HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 10/06/2014RECREATION AND LEISURE ARTS COMMITTEE
MINUTES
OCTOBER 6, 2014
Members present: Jennifer Kochman, Edie Robenstein, Glenn Sproul, Linda Janes
Absent: Liz Robitaille
Also Present: Todd Goodwin, Recreation and Parks Director
Guest: Don Cummings, chair energy committee, Ilona Blanchard and T.J. Donovan
1. No change to agenda
2. No comments from the public
3. Jennifer Kochman was added to the minutes from September 15 as being present
4. Glenn reported that reappointment’s to committee are ongoing. Recreation and Leisure Arts
committee has three (3) openings. Election of officers is delayed until reappointments are made.
5. New program coordinator hired-Brian Lynch. Minimum wage is now $10.10 for seasonable
employees. Program pricing was reviewed by Todd.
6. Ilona showed the map of City Center Park. The consultants, Landworks, are a landscape architecture
firm. The City will be working with private landowners, who have wetlands on their property. There is a
lot of opportunity in working with the property owners regarding the wetland areas. A wetland master
plan is being worked on. There is no established boundary for Dumont Park. City owns 7.65 acres in
Dumont Park. A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for October 15. The area is considered passive
recreation. Adjacent home owners have been sent a letter advising them of the stakeholder meeting.
Jennifer and Linda will help in getting information out to the community.
7. Don Cummings talked about the ongoing energy contest the city is participating in. Energy committee
started in 2008. Helping schools, and people become more efficient is challenging. Efficiency Vermont
informed the Energy Committee about the Georgetown Project. The objective is to develop
breakthrough thinking for creating sustainable energy-saving innovations. Three (3) communities in
Vermont have applied. The contest starts in January for two (2) years. The prize is $2 million. A list of
energy projects that could be done was presented. Partnerships have been developed with the City,
school, Vermont Gas and others. Don outlined volunteer opportunities.
8. T.J. Donovan reported he spoke with a family in the area and they would pick up 50% of the cost of
the City Park. This is city owned land and is listed as open space. Mr. Donovan said the property is listed
as Baycrest Park. Todd will research and see how the property is designated. It was suggested to T. J.
Donovan that he conduct a neighborhood survey to determine what people want in the park. The cost
of a playground would be $50-60,000. It is hoped that in the future neighborhood parks will be
developed. The committee supports this prospective park.
Meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm
Submitted by
Edie Robenstein