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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Recreation and Parks Committee - 02/20/2020 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMITTEE MINUTES Recreation and Parks Committee Thursday, Feb 20, 2020 In attendance: Holly Rees, Jon Pence, Rebecca Poquette, Jennifer Kochman, Lauren Wedam, Katie Langrock, Glen Sproul Regrets Christie Pilsucky, Mike Simoneau Guests: Anthony Jones, Carol McQuillen, Neal Delaney, Deborah Parente, Ilona Blanchard Holly reviewed the safety procedures. Coralee is not available to present re: public parks signage, google drive usage. Holly suggested to add this to next meeting agenda. No comments from public. Jennifer moved to approve the Meeting minutes from January 13, 2020, seconded by Jon, Approved. Common Roots Carol provided overview of programs offered. Farm to School, Farm to Go middle school course program (Farm to Fork funds this program) Community Food Shares—5 schools coordinate food needs for families that need assistance. Growing Gardens, Growing Kids provides education and training in active food cultivation and nutrition. Gatherings on the Land organizes camps and events to celebrate food and the resources of the area. Building Community—goal is to construct an outdoor kitchen and clay oven that will intersect community programs, Farm stand and events. Timeline for this would be to work with Wiemann & Lamphere for DRB in February. In March, they will plan to meet with CC. April would begin construction of base and kitchen. May would construct clay oven with expectation that it will be ready for use by kitchen. Common Roots would like to increase access to Wheeler Nature Center by creating events with Recreation and Parks. Carol clarified that any city residents that wish to use the Wheeler space for events would be eligible for a discount. Jennifer pointed out the need for compliance with Homestead usage regulations. She also inquired about the provision of food services for events and whether exclusive to Common Roots. Anthony clarified that catering services to be provided by The Mill Market & Deli, The Farmhouse Group, Cloud 9 Caterers, and The Great Northern. All groups have vested interest in supporting education and outreach through various organizations. Once clay oven completed, future goal is to add grill and flat top to create community outdoor space that celebrates Wheeler park. Holly inquired about parking issue. Carol indicated that caterers are responsible for coordinating shuttle from lots to the park. Holly and city managers will negotiate with Carol to work out the details: Park ordinances, financials, legal terms of use, etc. Jennifer reiterated the need for the Recreation and Parks Committee to be updated on developments as they occur to ensure transparency and compliance with city regulations. Senior Center Update IIona provided updated schematic of senior activity room and senior living room. Carpet has been laid in these spaces and have directed color and textile choices for remaining rooms. Flooring is considered low maintenance and multipurpose. Flooring will have wood look for activity room and carpet for living room. Acoustic ceiling tiles will limit noise. Lighting combines LED with flexibility for dimming for events. Skylights added for natural light at entrance and include community bulletin board. Jennifer highlighted the selection of a clock by a Vermont artist that will be displayed in the library. The Public Art Committee chose this as the best art selected; art installed in a general public area may be added in the future. Indoor Rec Facility Operation Plan Holly reported on the process of determining and fine-tuning numbers. No draft report yet. The hope is that it will be ready to present for CC for March 16. It will be reviewed at our next meeting on March 9. Final Report on IZ Open Space Jennifer states that IZ never got to tier 3 plots and that is something that we as a committee might want to study as part of the RPC to determine if some of these spaces are worth consideration for recreation. The committee considered: Do we still want to be a committee that reviews residential properties and how they allocate open spaces. Glenn noted that the first resolution passed by the committee 12/12 recommended that residential development include access to open space and park amenities. It was then the practice for RPC to review residential projects for open space and connectivity for the committee to make recommendations before plans went to DRB. With the IZ report and the Planning Commission creation of PUD typologies, developers will have clear guidance on residential planning. Jon and others felt that review by RPC might be unnecessary given the thoroughness of the PUD planning. Katie suggested that nevertheless “We keep an eye on it. Open Space Committee Jon stated that the committee has had two meetings which have focused on Red Rocks. Holly clarified that this committee is currently focused on a timeline that has allocated time for review of each park and will be completing SWOT analysis for each park to determine strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each space. Jennifer suggested that this and other planning for parks addresses some of the concerns brough to RPC over the years. Some PR would be a good idea to provide information to the public. Next regular meeting: March 9, 2020 at 5:00 P.M.