HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 10/21/2019
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE
MONDAY October 21, 2019
5 PM-6:30 PM
Medium Conference Room, City Offices
Minutes
Present: Jennifer Kochman, Mike Simoneau, Katie Langrock, Jon Pence, Christy
Pilsucki, Lauren Wedam, Glenn Sproul
Regrets: Rebecca Poquette
Staff: Holly Rees
Guest: Ravshan Temirov (Guest: UVM Student)
5:00 Call to order
Reviewed fire escape plan
UVM Sr. auditing our meeting to write a paper
5:05 Reviewed agenda: At Katie’s suggestion, the committee agreed to wait for Lauren to
discuss first agenda item concerning Committee organization.
5:10 Director’s Report:
Review of weekend events
Originally the print SoBu Play was a publication of Recreation and Parks Department,
and its main purpose was to publicize R and P Department programs on a seasonal
basis. Since combining SoBu Play with the city’s SoBu Life, there has been a delay of
program offerings. This has meant that we are not able to inform our community in a
timely and informative manner.
Mike made a motion to Motion to support Rec. & Parks Dept to generate a timely and
informative program brochure, as determined by the Director to adequately inform the
community of upcoming programs and events, and to control the publication and the
timing of such material. The R and P department my invite the city to add general items.
Seconded by Glen. Approved unanimously.
Bay Crest playground will happen the week before Thanksgiving.
Dogs off leash especially in Red Rocks, are still concern:
Police have grant to pursue education and support via “bike patrol.”
Ordinance information tri-fold handed out with registration at clerk’s office.
Friends of Dog Parks to hold informational/educational events in spring/summer
CIP presentation to City Council on 11/21 at 6:30 pm; pricing presentation either Nov 18
or December 2.
Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday November 11th. The ceremony begins at the South
Burlington High School Gymnasium at 10:00am, with a brief wreath ceremony to follow
at Veterans Memorial Park.
Discussion:
1. Should South Burlington R & P be responsible for coordination of event? Concerns:
how to ensure that event meets expectations of various stakeholders?
2. Is there a way to delegate organization of event to supporting organization that
wishes to use the space for the event?
Consensus is to have director of R & P to reach out to Burlington’s director of R & P
to discuss options/concerns.
5:40 R & P Retreat to be postponed from October 25 date. Katie to pick other dates and
circulate with Google Calendar. Suggestion—reschedule for a weekend before
Thanksgiving, if possible. Jennifer suggested polling the Committee for ideas for the
Retreat agenda.
5:45 Programming for Adult Programs and connection of R & P with library to figure out ways
that two offices can work together to provide partnerships and co-lead programs.
Summary of CIP Expenditures
Wheeler House: Due to scheduling challenges, not actively used by R & P for
programming because of lack of consistency of programming. Common Roots uses
facility for meal prep and service at $14/head.
Question: Is there a way to make cuts to proposed budget for Wheeler House given lack
of active use by R & P? Where does responsibility lie with R & P re: land vs. buildings on
site.
6:15 Dog Park Committee: awaiting selection of consultants to oversee design of Wheeler
Dog Park to address concerns raised re: wetlands and parking and what is permissible
within design process.
6:20 Jennifer discussed IPV (Intimate Partner Violence) sessions:
Meaghan Emery led the effort of City Council to recognize the Lumumba family, pass a
resolution, and create two public forums. The public does not understand what this is
about. It is difficult for women to feel safe disclosing experiences and securing
appropriate legal consult to deal with situation. All are encouraged to attend remaining
sessions to self-educate and learn about process and programs. Next meeting October
30, 5:00 to 8:00 at Tuttle Middle School.
6:26 Committee Re-organization
Katie offered to step up to Chair but was open to others interested. Jennifer offered to
serve as Vice Chair for limited time OR serve as consultant to the chair.
Glenn presented point about need to prioritize agenda.
Mike made a motion to request CC to appoint new member. Seconded by Glen.
Approved unanimously.
6:45 Mike made a motion for a slate to nominate Katie for Chair, Lauren for Vice Chair and
Christy for Secretary. Seconded by Jennifer. Approved unanimously.
6: 50 Mike made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Jon Approved.
Next meeting November 18, 2019
Respectfully submitted by Mike Pence and Lauren Wedam