The regular meeting of the Stowe Recreation Commission was held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in the David Gale Center starting at 5:00 P.M.
Members present: Bill Kelk, Phil Scott, Holly Rochefort and Leah Hodari. Absent: Paul Lawson. Others present: Marge McIntosh.
Minutes of October 14, 2009: Ms. Rochefort moved to accept as written, seconded by Mr. Kelk with all in favor.
No meeting in DECEMBER. January 20th will be the next Recreation meeting.
Skateboards: Brenna Sullivan , senior at SHS is circulating a petition to go to the Selectboard, which will allow skateboards on the Rec Path. Article in SR 10/22/09 captures what she is speaking to. Marge indicates she rather use the Rec Path than main roads for safety reasons. Ann Lusk had commented in SR basically giving her support with a possible trial period. Marge felt it depends what the community would like. Bill Kelk said when the Rec Path was constructed, kids were skating in front of Town Hall, and it was the perception that those kids should not be on the Rec Path. Bill felt kids should be allowed to use the path but stated there will be complaints. Leah suggested the possibility of a speed limit on the Rec Path. It was suggested new signs on each end of the path. Marge said she has requested an accident record from the EMS for the path but has not received it at this time. Members were favor of allowing skateboards on the path.
Phil said bridges are a concern for safety, i.e. turns etc for bicycles, skateboards etc. Bill said the danger is with bicycles. Phil said there are many more bikes on public roads now. There is a precedent, which allows in-line skaters on the path but that is not stated anywhere. Holly said most people she had spoken with re: Segway had a concern with how many activities can be allowed on the path, the traffic etc. Marge said it appears the easement for the path has not been followed but it is up to the people in town and asked if members wanted additional information from others about skateboards and Segway. Barbara said she had spoken to a few people and after explaining the response was that outside commercial operations should not be allowed. Leah asked why the Commission is waiting until January to give an answer to Segway and Holly said to get additional information and put together a comprehensive report for the Selectboard, which Marge felt the Commission’s recommendation would be on the Selectboard’s agenda in January. (who could possibly ask for a public hearing) Marge stated she is working to get a report from EMS when an accident happens with any of the recreation facilities. Marge will check with the leader of Segway re: a tour he proposed. Marge felt the Commission goes along with skateboards, it may be a good thing to try Segway or it may not be (tour). Phil said he had met up with someone with a motorized bicycle on the path (which is not be allowed). Marge said she understood Burlington is having a public meeting re: Segway on their path and will try and find out the result.
Marge told members she is working on the budget which will be in front of the Selectboard. Trying to increase funding by developing programs for teens after school within the current resources.
The Rec Department is having an open house “Welcome to Winter” on December 5th 11:00-1:00 and will have a scavenger hunt, free ice skating/rentals; artist to do demos, crafts for small children etc. Also doing what is called Golden Ticket. Phil asked about a seasonal brochure and Marge said the department will be doing more e-mail and using Stowe Reporter more. tape 1 side 2 Trying to get space in the elementary gym which is not available until February which will include activities and looking for people in the community to get involved. Decision needs to be made as to what programs would be provided and the times needed.
Phil asked if it is possible to groom the rec path for cross country skiing and Marge said there will be a portion being proposed to be plowed for walking. This has not been resolved. The Ski Club grooms the path once a year. Marge said it comes down to man power and Bruce may not have the appropriate equipment.
Bruce will be putting the other portion of fence in to delineate the end of the parking lot at the Quiet Path.
Scott Graner, for karate, will be paying 10% of gross but has not been determined how much will go to the school and to Rec Department.
Barbara asked if the skateboard park goes in, who will maintain it and will it create additional personnel etc. Marge felt it would not have to be staffed daily.
Memorial Park Discussion:
Marge had sent several pieces of information for members to review, including a map/plans. Phil suggested members and friends look at the map and put down what they would like to see in the park. There are 3 plans suggested. Marge explained each in detail for members who had suggestions/opinions. Holly asked to talk about Jackson Arena .Marge said the major issues are: there is a permit in place to build a new arena on the existing footprint and it was difficult to get the permit with a lot of issues and very expensive; existing facility requires 2M to bring up to code and usable and ice making arrangement; another suggestion is to tear down Jackson and building a different location. Phil said he would like to see figures which would be required to upgrade repairs and what it would be to bring current area up to use; same as Brattleboro. Phil said if there is heat in the building there is not a snow removal problem. Marge said the info is in the background memos. (cost of new one vs cost of repairing Jackson) Phil said Bruce has been the guy to keep the arena so it works, take the 2M allocated for a new rink, update Jackson and then we would have something which could be used with ice in the near future. Discussion continued with members and Marge stating information involving use and costs of a new arena vs upgrading the existing facility with no resolutions.
Skate Park discussed with Marge saying it would need to be in a very visible area and center and near the tennis courts would be an option, on the little League field is also an option but would not put it more remote because it need “plenty of eyes” near it. Barbara asked if we need something that requires 20 year old kids need to be watched.
Rotary Barn was not brought up recently but Phil hopes to have that as part of the discussion which would include ideas to use it.
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
