The regular meeting of the Stowe Recreation Commission was held Thursday, June 18, 2009 in the David Gale Center starting at 5:00 P.M.
Members present: Newly appointed member Leah Hodari, Paul Lawson, Holly Rochefort, Bill Kelk and Phil Scott. Also present: Marge McIntosh, Parks and Recreation Director.
Mr. Scott introduced Ms. Hodari and welcomed her to the Commission.
ELECTION of OFFICERS:
Mr. Lawson moved to re-elect Phil Scott as Chair, seconded by Holly Rochefort with all members in favor, except Mr. Scott who abstained.
Mr. Lawson moved to elect Holly Rochefort as Vice Chair, seconded by Bill Kelk with all in favor except Ms. Rochefort who abstained.
Mr. Scott asked for more communication via e-mail to him and between members. Holly Rochefort stated she would put all addresses on and see that e-mails are sent out. Ms. McIntosh asked to be kept apprised as well. Holly said she would take on the responsibility of doing that. Ms. McIntosh said she would communicate when needed to Bruce and Tori.
Minutes of May 13, 2009: Bill Kelk moved to approve as corrected, seconded by Holly Rochefort with all members in favor.
Barbara Allaire left the meeting at 5:30 and the notes were taken by Holly and transcribed by Barbara Allaire.
Ms. Rochefort reported that the first official Mountain Bike meeting took place, walked the property and still determining where to enter by Adams Camp. Working on Cotton Brook and other trails in between. Marge McIntosh reported they hiked with Tom Jackman, Town Planner; Heather Furman, Stowe Land Trust; Jim Donavan, BroadReach Planning & Design and flagged the western line. There are wetlands issues in the area and an attempt will be made to avoid those areas where possible.The eventual plan is to have mountain bike trails come up from Little River State Park. Weekend of July 11th is the Mountain Bike Festival in Waterbury and in Stowe. Marge is hoping to have connections with the Skate Park people when they become more active and bring them to the Commission. Holly stated they have not determined a location, but return to the Memorial Park.
Update on Memorial Park reported by Marge McIntosh: The Natural Resources research report is due in July. A draft of the RFP, will be reviewed and sent out sometime within the next few weeks and hopefully the bid awarded sometime in August. The work will explore uses the community wants, the consensus of what and how and something that is implementable, sustainable, affordable, and perhaps phased . Marge asked that as many respond to the RFP as possible. The hope is to have a plan within 6-9 months stated Marge. Mr. Scott would like to be the representative on the committee when formed (11 people). Phil asked to have a map of the entire area of the park in order to discuss any plan, as well as other interest for the park. Members brought Leah up to date on the Skate Park and Memorial Park. Work has been done at the Tobe Reed Park, creating a park type setup. Bruce Godin and his staff did the work. Holly stated the dog park at the Quiet Path looks very nice. Leah asked that another trash container be placed along the Quiet Path.
Summer Program starts Monday, June 22nd. There are presently 50 children pre-registered, several new families signed up and the staff do expect more and additional will be accommodated if possible. Usual attendance is between 80-100. tape 1 side 2 Staff is hired. Statistics will evolve as to who is coming, where are they coming from, what type of activities are they looking and see if they can be provided.
Marge stated they are working on promoting Parks & Recreation. A banner has been ordered and will be running field games etc at the 4th so has weepuls as prizes.
Marge reported, according to todays Stowe Reporter, the ice rink in Morrisville (LARC) has been sold, and NAHA and is moving there, signing a 5 year lease. It was agreed this could be/will be devasting our rink and Stowe.
Scenic ByWay Group is looking for a representative from the Rec Commission.
A PhD student from the University of Vermont, Peter Pettengill will be doing a Rec Path survey (which will take a week) The purpose is to formulate indicators and standards of quality for sustainable outdoor recreation and transportation for tourism. Looking at growth, using Stowe and Acadia National Park as sites, looking at the of quality of user experience on the path and looking to see if it is being used for recreation or transportation or something in between. Although a long term project, plans are to have sample and data collection in August which will be available to the town. This information /study is free information.
Marge gave an update/handed out a schedule of activities which was done by the Village Vibrancy Committee and Parks & Recreation Dept is involved more in the 6-9 PM period prior to the fireworks. Marge said she would like to do a simple survey available. Needs people to help with parking.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, and on a motion by Holly and seconded by Phil, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
