HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Dog Park Committee - 10/06/2020
Dog Park Committee
DRAFT
Virtual Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Members Present (via Zoom): Larry Kupferman (Chair), Mike Simoneau (Vice Chair Recreation & Parks
Committee), Linda Chiasson, Betty Milizia, Muriel More, Kate Lukas, Molly Bezio
City Staff Present (via Zoom): Justin Rabidoux
Members of Public (via Zoom): Barbara Sirvis, Michael Mittag
1. Appointed Clerk:
Molly Bezio
2. Adopt Agenda:
Agenda adopted as presented.
3. Public Comments:
None
4. Update from Recent Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting RE: Common Roots use of Wheeler
Property
a) Site map to be updated to codify buffer between the dog park and use of Common Roots space
(separation of activities)
b) Require further clarification that events held by Common Roots will not interfere with hours of
the dog park and recommend inclusion of such terms in lease agreement with Common Roots.
5. Wheeler Dog Park Design Discussion & Construction Timeline
a) Justin reviewed the layout of future dog park. Justin noted that 3:1 allocation between large dog
park (1.76 acres or 76,800 sf) and small dog park (0.59 acre or 25,500 sf), respectively, seemed
appropriate. Orange polygons are wetlands. Justin noted expectation is that dogs will have full
use of the area within green highlighting. No active wildlife identified within the defined dog park
area. There is currently one gate that accesses both the large and small dog area, roughly 20 x 20
in size. There will be a maintenance gate on south side of park which is not currently included on
layout.
b) Kate suggested changing the small dog area to 4:1 ratio given comparison to other dog parks and
infrequent usage by small dogs. Justin believes if changing to 4:1 ratio would provide 0.5 acre for
small dog area.
c) Betty noted adding hard areas to provide access to individuals in wheelchairs or walkers (i.e.,
parking to access point).
d) Recommendation that path used between Dorset Park and Common Roots is the Bike Path
already in place to not obstruct and interfere with usage of dog park.
e) Need to consider reserving a few spaces for dog park users as it can be difficult to find parking
during high use times at Dorset Park (i.e., baseball).
f) Construction timeline contingent upon weather and other planned/unplanned projects but
anticipating early 2021.
6. Possible Dog Regulations at Other City Locations
a) Justin noted since inception of COVID, the city has seen an increase in issues with dogs off leash
and negative interactions of dogs with nature or other dogs/animals. The city is working on a
new policy to address recent issues.
7. Future Meeting Schedule:
a) TBD
8. Future Agenda Items:
a) Plan for design and construction phases of Wheeler Dog Park
b) Implementation of fundraising strategies
c) Future site planning (i.e., Hinesburg road, tech park)
d) On-Going Evaluation Plan
e) Continue Public Forums
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM EST.