The regular meeting of the Recreation Commission was held Wednesday, September 23, 3009 in the David Gale Center starting at 5:00 P.M.
Members present: Phil Scott, Paul Lawson, Holly Rochefort and Bill Kelk. Absent: Leah Hodari.
Others present: Marge McIntosh, Director and Jeff Snyder, from Segway, (EPAMD brand name for an “Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device”
Mr. Snyder was present to explain the proposal to allow the device to do tours on the Rec. Path. There would be a maximum of 8 people, plus a guide on a trip. By law and definition they are not motorized vehicles but run electronically. He stated he felt this would be a benefit for Stowe as well as Segway. People visiting Stowe may wish not to walk 5 miles, when they can ride. Riders would be single file, following all rules imposed, can go on non-paved areas but easier on paved. Holly asked what the experience has been with trails that also have bikes on them. Mr. Snyder said it has been fine as most people look and see what it is. He calls it similar to a walking tour. Plans could be to park the trailer behind the Community Church. They would require a single electrically outlet as a charge allows for about a 24 mile run. Marge had talked to Mr. Safford who suggested Mr. Snyder talk to the Commission prior to going to the Selectboard. The Rec Path restrictions and use of the Path info was given to the members. On tours they will go no more than 8 miles per hour. Paul stated the Rec Path can get busy and even though they are not considered motorized vehicles, 8 mi per hour when the a path is busy may be too much. Mr. Snyder stated it could be 4-8 mph. Paul said he felt it a brilliant idea, but customers will be coming to Stowe when the Path is the busiest (week ends) and congestion will be a big part. Mr. Snyder said this is a 2010 project. Would be running 7 days a week. Paul brought up the fact that AJ’s, TN etc. would be renting most of their bikes on weekends, which is the busiest. Marge asked if there are bike tours on the Rec Path and the answer was no. A couple of things have come up stated Marge, that is does the Rec Path allow for tours, a money making operation doing tours, and does the town want to have Segway in Stowe, is there another place that could accommodate them or might accommodate them and are they a function for the Rec Path. Bill said felt tours are stopping, educating people to see parts of the town etc. Mr. Snyder said most people don’t want to have stops for talking but do like photo shoots etc. There would be a combination of education and experience of seeing Stowe. Mr. Snyder said they would be happy to work with the town re: hours of operation, places on the path etc. Paul felt it a great idea but may not know where the congestion is on the path at any one time. Phil concerned about a couple of the bridges that have steep lead ins to them and could be a problem. Mr. Snyder said he gives instructions when one goes down hill. Marge read the appropriate section of the easement for the Path, i.e. limited to hikers, bikers, joggers, walkers and cross country skiers. No motorized vehicle (by law these are not considered motorized) shall be allowed at any time except for Police etc. She then read a portion of the town’s Stowe Highways and Other Public Ways and Public Places policy. (Skateboards are prohibited). Bill: I am fine with it as long as they are not motorized vehicles under the law and if property owners who signed the easement had a problem with it they could go to the authorities. Barbara stated she felt the purpose of the Rec Path was for exercising and felt to allow these would set a precedent. Snow mobiliers etc would be asking to do the same thing. Marge read the opinion written by VLCT to Charles (who had sent to Mr. Snyder) Mr. Snyder stated they are being proactive and if you (Commission) feels there should be no Segway in Stowe, we would accept as we don’t wish to make someone mad. Holly asked if there are other entities using the Rec Path for profit making and are there other places in Stowe where there could be similar tours? Jeff: the Rec Path is the spot. Marge said she does not know all the history behind the easement and Bill said landowners clearly did not want motorcycles, snowmobiles etc. but this is different. Paul asked how golf carts would be viewed and Bill said he would not go a long wit that. Paul asked what the difference would be. Marge asked about disabled persons using it. There is a minimum weight of 100 lbs and maximum of 250. (Manufacturers specifications) Jeff said they use it with a range of people, including disabled. Holly said she would like to see the exact route because the path does get busy. Marge told members UVM is doing a study of the Path and looking at the use, from recreation/transportation so there will be info on that. Marge said her worries are congestion and the easement. Barbara asked what liability the town would be accepting with a commercial operation. Jeff said they have their own liability insurance. Bill said you will be confronted with out of control dogs and could be a problem as well as people overtaking you on bikes. Jeff said they have bells on the machines. Holly said it would be interesting to try and see who uses it. Members felt the prime issues are: congestion, liability and the easement. Marge read Mr. Safford’s e-mail , basically concerned with congestions and asked that the Commission come up with their recommendation. Discussion continued with members each expressing the easement, what can or cannot be allowed etc. Jeff asked that the Commission give an opinion to the Selectboard Paul said he was pleased that Mr. Safford came to the members re: this issue. Phil: the path is already crowded. Other options were suggested, i.e. Cape Cod Road which would not be allowed. (Jeff was opposed to that saying the ideal spot is the Rec Path and would like to try it. Marge said the Selectboard are looking for a recommendation. Paul said if a test drive is done it could include the Selectboard. Marge said education piece is important for all concerned and give all a chance to try a machine out. Marge said when working at Smugg’s, Jeff ran a very quality business. Jeff left the meeting Paul felt the Commission should come up with an outline of their concerns and do it on a trial basis or month to month and conditionally. Holly asked to see the demographics, who are using it. Paul questioned storing them in the parking lot, feeling perhaps they would be given a competitive advantage, and concerned with using the parking lot. Marge said the units have to be plugged in most of the time (including being stored over the winter). tape 1 side 2 Paul felt this could be an opportunity to put money back into the Rec Pat. Barbara asked if Bruce has been asked for his opinion. Phil said most of the people he had talked to indicate the Path is for exercise. Marge said at Smugg’s it was entertainment based, interesting thing to ride and there are mobility issues. Barbara asked Marge what income Smuggs got and she said they had a vendor agreement and they paid 15%. Paul felt one-half of any income should go directly back into the Rec Path. Marge suggested talking to neighbors and friends and return to the discussion at a future meeting and after the Commission issues a recommendation meet with Charles prior to the Selectboard’s meeting, stated Marge. Marge will put out some Rec Path data on usage and Holly will write up something and put out an e-mail to members. Bill felt a cool idea but need a tour. Members will ask neighbors and friends. Barbara asked if this could be a precedent setting issue even if it allowed at all. The Commission will take the Segway issue up at their October meeting.
Director’s Report:
Memorial Park Master Plan process has begun. Had 2 PAC meetings ands asked that Commissioners have input to the process.
The Mountain Bike report in with no information at this point.
Summer Rec Program went well with an average of 90 kids per day. Payment plans worked well this summer and at this time there is $8.84 in unpaid tuition fees. Marge said scholarship need to be pursued.
Fall-winter-spring programs, (CLP). There are an average of 13 kids
Will be exploring what the needs are and what the after school programs can provide. Hunter Safety course starting and looking at a Driver’s Ed course. .
Marge said she would like to get more people involved and may give out a simple questionnaire.
Budget process has started and the main concern is that there be no increase in taxes.
Minutes of August 19, 2009:
Members reviewed with minor corrections. Paul moved to accept, seconded by Mr. Kelk with all in favor. All members in favor.
October meeting to be held on the 14th.
There will be no further business the meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.
