisa suggested artificial turf. Holly feels we
should have a photographic record of the damage, but will wait until we hear
back from Adam Cate at DPW. Betty feels we need the expertise of a landscape
architect.
7. Maintenance Plan
a. Is under development. Andrea Leo from city hall asked why there is so much dog
poop in South Burlington. New signs are being made that can be placed in
various locations along paths and in parks.
b. We want to find a way to “shout out” to all the heros at the dog park and Red
Rocks who do pick up the dog poop that irresponsible owners do not.
8. Committee member term limits
Muriel’s term is up and she will not be applying. Linda’s term will also be up.
We are looking to fill the opening- people passionate about dogs.
9. Next meeting agenda and date
a. Find out if Holly has heard back from Adam. Any news about the Farrell Park
repair work. ID’g possible off-leash spaces to recommend. Prepare for joint
meeting with other committees. Discuss reaching out to the public. Muriel
motioned to adjourn, Robyn 2nd. Adjourned 7:57pm