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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Dog Park Committee - 04/24/2019 South Burlington Dog Park Commiee APPROVED Meeng Minutes April 24, 2019 Present: Barb Sirvis (at large), Elizabeth (Bey) Milizia (NRC), Linda Chiasson (at large), Larry Kupferman (at large), Mike Simoneau (RPC), Maggie Leugers, staff Members of the public: Molly Bezio, Kate Lukas, Muriel More 1) Safety Procedures: Maggie directed us to rear doors and outdoor meeng area in case of an emergency. 2) Larry serves as Clerk tonight. 3) Agenda adopted as presented. (Linda Chiasson moved/Mike Simoneau seconded) 4) Minutes – 4/8 2019 approved as presented. (Linda Chiasson moved/Bey Milizia seconded) 5) Review the “Must have vs nice-to-have” lists (4/18/19 revision prepared by Jusn Rabidoux) Members added pea stone/other surface for the entranceway to Farrell Dog Park as well as a water source and beer winter snow removal from the entrance and into the park, if possible. Of greatest concern was a way to deal with ice at the park in winter. There was discussion of need for shade source (canopy) with some review during the summer when the nearby trees are in leaf. Barb reported a conversaon with Helen Riehle, Council Chair, about severe budget restraints this year due to severe winter road condions and need to repair roadways out of budget. This may affect current dog park budget in place ($25K). Helen is expecng the June 3rd presentaon to include a proposal for Board consideraon and approval. Discussion ensued about the appropriate focus for the DPC budget process, whether the enre allocaon should be spent on a new park or any at all on the exisng park at Farrell. Linda suggested some money be spent on the Farrell Dog Park entranceway and the remainder on the proposed new park. Aer discussion, the consensus of the group was to present Wheeler Park as proposal A for a new dog park and, if funding available, request improvements to the entrance at Farrell Street Dog Park. In addion, the DPC agreed any discussion or proposal for future site consideraons should simply be a list in an appendix to the report to the City Council. Phase 2 and 3 future consideraons include Butler Farm/Hinesburg Road stormwater area, Red Rocks Park, and private lands pursued by City officials. Barb will redra rules aer discussion including: Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult No food and drinks Dog license required Consensus was not reached about hours of operaon—dawn to dusk or current City Ordinance? That issue will be addressed in the next meeng. 6) Organizaonal Structure a. Dog Park Commiee b. Friends of the Dog Park Inial discussion focused on where the Dog Park Commiee should be placed in the City organizaon. The DPC reports to the SoBu City Council and needs staff support and connecon to a SoBu department. The intent of the City Council was for the Dog Park Commiee to connue. The DPC focus has been and will connue to be on facility and maintenance issues and funcons that are within the Department of Public Works purview for implementaon. Recreaon and Parks provides programming in the dog parks. Barb will consult with Jusn Rabidoux about his involvement in future efforts and iniaves of the Dog Park Commiee. Mike suggested the Council should be engaged as to governance design. Looking at the leadership transion as both Barb and Maggie complete their terms, public members in aendance were encouraged to complete applicaons for membership on the Dog Park Commiee. “Friends of the Dog Parks” will be a focus aer the SoBu City Council report. Muriel suggested the commiee monitor and evaluate acvies and the results of this inial year’s proposals and connue to research what makes a dog park successful. 7) Review to do list from Dog Park Task Force Report. Barb reviewed the to do list from the previous Dog Park Task Force. There is sll a long list of tasks that will connue to engage the Dog Park Commiee. 8) Begin discussion of external funding opons Maggie and Bey will report next meeng on various ideas; join them if you wish. 9) Updates None to report 10) Meeng schedule: 5/6: 4:30-6:15 before City Council meeng (SBCC may need the room). 5/15: 5-6:30 DPC Meeng 5.15: 7-8:30 Community Forum (both meengs in downstairs meeng room) 6/3: 5-6:30 DPC meeng before Council presentaon 7:00ish (TBD) City Council Presentaon Dra report to Council by the May 30 before the June 3rd meeng so that materials are in their packets