HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 12/21/2015 1
APPROVED AMENDMENTS IN RED
South Burlington Recreation & Leisure Arts Committee
December 21, 2015
Present: Glenn Sproul, Mike Simoneau, Naa Addo, Edie Robenstein, Mary Olmsted, Jennifer Kochman,
George Donovan, Maggie Leugers, Rebecca Poquette, Kevin Dorn (for part of the meeting)
Regrets: Liz Robitaille
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. No changes to the agenda; no one from the public was
present.
Approval of November 16, 2015 minutes: Jennifer referred to the fundraising discussion noted in the
October 19 minutes and suggested the "Friends of the Parks" should be changed to "Recreation and Parks
Foundation". Also, on page 3 of the November 16 minutes, Jennifer suggested adding a "requested
change #4 to read: there should be consistent language regarding the Recreation & Parks Department.
With these changes, the minutes of November 16 were approved with one member abstaining.
A discussion followed regarding changing the name of the R&LA committee. Kevin replied that it could
be done by petitioning the City Council. In order to be considerate of other city committees, it was
decided to address this issue at a later date.
Jennifer noted that the annual report from the R&LA committee to the City Council should be done by
January 15, 2016. Glenn and Maggie will work on compiling the report. (Note: I may be picking a nit
here, but in light of the time I spent on the draft, I would like to see my name mentioned in connection
with this.) Glenn suggested that the committee members begin thinking about how we should address our
energies in the coming months.
Mike, Jennifer and Liz volunteered to serve as a liaison to the Planning Commission. Note: This not for
liaison to PC in general. This sub-committee is to study the LDR’s.
Director's Report: Maggie would like committee feedback on the new parking map this is part of the
spring brochure. This year the committee members will be listed in the brochure. George and Naa
volunteered to attend the Father/Daughter Dance in February. The tennis courts at the
high school are in need of resurfacing which will cost $60,000. A grant has been submitted to the State of
Vermont totaling $24,000. Baycrest Park design will be considered at the Council meeting on January
11. The REC Camp will be licensed thru the State by the Department of Family and Children Services.
A UVM student as been hired for the summer to focus on marketing and communication.
Reports from Liaisons to Other City Committees:
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Bike & Ped - Rebecca reported the committee endorsed the proposal for Baycrest Park.
Natural Resources - Naa had nothing to report
Planning Commission - Jennifer reported that R&LA submitted changes to the comprehensive plan. Our
changes were accepted.
Sustainable Agriculture - Edie reported that this committee no longer meets.
South Burlington Land Trust - Edie reported that the Trust is opposed to the Swift Street extension due to
the significant impact on the Village at Dorset Part development and also places a barrier across the
habitat pathways. The Trust is in favor of the conservation easement for Wheeler.
School Board - Glenn reported for Liz and referred to the School Board message in The Other Paper's
edition for December 10. Everyone agreed the Board is doing due diligence and will not be rushed into a
decision.
Library Board - Mary said there was nothing to report.
Winooski Valley Park District - George had nothing to report.
Recent Special Events: Mike attended the press conference for the Mozart Festival on December 11.
George participated in the City Lights Tour. Naa, Mary, Mike, George, Glenn and Maggie all attended
the Senior Dinner on December 18 which was very successful.
Land Development Regulations: Jennifer reported that LDR's having to do with City Center will be
addressed now. The City adopted a regulation that stated that any new development should have some
open space incorporated within it.
Wheeler Easement: Mike reported that in 2011 there was litigation between the City and the golf course
regarding housing. Vermont National Golf Course prevailed. The golf course was entitled to put up
housing on land contiguous to Wheeler Park. South Burlington would get land in exchange for 7 acres of
land to a developer which is a partner of Wheeler Park. Some people wanted a conservation easement on
Wheeler Park. The land was originally acquired by the City using open space funds. If there is a
conservation easement it is possible that the City would be hindered in what could be done on the land.
The land swap would swap 7 acres in Wheeler Park for 21 acres. Should the City encumber the property
or give up some rights? Mike suggested this topic merits discussion by R&LA. This will be a future
agenda item.
The next meeting is January 18, 2016.
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Edie Robenstein
Clerk
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