HomeMy WebLinkAboutDraft Minutes - Common Areas for Dogs Committee - 06/13/2023
Draft Common Area for Dogs Committee
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Members Present: Betty Milizia (Chair), Muriel More, Robyn Birgisson, Linda Yankowski, Linda Chiasson, Molly
Joy (Clerk), Helen Riehle (City Council liaison)
Staff Present: Holly Rees (Recreation Director)
Public: Megan Kelley
Betty called meeting to order at 5:36 PM.
1. Adopt Agenda
Adopted without changes.
2. Public Comments (Unrelated to Agenda)
A member of the public noted that the signage at Wheeler Nature Park (plastic easel) was confusing as to
whether dogs needed to be under voice control or on leash. Her main concern was walking in areas that
were clearly marked as leashed areas for the safety of her on-leash dog and other dogs as her dog is
aggressive. The ordinance requires that dogs must be under voice control at Wheeler Nature Park
consistent with language on signage. Betty shared that a survey targeting this issue, will be conducted
soon and invited Ms Kelley to assist the committee in pursuing solutions to be recommended.
3. Review and Approve Minutes (May)
May 9th minutes were approved by the Committee.
4. Update on Committee Appointments
There are three open seats for the Committee. Two individuals have applied for the Committee but have
not been interviewed yet. New members will be appointed on June 19-20th with service starting on July 1st.
5. Review Dog Incident Log
Holly reported on incidents since last meeting, noting there continue to be complaints of repeat offenders
at Red Rocks and Overlook down to Szymanski Park and Farrell Park. There were two huskies with the
same guardian, one off-leash and one on-leash. The animal control office has been informed. She was not
aware of incidents reported around Wheeler Dog Park. People are cautious to confront others with
concerns it will result in human conflict. Betty shared her dog Dory was attacked in the last month, at
Wheeler, by an un-spayed female dog, that was being bothered by 2 non-neutered male dogs. She also
shared that many people witness dog conflicts on a regular basis.
6. Review Next Steps for Recreation and Parks Director Search
Holly is working on a transition plan from her current role to her new role as City Clerk, effective August
18th. She is working with management to clarify roles and get job posted. Holly noted there is also an
open maintenance position for Parks.
7. Review CIP and Available Dog License Funds
The available dog license funds have accumulated to $23K which stems from the incremental fee added to
dog licenses. There is $60K in the CIP for creation or rehabilitation of dog parks and $15K for installation of
dog waste stations. On July 1, FY ’24 CIP funds will be available.
8. Review Farrell Park Plan – Entrance Placement
Monica Ingalls is the South Burlington stormwater project manager, working with the State on design
concept to move Farrell dog park forward into the grassy areas, to allow for wetland buffers to exist on the
periphery. The plan is to then crown the field, requiring the recreation path to be relocated. The costs
would require 90% of FY ‘24 CIP funds. Holly shared a diagram of the proposed plan for Farrell Dog Park
(illustrated below).
The green section would be a new addition. The back fencing would stay where it is, and the front fencing
would be moved closer to the existing bike path. The storm water work would be performed by City staff
and moving of bike path would be included in the paving contract.
Recommendations for the renovated Farrell Park the Committee agreed upon included:
• Rounded corners (no acute corners)
• Water,
• Two Entrances,
• Black Chain Linked Fencing, and
• Trees for Shade.
9. Work Plan for FY24
Betty and Holly will work on FY24 Work Plan and distribute to Committee for review and approval. A
motion was made and seconded.
10. Comprehensive Plan Language Review
Committee reviewed and approved the Comprehensive Plan language as it pertains to dogs via email.
11. Gratitude for Retiring Members
Retiring committee members, Muriel More and Linda Chaisson, were celebrated for their commitment to
the interests of dogs in South Burlington.
MOTION TO ADJOURN AT 7:00 PM PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Future Meetings
Tuesday, July 11th, 6 – 7:30 PM