Hinesburg Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2010
Meeting Attendance: Mike Bissonette, Tom Giroux, Carrie Harlow, Jen McCuin, Frank Twarog
Village Steering Committee: Rolf Kielman, George Dameron, Karla Munson, Jane Starkweather, Brian Busier, Aaron Kimball, and Dona Walker.
Approved February Meeting Minutes
Brainstorming with the Village Steering Committee
Frank gives overview of Rec. Commission efforts to acquire green space and recreation usage.
Looking to acquire input from various town committees
Four possible locations have been identified in relationship to the official Town Map – Baptist Lot, Lyman parcel behind Creekside, Bissonette parcel just South of CVU corners, and the parcel behind the post office in Commerce Park.
Brian Busier wonders how much land is needed.
Mike Bissonette reemphasizes the Rec. Commission’s objective with “What are we looking for?” And “What are the needs of our community?”
Mike asks for the mission of the Village Steering Committee.
Rolf gives overview of the Village Steering Committee – VSC. Select Board charged them with looking after the historical integrity, open space, and the pedestrian circulation of the village, with an emphasis on the core village area, while recognizing the two new village growth areas to the North – Creekside and Thistle Hill.
At website, the Town Plan summizes the VSC to advise, counsel, and promote welfare of the village.
George emphasizes the sidewalk and pedestrian safety component.
Rolf states that open space is also a priority.
Others agreed that reducing speed in village is a priority.
Areas of VSC – Monument Park on corner of Rte. 116 and Silver St. and space behind Police Station.
Karla points out that open space on Gilman Rd. is an ideal spot for playing fields.
Frank responds to say the focus has been in the village as per the Town Map.
George asks is there is a formula for recreation space based on population.
Frank states that we began exploring this process to determine specific sizing with the land behind Police Station, but that project has changed direction.
Rolf confirms that VSC is supportive of recreation options and open rec. spaces in the village. The bandstand or gazebo option right off Rte. 116 is not ideal due to
traffic noise.
Brian offers the opinion that most people don’t use the Town Forest off Hayden Hill East & West and wonders if there could be logging or selling parcels to raise income to purchase additional land in the village area.
Frank gives overview of how usage of Lot 31 in Creekside was lost. Lot 31 was supposed to be playing fields and recreation space, but a change in the Army Core
Engineering plans prohibited development due to wetlands.
George proposes acquiring a formula for how much land is needed for recreation space, based on population.
Rolf utilizes Williston and So. Burlington as examples of setting aside significant space for communities for a viable plan in the future.
George defends the idea of proposed growth despite declining numbers in schools with the insight that people are moving to Hinesburg.
Frank confirms that the Recreation budget has about $20,000 set aside for fields and Rolf proposes this is a good amount to conduct a professional study of options.
Frank proposes “best use” term for space. Gives park and ride behind Town Hall as example, with possible expansion and popularity, is the field next to lot the best use?
Group speculates that 9 acres is a minimum requirement for various playing fields and other recreation options.
Per Frank, Lyman parcel is an ideal spot for recreation space because of the running and walking options along the LaPlatte River between Charlotte Rd. and Shelburne Falls Rd. That space could include: walking trails, historical society building, smaller scale playground, farmer’s market, along with playing fields, parking, and storage facility.
Rolf maintains that Commerce Park would be ideal for the Town Green.
Short term and long term assessment should include recreation needs of the community.
Bring these needs to DRB so that when developers come to town, there is a plan in place.
George maintains that demand will increase over time.
Recap from VSC – supportive of Recreation Commission’s movement toward recreation space and best use plan in the village.
Land update
Frank and Mike spoke to the Lymans.
While they are generally supportive of what the Recreation Commission is pursuing, they will wait for additional feedback from the VSC.
Frank says that we have some homework to complete regarding projections, amount of recreation space necessary for current and future population. How much land must be set aside?
There is a consensus on the Rec. Commission that there are duplicating efforts with various committees and groups.
July 4th Theme
Carrie proposes – “Heroes Around Us” and for 2012 “Hinesburg Goes for the Gold” in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Carrie also suggests that we make this a contest at HCS next year.
Other Business:
Invite Planning Commission to attend or go to their 4/14 or 5/12 meeting.
Propose that we would like to meet and speak about recreation space.
Confirm chair of Planning Commission with Mike
Next Meeting: 4/13/10