Meeting started at 6 p.m. with Jake Hunt, Dave Fenity and A.J. Ruben present.

Brief discussion of follow up on survey findings and agreement that playground renewal will be the first priority of new investment.
Jake agreed to follow up with Anna and also contact the PACIF insurance agent who will eventually have to determine coverage for new playground. Committee decided that wood mulch would be goal for surface based on survey results and further discussion.

Committee discussed Selectboard request that the Committee take on responsibility for the equipment closet at the back of the Town Hall, currently holding skates, balls, and pickleball equipment and locked.  Selectboard hoped the Committee would develop and implement a plan to maximize access to equipment without exposing Town to undue risk of loss through theft. Committee agreed to consider for next meeting.

Committee discussed concern raised by neighbors across Rt. 100 from Town Green due to court light shining into their window. Committee reviewed the light and determined no easy fix to concern. A.J. agreed to bring up concern with Select Board.

Committee discussed possible submissions to the Town Report to be reviewed at Town Meeting next March.  Report submissions are due around December 2024 per A.J.'s recollection. The Committee discussed submitting a Recreation Committee Report summarizing the work the Committee has done in 2024 and naming the members of the committee, and requesting input on priorities and ideas for future efforts.  The Committee also discussed developing a specific proposal with dollar figures, contractors and timeframes and a total budget amount for one or two projects (playground, walking trail)  and requesting special Town funding to support those projects through a Warning to be included in the Town Report and voted on during Town Meeting.  The Committee agreed to consider both options and work to provide both types of documents to the Select Board and Town in time for inclusion in the Town Report. 


Agenda for next meeting :

Playground plan update

Equipment closet plan update

Town Report submission update

10 22 24 meeting ended at approximately 6:50 p.m.

Pittsfield Rec Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date:
10/8/2024
Link for Recording of the Meeting:
https://pittsfieldvt-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/p/meeting/EZ0Qijfy13RMmoZEomGoSdUBZ6oznlfFZrZJUkO6km8pVQ?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D&e=R6XktB

I. Administration

1. Meeting begins 6:12
   Meeting minutes approved by Katrina Hotchkiss seconded by Dave Fenity

II. New Business

1. Spring painting by St. Johnsbury Vermont Tennis Court Surfacing $9,780 out of paving budget
   
2. Bazaar feedback
   1. Review of every survey and tallying responses
      1. Do you live in Pittsfield
         Yes                21
         No                10
         
         Are you aware of the town's multi-use field, playground, basketball court, horseshoe pits, pump track, and winter skating rink?
         Yes                34
         No                  1
         
         
         
      2. Four favorite features of a municipal park
         Walking Trail                         23
         Picnic Areas & Benches      16
         Community Garden            15
         Winter XC Trail                     12
         Fenced Dog Park                 12
         Pavilion                                 11
         Fire Pit                                     7
         Sports Field & Goals             6
         Exercise Stations                   5
         ​Disc Golf                                 4
         Soccer Kick Wall                    3
         
         
      3. Write insSkate park, BBQ pit, roller blading, mobile baseball bases, shuffleboard, movie night, climbing structure, varied structures by age group, native plant area
         
         
      4. Playground Surface
         Cushioned Turf                      3
         Wood Mulch                         10
         Recycled Tire Rubber          14
         Sand                                         2
         
         
         
      5. Suggestions on signage aesthetics
         Subtle, to exist, lighting
         
         
      6. Additional comments
         Use local artists, tweed access for MTB, swings, social media presenc 

Jacob Hunt motioned to adjourn at 6:47 pm, Dave Fenity seconded.

Recording:
​https://pittsfieldvt-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/p/meeting/EV1mCsLMQSZCrfr9w5z2N4gBOWxsOEHaFkE9C7I_X9p0tA?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D&e=7fzG8f

Pittsfield Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes September 24, 2024

Meeting at Town Hall – present Jake Hunt, Ann Kuendig, Dave Fenity, Trina Hotchkiss, and A.J.
Ruben.

Jake called the meeting order at 6:18 p.m.

Ann reiterated the Open Meeting Law requirement that Recreation Committee meeting agendas
be posted prior to the meetings and that minutes be posted on the Town website within 5 days of
the meetings. Ann offered to help posting recordings of the Committee meetings online as well.
Jake moved to accept meeting minutes from September 17 th , Trina seconded all in favor.
Ann reported on Selectboard purchase of recreation equipment prior to October 1 st to obtain a
grant funded match. Ann reported the Selectboard will purchase a pickle ball net, balls and
paddles (net reviewed by Committee previously), two basket balls. A heavy duty tarp to cover
the court and line the hockey rink was discussed and the Committee agreed on that purchase by
the Select Board too.

Dave reported on efforts to find a different option to top coat and paint the basketball court. Dave
spoke with Killington Recreation Department who reported using the St. Johnsbury company
that gave Pittsfield the initial quote. Killington reported being very satisfied with the St.
Johnsbury company and noted a twenty-year positive relationship with that company. Dave sent
the RFP to another potential bidder, but that bidder declined to bid due to not having the requisite
expertise or materials. Jake moved to recommend to the Select Board that the Board use the St.
Johnsbury company and accept the initial approximately $9k bid, Dave seconded, all in favor.
Jake reported speaking with Dave Colton about the walking track. Dave Colton agreed to work
with Harvey’s to obtain material and estimated that $3500 in hard pack material would be
needed. Dave Colton offered to volunteer much of his time to the project. The Committee
extended its gratitude to Dave Colton for his generous offer.

The group discussed offering commemorative benches for donations in the new recreation area
and suggested buying and installing such benches to honor volunteers once the park is further
along.

Jake showed the group photos of Manchester, Vermont’s recreational field and attributes,
including commemorative benches, playground with wood chip surface, and curved swing set
structure.

The group reviewed an historic graphic of a proposed Pittsfield recreational field complex and
agreed to display at the Bazaar both it and the newly created graphic of proposals for the new
recreational field complex that Jake is working on.
Jake discussed potential funding including obtaining a copy of Bethel’s successful VOREC grant
and contacting Mascoma Bank that may have grant money available for part of our recreational
project.

The group discussed logistics for our presentation at the Bazaar this Saturday. Jake, Dave and
A.J. will set up in the morning, including tables, chairs (from the town hall), and easels for the
two displays. People will bring baked goods to entice interest in our presentation. Trina will be
available in the mid-day at the table. Jake will send texts to the full Committee for additional
scheduling for a presence all day at the Bazaar table. Jake will also finalize the graphic with
possible projects and descriptions.

Dave agreed to finalize a survey form after reviewing a draft by Trina and additional discussion.
Dave will send a draft to the Committee and request that Trish at the Town Office print out 100
copies for use on Saturday at the Bazaar. Questions will likely include what equipment and what
ground surface should be in the playground, interest in a walking path, pavilion, dog park,
community garden, kickboard, frisbee golf holes, a firepit/bbq, commemorative benches,
educational/fitness stations along the walking path, and signage for the pump track and other
recreational offerings. There will be a space for general comments as well.

Trina moved to end the meeting at 7:02 p.m. and Dave seconded, all in favor.

Meeting Date:
8/13/2034
Link for Recording of the Meeting:
https://pittsfieldvt-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/p/meeting/EURpw6z_wspGgWlEwI-20cUBDn8Se5hqO-2gD8ptphM_Mg?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D&e=LNwpAg

I. Administration
II. Active Projects
III. Improvement Ideas
Resources
Copy/Paste Email Addresses:
Table of Action Items



I. Administration

1. Meeting begins 6:08
2. 7/23 Meeting Minutes motioned to approve by Jacob Hunt, Dave Fenity seconded
3. Jacob spoke with members of the town and has been receiving positive feedback
4. Rec Committee Fund  $28,004.87, $548.00 to be deposited from Erica Hurd  fund
5. Weekly work meetings scheduled until Bazaar on Tuesday evenings at 6pm until Bazaar at the end of September

II. Active Projects

1. Court
   1. Jacob Hunt to follow up on drainage
   2. Jacob Hunt & Dave Fenity to follow up on painting: suggestion for blue color as not to attract heat
   3. Money for paint can come from existing funds, select board to approve budget once presented by Rec Committee
2. Pump Track Clean-Up
   1. Jacob Hunt began cleaning out low vegetation, work to continue with help of sub-committee members: Eric Huss & Mariah Katz

III. Improvement Ideas

1. Katrina Hotchkiss suggested a Pittsfield Recreation logo
2. Signage
   1. Select board likely in favor pending more information of where it will go, size, and what it will look like
   2. Mariah to email sketch of draft design to Rec Committee
      1. Sign will include the ability for versatile advertisement of pump track, Playground, Court, Skate Rink etc..
3. Outreach
   1. Katrina Hotchkiss suggested creating a take-home questionnaire distributed and collected at Swiss Farm Market.
      1. Can include questions about what playground features are most desirable by families, it’s important to gather prioritization on this since it’s one of the most costly upgrades.
   2. Sub-committees will finalize their proposals for feedback to be collected by community at annual Bazaar in September, this is the purpose of instituting weekly meetings until then
4. Field
   1. New idea submission for frisbee golf mini-course, pitch & putt
5. Sports Field
   1. Dave Fenity suggests 125ft x 125ft to optimize variety of activities
6. Garden
   1. Dave Fenity recommends placing the garden at north side of field because of access to water and to avoid flooding, he will reach out for FEMA specific regulations
7. Access to drinking water
   1. Consideration of adding access to drinking water (such as fountain) to building plan
8. Pathway
   1. Suggested size: 8ft x 1000ft
   2. Suggested construction: compacted pressure concrete
      1. Materials  ~$7,500
      2. Machine  ~$2,500
9. Playground
   1. High cost, but funding could be allocated from surplus in budget, taxes, lines of credit, or grants

Jacob Hunt motioned to adjourn at 6:45 pm, David Fenity seconded.

​

Pittsfield Rec Committee Meeting Minutes

Link for Recording of the Meeting:
https://pittsfieldvt-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/p/meeting/EfgN4RyJVcZBgPucCsfrV9cBATrzzH1Z-AyTV4FqK1X56g?nav=eyJyZWZlcnJhbEluZm8iOnsicmVmZXJyYWxBcHAiOiJTdHJlYW1XZWJBcHAiLCJyZWZlcnJhbFZpZXciOiJTaGFyZURpYWxvZy1MaW5rIiwicmVmZXJyYWxBcHBQbGF0Zm9ybSI6IldlYiIsInJlZmVycmFsTW9kZSI6InZpZXcifX0%3D&e=3d6m34
Meeting Date:
7/23/2034

I. Administration
II. Active Projects
III. Improvement Ideas
Resources
Copy/Paste Email Addresses:
Table of Action Items



I. Administration

1. Meeting begins 6:13
2. Meeting minutes motioned to approve Jacob Hunt approved, AJ Ruben seconded
3. Facebook Post
   1. Draft composed and read by Anna Rayner. Motioned to approve by Jacob Hunt, Eric Huss seconded.
   2. Once posted online it will be printed and hung in Swiss Farm Market & Original General Store
   3. Online engagement will aggregated, from there further community input measures will be discussed
4. Sub Committees established:
   1. Playground
          Anna Rayner, Matt Kopicki
   2. Broad Theme: Mapping and Planning
          Jacob Hunt, Dave Fenity, Katrina Hotchkiss
   3. Pump track
          Eric Huss, Mariah Katz
5. Short-Term Plan
   1. Pump Track
   2. Signage
   3. Playground Improvement to begin by Fall 2024
   4. Establish forums for community feedback
   5. Develop a model for a 3-5 year strategic plan.

Long-Term Plan

1. Pavilion
2. Further projects collected and voted on after community discussions
3. Seek grants and other funding opportunities once we establish an overall plan for the Recreation Area as a whole

II. Active Projects

1. Court
   1. Paving: Scheduled by end of month
   2. Drainage: Accepted into the project commission; execution details TBD
2. Property boundary details will be shared with the Rec Commission this week
3. Pump Track
   1. Eric Huss, Mariah Katz, and Jacob Hunt are beginning to clean out new vegetation
   2. A plan for expansion and new features will be developed and presented to the Select Board after feedback and approval from Ridgeline Outdoor Collective

III. Improvement Ideas

1. Erica’s memorial
   Since she was so involved in the rec center, would it be appropriate to facilitate community imput on improvement measures?
2. Pavillion
   Current facilities include 1 porta-potty, 2 bathrooms in the Town Hall, and 2 bathrooms in the Town Office. For public events, it would be beneficial to have all 5 bathrooms available. If usage issues arise, further installations can be discussed.
3. Playground Upgrades
   1. Remains one of the main priorities, initial improvements slated to begin before Fall 2024
   2. Depending on usage, consider establishing leagues for sports like pickleball and hockey
4. Sport Area
   1. Depending on usage, leagues for sports like Pickleball and Hockey could be established
5. Kickboard 
   1. A kickboard could be installed for use with tennis balls, soccerballs, handballs, etc..
   2. A white cloth could drape over it so it could double as a projector screen for town movie nights
6. September Bazaar Preparation

Prepare CAD drawing proposal for presentation & feedback during event


Jacob Hunt motioned to ajurn at 6:50 pm, Dave Fenity seconded.
Next meeting August 13th
    



​

Meeting Date:
7/9/2024

I. Administration
II. Active Projects
III. Improvement Ideas
Resources
Copy/Paste Email Addresses:
Table of Action Items



I. Administration

1. Introductions
2. Chair Assignments
   Board members voted on chair elections, naming the following assignments:
   1. Executive Chair: Jacob Hunt
   2. Secretary: Mariah Katz
3. Email Listserv
   Established contact directory for internal communications to collaborate on drafts and proposals.

Jacob Hunt: [email protected] 
Mariah Katz: [email protected]
Dave Fenity:  [email protected]
Anna Rayner: [email protected]
Matt Kopicki: [email protected]
Aj Ruben [email protected]
Eric Huss: [email protected]
Katrina Hotchkiss: 

1. Meeting duration
   Voted to be one hour length on every other Tuesday at 6pm
2. Grants
   Discussion was held about reviewing the Communities Grant Application and adding the basketball court to it. Start planning and hire a grant writer later when we have specific needs. TROC can help find grants, but private donations might be easier for funding.
   1. Action items:
      1. Brainstorm then discuss fundraising initiatives
      2. Schedule time to review Communities Grant Application at an upcoming meeting
3. Community Outreach
   In order to gather community input, we can start by creating a post on facebook page informing the town of the committee initiatives and request ideas
   1. Action item: Anna Rayner to compose statement for digital post, circulate via email and collectively edit and use link to Herald article to explain who and  what the board is

II. Active Projects

1. Basketball & Pickleball Court
   The court is being laid early August, sunken to allow for ice rinks in the winter. Suggestions were raised to add a drain and plastic topping to protect the court. Dave Fenity volunteered to become involved in supervising construction if needed since he has relevant and valuable experience.
   1. Action item: Jacob Hunt to follow up with Joyce Stevens about adding drain to court
2. Pump track
   Rehabilitation tasks can be preformed by board and community volunteers. Two immediate improvements that can be made is to clear out brush which would add a line of sight to the pump track and also expose areas that can be incorporated and added to the MTB area.
   1. Action items:
      1. Plan pump track specific event during the town bazaar

1. Clean up day planned for Tuesday 7/16 @6pm

III. Improvement Ideas

1. Nature Path
   A nature path could wind around the field connecting the pump track, playground and the other park features. The path could wind in and out of the woods.

1. Dog park
   Board members have heard from town neighbors about the appeal of having a dog park. Suggestion was made to have half of the dog park in the open field and half in the woods.
   1. Action items:
      1. Determine the ideal size of a dog park
      2. Solidify property boundaries
2. Sports field with multi-sport nets
   A shed could be erected to house different types of nets to use for sports on the field. A nod to the Pittsfield Pirates could be a fun incorporation.
   1. Questions: Do we need a shed to lock up equipment? Who would be doing that?
3. Pittsfield colors
   With creating a community oriented space, it could be nice to establish Pittsfield colors that could be represented in the recreation facilities
4. Pavillion
   A covered area to provide shade and congregation areas with picnic tables and barbeques
5. Signage
   Add signs to inform residents and visitors about available amenities. The sign could have individual linked pieces of wood below it so features can be added and removed depending on things like seasonal activities.
   1. Action item: A.J. Ruben to talk to Otel Ortel about making a sign
   2. Action item: Mariah to draw up sign design, circulate to rec committee then propose to select board
6. Playground
   The current placement and footprint of the playground are considered ideal as-is. The design can be kept simple with four new swings, a play structure with a slide, and add sit-spinneys. Sand is not ideal for cleanliness and safety, so we should consider alternatives like wood chips or recycled tires with proper framing as part of a sustainability initiative. Adding a climbing structure with holds is a great idea, but we should remove the see-saw from the design. Although kids love diggers, we could use rocks instead of sand. We need to focus on short-term and long-term planning by generating ideas now, then consulting with people online and at the Bazaar. Additionally, we should capitalize on volunteers for installation and logistics.
7. Community Garden
   Location for community garden on Lower Michigan featuring low raised beds does not conflict with FEMA funding
   1. Action Items:
      1. Decide perimeter
      2. Decide what will grow
      3. Set up time for volunteering in construction

ResourcesCopy/Paste Email Addresses:[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Jacob Hunt: [email protected] 
Mariah Katz: [email protected]
Dave Fenity:  [email protected]
Anna Rayner: [email protected]
Matt Kopicki: [email protected]
Aj Ruben [email protected]
Eric Huss: [email protected]
Katrina Hotchkiss: 


Table of Action ItemsPittsfield Rec Commitee Action Items
Category
Action Item
Assignee
Notes

Grants
Brainstorm and discuss fundraising initiatives.
Board


Grants
Schedule a meeting to review the Communities Grant Application.
Board


Community Outreach
Compose a statement for a digital post on Facebook.
Anna Rayner


Basketball & Pickleball Court
Follow up with Joyce Stevens about adding a drain to the court.
Jacob Hunt


Pump Track
Plan a pump track event during the town bazaar.
Board


Pump Track
Clean-up day for the pump track.
Board
Tuesday, 7/23 at 6 PM

Dog Park
Determine the ideal size for a dog park.
Board


Signage
Talk to Otel Ortel about creating the sign.
A.J.


Signage
Design draft for sign, circulate for feedback, and propose to the Select Board.
Mariah Katz


Playground
Generate ideas for short-term and long-term planning for the playground.
Board


Playground
Consult with people online and at the Bazaar for playground feedback.
Board


Playground
Seek volunteers for playground installation and logistics.
Board


Community Garden
Decide on the community garden perimeter and what will be grown.
Board


Community Garden
Set up volunteering times for community garden construction.
Board


Community Garden
Solidify property boundaries for the community garden.
Board


​