HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 12/18/2017
South Burlington Recreation & Parks Committee
December 18, 2017
APPROVED
Present: Jennifer Kochman, Mike Simoneau, Glenn Sproul, George Donovan, Paul Steinman, Linda Chiasson, Rebecca
Poquette, Maggie Leugers
Regrets: Katie Langrock, Liz Robitaille
Also present: Drew Pollak-Bruce of the SE Group
Later present for discussion of the dog park: Lindsey West, Charlotte Badger, Elizabeth Walker, and Catherine Young
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm.
Changes to the Agenda: No changes or additions to the agenda, no comments from the public at the beginning of the meeting.
Approval of November 20 2017 Minutes: Paul Steinman made the motion to approve, seconded by George Donovan. No discussion.
The minutes were approved unanimously.
Underwood Park Master Plan: Presentation by Drew Pollak-Bruce of the SE Group
Drew presented hard copies of two designs for the Underwood Park Master Plan. Both designs incorporate elements that have been
drawn from the Underwood Study Task Force, public input from that Task Force, an on-line survey with over 200 respondents, and a
public gathering for ideas held by SE Group August 17, 2017. Glenn offered suggestions on revising the graphs (coloration) and the
numbering on the design sheets. Rebecca recommended adding a restroom in the children’s play area. Jennifer asked about the
rainwater (storm runoff) provisions in the second Master Plan. The consensus of the committee was that the event structure should be
oriented to the scenic view (as in the second master Plan) and that it should contain space for 150 people. The park should be
considered a city/community park. The committee suggested that the next step should be reviewing a draft of a timeline and costs.
Drew said that a draft of the architect’s concept of the event building will be presented in January, and that an over-all design concept
would be presented to the public in February.
Dog Park Update- Farrell Park (Jaycee Park): Maggie
City Council voted to close the Jaycee Dog Park. Maggie reported that a new ad hoc Dog Park Committee is being formed
to study how and where to locate a second dog park. Linda Chiasson of Recreation and Parks Committee will be a member
of that Committee. The current committee of 5 members will study location and policies. Maggie has been doing research
on Best Practices; The American Kennel Club and the University of Michigan have been good sources of information.
Four members of the public spoke to the hasty (in their opinion) decision made by City Council, their disappointment is
having the park closed, and the lack of public input into the creation of the park in Jaycee, and its closing. This group may
canvas their neighborhood with a petition. The R and P Committee recommended that they take their concerns to City
Council, and also volunteer in the work of the new Dog Park Committee.
Director’s Report: Maggie
· Maggie announced that Darla Champaign will be retiring Jan. 5 from the department after 39 years of service. Her
duties will be incorporated into a City Welcome center, now being constructed in City hall.
· City Council will review department budgets January 4. R and P members are invited to attend. The City budget
was originally constructed at a 3% increase, but then needed to find a reduction of $900,000.
· Recreation and parks Department will soon see some staff changes. Maggie’s position will go to three days a week
or 20 to 30 hours; Maggie will be taking on special project like the Foundation, the Dog Park Committee, and the
creation of a facility. Holly Baker will become Interim Director of the department, with over-all day to day
responsibility. This will give the department a smooth transition to the time when Maggie retires.
. Successful events - Dinner, Bus Ride
Reports from Liaisons to Other Committees:
Wheeler Task Force: The Wheeler Task Force will present their report to city council Jan. 2. Jennifer, Donna Laban, and
Melissa Cuke will meet with Cathyann LaRose before that meeting.
Bike and Ped: Rebecca had no report
City Council: Mike had no report
Natural Resources: Linda said that a Birding and Tracking study will be done; the projected cost is $4000.
SB Land Trust: Paul attended that last meeting.
Library Board: Glenn had no report. Several committee members have visited the new library.
School Board: Liz was absent.
Winooski Valley Park District: George had no report.
Planning Commission: Katie was absent.
Design Review/Public Art: Jennifer had no report.
Leadership: Jennifer and Mike had no report.
Development Review Board?
Energy: No report
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm. George made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Rebecca.
We that Recreation and Parks and Maggie Leugers for the Holiday meal.
Next meeting scheduled for Monday January 22nd, 2018