Stowe Recreation Commission     APPROVED 6/4/07

                                                      April 18, 2007

 

The monthly meeting of the Stowe Recreation Commission was held Wednesday, April 18, 2007 in the David Gale Youth Center starting at 5:00 P.M.

 

Members present: Phil Scott, Sheila Goss, Grady Vigneau, Dave Matthews and Paul Lawson at 5:30 P.M.

 

Also present: Rick Farnham,

 

Minutes of March 13, 2007: Mr. Vigneau moved to approve as corrected, seconded by Ms.Goss with all in favor. Mr. Lawson was not yet present.

 

Rick Farnham’s Report: Mr. Farnham explained he is getting costs factors (and having some difficulty) for the outlining costs/components of the 10-year plan.

 

Open House:  There were not many in attendance but Mr. Farnham felt it worthwhile, as the children of Gaylord Gale, Jane Farrell and Don Gale were able to attend and were very pleased with what they saw in the building. It is the intent that the fund, which is set up is to be used at the Center or for something pertaining to recreation (not programs) in the area of the David Gale Center. The fund is under the guidance of Barbara Allaire and Bruce Godin with the approval of the family. Mr. Farnham took a video and sent to Gaylord who was able to see it prior to his death. We thank you Rick.

 

Easter Egg Hunt: There were 125 kids and 120 adults present. Mr. Farnham commended Tori and Brian for the good job.

 

Bike Rodeo: is progressing with the date to be June 2, 2007. Police Chief along with the Rescue will be a part of it and will be a bike safety, registration etc program.

 

Credit Card Use: Mr. Farnham will be going to the Selectboard asking permission to offer the use of credit cards as opposed to the Rec Department having to set up multiple kinds of payment plans. He asked for the Commission’s support in this. It would provide a service and is a way of protecting the money taken in and will improve accountability. He commented that $20,000 in cash was deposited last year in cash. It was felt this is an unsafe situation. It could cost approximately $2500 per year. Mr. Matthews moved to support the payment of Recreation activities through a credit card system. He moved to advise Mr. Farnham to continue to research the procedure, which would have to take place. Ms. Goss seconded the motion and Ms. Goss, Mr. Matthews, Vigneau and Scott moved to approve. Mr. Lawson was not yet present. The Union Bank will come and give a machine and will set-up.   

 

Background Checks: Mr. Farnham stated the Town Manager wants to begin, which is a state law, to implement the policy of background checks, which the Town does not participate in at this time. Ms. Goss described how the state does regarding this, and those things, which you can do it for. Fingerprints and background checks are not a guarantee; stated Ms. but is the best one can do. Mr. Farnham was looking for support to have this policy implemented. Mr. Farnham did not feel there is a down side to it. Mr. Lawson stated if one has gone through a background check, the person should not have to go through it over and over again for whatever the person wishes to do, i.e. coach, working in schools, volunteers in the Rec program etc. Mr. Lawson said if it is going to be done, do it all in one day so that the Police can come and do it all at once and should be contingent on getting paid. Mr. Matthews moved to support a policy that all paid personnel and volunteers involved in recreational activities, be subject to background checks as defined in State Law and carried out by procedures determined by the Town Manager. Mr. Lawson seconded the motion with all members in favor.    

 

Montreal-Boston Bike Tour: which consists of international bike teams from all over the world. It is a two-year event with the first year coming from Montreal to Boston, by way of Stowe. The second year will come back same route. Taking place August 9^th this year with 144 bikers going through town. Mr. Farnham felt he could get his kids in the bike program involved.

 

Vt. Rec and Parks Annual Meeting:  Mr. Farnham was asked to do the legwork to bring the meeting here May 18^th at Trapp’s. Commission members were asked to go if they wish. There will be golf for a few that wish to participate at a minimal cost; there will be a hike for those that wish to go etc.        

Proposed Rink Report: Mr. Farnham stated the committee continues to meet and Truex (Architects) have agreed to accept 50% of the cost to go back and work on the plans which is being done. There are other possibilities, which are being explored at this time. It is positively moving forward, stated Mr. Farnham. Mr. Vigneau asked if names will be recognized and put in the building and Mr. Farnham said no, none of that will be done.

Mr. Farnham felt the money would come if the costs get down to 4-4.5 million. Plans are to keep the name Jackson Arena at this time. Mr. Lawson asked if there had ever been discussion about a different location and Mr. Farnham said yes, several different locations and it is felt the current location is the best for many reasons. tape 1 side 2

Mr. Farnham stated he feels very positive about the rink.

 

Proposed Skate Park: Mr. Lawson had spoken to Bud Keene about the park and asked about the proposed location, i.e. in the rear of the ball field by the elementary school. Mr. Keene stated there is a stipulation in the Lowtac money given them that the park has to be developed in the Village. Mr. Farnham has been asked by the Town Manager to look into the history of Marshall Hill (located in the rear of the elementary school, which is owned by the Savela’s in case the property owner is not in favor of the skate park in case they may wish to sell as some point. Ms. Goss stated the sliding hill is a part of recreation in town.

 

 

Mr. Lawson said he agreed Mr. Farnham could go and get the history of the hill but the skate park people would do anything that has to do with the neighbors.

Mr. Keene will be asked to come before the Commission with a progress report.

 

Mr. Farnham stated the brochure advertising the Summer Programs is being developed and will be ready to be distributed and mailed very shortly. Mr. Farnham stated the Rec Program here in Stowe is the only one in the state to certify all its counselors.

 

Brian Kaplan has stared a program with kids taking care of gardens. Mr. Farnham stated they would like to get started on any person (s) wanting to have a garden in local vicinity.

If gardens were to be proposed for the Mayo Farm property, there is a process to go through.

 

Nature Program: Mr. Farnham discussed and hopes to create a nature path, etc in the rear of the David Gale Center for the kids to observe. There is currently a beaver area there. He felt this would be informative and interesting for the kids.

 

Rotary Building: Mr. Scott stated he has met with the Selectboard, Tim Meehan and Jean Innamorati, Justin Rabidoux met with Rick Farnham, Bruce Godin and Mr. Scott and agreed to get involved with the planning. He has discussed cleaning the barn out and Mr. Meehan feels one should take a look at the floor and possibly remove. Mr. Meehan feels when the Rotary Barn is restored, it should replace the David Gale Center. Mr. Scott stated that would have to be discussed as there are pros and cons to that and depends on what the majority feels. The plan calls for the barn to be joined to the Gale Center. The deadline as to what will be done with the Rotary Barn, how it will be done and when in concept, has been given by the Selectboard to August 30^th. Mr. Farnham suggested talking with Mr. Safford, Town Manager; Justin and Bruce for further advice. Mr. Matthews stated he stands by the memo made by the Commission which was that the Commission supports the concept, but did not wish to be involved in the decision/ process to save the barn. Discussion followed about raising money, where it is located etc.           

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Barbara S. Allaire