Minutes of Park Commission Meeting
Held on Thursday, August 2, 2018
Recreation Office at 7:30pm
1. Call Meeting to Order: 7:30pm
Mr. Bowen called the meeting to order at 7:30pm. Members present were Mr. Wood, Mr. Chaves and Mr. Bowen. Also present, Mr. Santos and Mr. Hannon.
2. Minutes to Approve:
A. Public Session – July 12, 2018
Mr. Bowen motioned to accept the minutes as written, seconded by Mr. Wood and carried…
Vote: 3-0, in favor
3. Citizens Issues / Special Interest Groups:
A. Park Commission to review citizens concern regarding SOP #1 “H) Horses, cattle, livestock and domestic animals of any kind are prohibited in any park, except a dog or cat on a leash is permitted”.
Mr. Santos informed the Park Commission that the office had received several phone calls throughout the summer related to unleashed dogs at properties under the control of the Park Commission, specifically what is commonly known as Intel Field. Mr. Santos informed the Park Commission that the current rule allowed for both dogs and cats to be on park property, while on a leash. Mr. Chaves stated that although the leash regulation is already in effect per the existing regulation, the wording should be revised. Mr. Wood agreed with Mr. Chaves and discussion followed. Mr. Bowen motioned to change SOP#1, H from “Horses, cattle, livestock and domestic animals of any kind are prohibited in any park, except a dog or cat on a leash is permitted”, to Horses, cattle, livestock and domestic animals of any kind are
prohibited~on any property under Park Commission jurisdiction. Exception: a dog or cat on a leash and under control is permitted. Seconded by Mr. Chaves and carried…
Vote: 3-0, in favor
Mr. Santos stated that he and his staff would begin to design proper signage and work with DPW to have signs installed at various facilities across town in the months.
4. Personnel:
A. None
5. Director’s Report:
A. None
6. New Business:
A. None
7. Old Business:
A. B.I.D. to present Park Commission with plans for updates to Liberty Park and adjacent riverfront viewing areas
Arthur Redding and Richard Braga, of the B.I.D. (Business Improvement District) were present and presented the Commission with a visionary plan to redevelop Liberty Park to provide greater access to all, improve the Veterans Memorial experience and provide a downtown park suitable for potentially hosting programs and small events.
Mr. Redding stated that Mr. Santos had originally shared some photos of a waterfront park in the Atlanta, GA area and suggested that a future renovation to Liberty Park could be beneficial to the community. Mr. Redding stated that the park is currently used by various groups and residents, as well as Town departments and felt that improvements would add another point of interest to the downtown area. Mr. Redding stated that he envisioned a riverfront boardwalk, potentially cantilevered over the water in some areas, providing greater access, while adding additional areas for recreational purposes. He stated that he had met with various town departments and representatives from the veteran community and all were in support of the project. He stated that if the project were to move forward that he would
welcome the input and involvement of the Park Commission. Mr. Redding stated that the estimated design costs for this project to approximately $90K and it was the intent of the B.I.D. to work with the Community Development department to apply to CPC for funding.
Mr. Chaves asked how future construction would be funded and Mr. Redding stated that perhaps CPC funds would be requested for such purposes. Mr. Redding stated that B.I.D. is looking to move forward with an application to CPC requesting design funds and is seeking the support of the Park Commission, in order to have Mr. Hunter complete and submit the application for consideration. Mr. Redding also stated that he was aware that the Park Commission may also be seeking out CPC funds in the future and that the B.I.D. is willing to support future recreation projects.
Mr. Wood stated that there is a lot of wasted space including the area behind the Fire Station and it could be better utilized for recreation purposes.
Mr. Bowen asked if the design funds of $90K would include design of the area behind the Fire Station. Mr. Braga stated that this project looks to improve Liberty Park, the parking area behind the Fire Station and walkway that connect both areas.
Mr. Santos asked who would be applying to CPC for funds and if the application would be submitted on behalf of B.I.D. or Community Development Department. Mr. Redding suggested that it be a joint application between B.I.D., Community Development and the Park Commission. Mr. Santos stated that he had some concerns with the Recreation Department and/or Park Commission being listed as a requestor of funds for this project, at this time.
Mr. Chaves stated that he would love to see the main focus of the design be the river and the waterfront area. He then stated that he too, had mixed feelings on whether or not the Park Commission, should be listed as a requestor of CPC funds. He stated that he was willing to support the project but advised the Commission to consider how their level of support for this specific project might be perceived by the residents based on the recent surveys and community input they had received.
Mr. Bowen motioned to support the project and the application to CPC requesting funds to be used for the design phase of the project; and further that the Park Commission would commit to assist in moving this project forward within its means while in support of Park Commission goals and objectives. Seconded by Mr. Wood and carried…
Vote: 3-0, in favor
8. Communications and/or Correspondence to be noted by Commissioners:
A. None
Announcements/Adjournment
Next meeting tentatively scheduled for September 5, 2018.
Mr. Bowen motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:45pm, seconded by Mr. Wood and carried...
Vote: 3-0, in favor
Motion to Adopt: Mr. Chaves
Second: Mr. Bowen
Vote: 2 – 0, in favor
Date: September 27, 2018
| 
