Hinesburg Recreation Commission

Meeting Minutes

May 11, 2010 - 7:30 PM

Present: Mike Bissonette, Tom Giroux, Rocky Martin, Jen McCuin, and Frank Twarog

Approved April meeting minutes.

Discussion of Carse parcel:

Rocky, Alex, Mike, Tom and Jen walked Carse parcel 5/11 afternoon. Rocky spoke to David Carse. His sister who lives in Alaska owns the parcel. There is no connection and it was listed with Coldwell Banker Realty.

Per David, land was soil tested for one building lot.

Rocky spoke to Alex and there’s potential for town to purchase and subdivide one lot, then develop remaining land for recreation purposes.

Wetland deliniation study would be necessary.

For a town to purchase land, there must be a vote to approve.

Options to finance – Eddy gift money in trust is approximately $93,000 and $20,696 in the Rec. Capital Exp. Reserve Fund.

Rocky spoke to Jeanne to confirm November would be the earliest vote opportunity.

Rocky says we must have Select Board’s approval.

Select Board will want – How to finance? What is the plan? How much do we need? Why 25 acres, etc.

Rocky will contact Realtor Carol Audette at Coldwell Banker.

Jen will find out current fund balances and work with Alex to create a map that would place various recreation option on the parcel. Will also contact David Eddy about our plans.

Frank and Mike will look at some financing options.

Rocky found a VLCT – VT League of City and Towns – cheat sheet that outlines how a town can purchase land.

Town utilizes Chittenden Bank for financing.

How can we involved other town organizations who may be interested in this project, such as the Land Trust, Conservation Commission, etc.?

Mike will contact Bob Mason of CSSU for a copy of a contract to take out an option for an urgent purchase.

FYI Carse parcel was appraised for $225,000.

Mike Updates on Attending Planning Commission Meeting on April 27

Spoke to Jean Isham about Rec. Commission needs.

Needs are field space, developing a strategic recreation plan.

John Trefry was present at meeting.

July 4th Update:

Dave & Roni Estey will be Grand Marshals

Next Recreation Commission meeting is 6/8/10.