HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Dog Park Committee - 06/24/2019
Dog Park Committee
DRAFT
Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 24, 2019
Members Present: Larry Kupferman (Interim Chair), Mike Simoneau (Vice Chair Recreation & Parks
Committee Betty Milizia (NRC), Linda Chiasson (NRC), Maggie Leugers (City Advisor), Kate Lukas, Muriel
More, Molly Bezio
Additional Present :) Liz St. James (Public)
1. Safety Procedures:
Maggie directed the group to front door into front parking lot of Wheeler House.
2. Appointed Clerk:
Molly Bezio
3. Adopt Agenda:
Monday, June 24, 2019 agenda adopted with Muriel’s addition of Vermont State Recreation
Conference regarding dog guardian program.
4. Minutes:
June 3, 2019 adopted as presented.
5. Walk Wheeler Homestead Property:
Mike gave a tour of the proposed general area for new dog park.
a) Discussion:
i. No concerns with irregular shape to maximize space and extend park acreage.
ii. Muriel noted 2-3 dead trees that may need to be removed
iii. Parking: Mike pointed out that additional parking spaces could be added on the West end
of existing gravel parking lot, if expanded. Betty noted that the current park signage may
need to be moved if parking was extended West. Betty questioned whether there could
be parking added to the South side of the Wheeler House gardens to help alleviate
potential concerns over parking.
iv. As you move East towards Wheeler Nature Park entrance the wetlands became more
apparent from dampness and vegetation (i.e., cattails) that will need to remain protected.
Mike highlighted importance of wetland delineation survey to determine site plan.
v. Mike gave approximation of space to be used by Common Roots to host outdoor events
along the Northeast side of the Wheeler House.
vi. Entry points for small dog, large dog and lawn equipment could be added along North
parking lot adjacent to dog park. There may also be potential for lawn equipment access
point along South edge of Dog Park.
vii. What is the impact of fence visibility on Common Roots agenda? Dog park should not
interfere with synergies within the vicinity (i.e., Common Roots, sporting events and other
community-wide activities).
viii. Location of water source and equipment to be identified.
ix. As we get closer to opening Dog Park, Larry suggested reaching out to The Other Paper
for an article providing updates.
b) Wetlands Determination – Larry to provide update at next DPC meeting.
c) Larry will setup meeting with Justin Rabidoux (Director Department of Public Works) to discuss
points noted above and timing of design and implementation.
6. Next Steps:
a) 2019-2020 Annual Work Plan for City Comprehensive Plan – Due August 16th
i. Need to establish sequential order of action items and identify reasonable dates during
next meeting
ii. “Friends of the Dogs Parks” has been established starting June 2019.
b) Template created goals tied into document titles (Vision & Goals)
7. Updates: Postponed to next meeting
a) Interim Zoning Open Space Committee (Betty)
b) Natural Resource Committee (Linda)
c) Recreation & Parks Committee (Mike):
8. Vermont Recreation & Parks Association Annual Conference
Muriel discussed conference scheduled for October 10th and 11th in Fairlee, VT as an opportunity to
learn more about how to address various issues and/or and concerns brought to the DPC. Part of the
conference will be focused around a dog guardian program originating in Colorado. Murial noted if
the DPC has specific concerns and/or questions she could raise them with her contacts participating
in the conference (i.e., unleashed dogs).
9. Future Agenda Items:
a) Discuss Justin’s proposals
b) Plan for design and construction phases of Wheeler Dog Park
c) Draft and/or adopt proposed “rules, regulations, and operational guidelines”
i. Park rules
ii. Operational/management/maintenance
d) Implementation of fundraising strategies
e) On-lease park ordinance expansion
f) Future site planning
10. Tentative Meeting Dates:
a) July 15, 2019 – 6 to 7:30 PM (Preferred)
b) July 22, 2019 – 6 to 7:30 PM (Backup)
Meeting adjourned at 7:42 PM.
Respectively submitted by Clerk: Molly Bezio