HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 12/11/2023
South Burlington Recreation & Parks Committee Meeting
Monday, December 11th – 5:30pm
Committee Members Present: Michael Simoneau, Ravi Vankataraman, Jonathan Pence, Brett Visger,
Alastair Hayes, Erin Buzby (remote)
Absent Committee Members: Will Sudbay, Cyndi Freeman, Oliver Pierson
Staff Members: Adam Matth; Director of Recreation & Parks
5:40 - Call Meeting To Order:
Simoneau calls the South Burlington Recreation and Parks Committee Meeting to order at 5:40pm.
Approval of the November Meeting Minutes:
Motion by Visger, seconded by Hayes to approve the South Burlington Recreation & Parks Committee
March Meeting Minutes. So voted.
Thoughts from the Public:
Ryan Doyle – member from the public; previous involvement with Comprehensive Plan process
5:50 - Review Director’s Report:
Matth reviews the Directors Report with the Committee and highlights biggest events: Winter Lights
(part of holiday contest) and organizing second night for “Spark the Park.” Matth mentions other news,
including staff openings (Recreational Specialist) newly repaired roof at Jaycee Park, expanded offerings
via SB events schedule (monthly family series; “recreation on the go” to get people to the parks) meeting
with CHT, planning for “Illuminate Vermont” (volunteer only; 8 members ; bi-weekly meetings).
Further discussions continued and focused on enhancing and expanding SB marketing plan. Alastair
Hayes was tapped as a great resource due to his profession/expertise. Pence echoed this sentiment this
and agreed to follow-up to assist with further planning and meetings.
6:00 – Review of Retreat
Simoneau recaps our recent “retreat” (3-hour meeting) which was constructive and engaging. We
collectively generated concrete plans and more specific ideas that were aligned with campaign
strategies.
6:05 - Budget Update
Simoneau shared highlights, which were detailed during retreat. No immediate changes but remains
open for feedback.
Open Space Plan (3 members) via Natural Resources Committee >> Monthly Meetings (first weds);
awaiting clarifying info/plans before reconvening (Larry K)
6:10 - FY 24/25 CIP Projects
Question from the public (Bob Britt) about Red Rocks parking lot (pavement and sidewalk which are not
part of FY project plans). Further details around proposed changes and improvements were voiced.
Matth confirmed no parking plans were included in further CIP budget.
6:20 - Hubbard Park
Simoneau detailed the ongoing process and development, which remains public. Promoting
transparency and further engagement from our committee. Discussion progressed and focused on the
red tape from SB Land Trust. Simoneau questions the need for conservation easement. SB Land Trust is
getting attention of our City Council to conserve more land (pushing their agenda/vision to “freeze that
in time” to perpetuate into future planning).
SB Land Trust: Andrew Chalnick in August meeting allowed bike path to proceed with caveat; no future
plans until a conservation plan easement is established with very specific rules/restrictions to keep a
minimal footprint.
Suggestion for our committee to take a stronger stance against conservation easement – Hubbard may
not necessarily be an “Active Recreational Park” (promoting passive use instead).
Adjacent woods to Hubbard is conserved land
Ravi – great point about potential ethics violation of city council member (Chalnick’s) input contradicting
his land/home ownership of nearby property on Nowland Farm Rd.
6:55 - Ravi makes a motion: the Recs and Park committee is opposed to any conversation easement at
Hubbard Park in perpetuity, as further discussion with the public and consideration of the planning
history of the park is warranted.
All in favor (unanimous agreement) although we agree that further info and discussions are needed to
better understand other’s viewpoints and related info that may impact Hubbard Park vision.
7:05 – Non-Agenda Item
Question from the public (Bob Britt) Bike & Ped committee makes point to consider planning and zoning
requirements concerning the Larkin project and related development for accessibility (walking paths,
shared use, valid open space and what this actually means for the public).
7:18 - meeting adjourned
Motion by Simoneau, seconded by Visger to adjourn the South Burlington Recreation and Parks
Committee Meeting at 7:18pm. So Voted.