Killington
posted
Aug 30, 2012
Recreation Report on Trail Development and Summer
Programs
The Parks & Recreation Director Lyndsay Gang reviewed the trail
development program. She noted that a Killington Trail Leadership
Team was set-up and she reviewed its purpose. Gang reminded
listeners that a grant was received by the P&R from the U.S.
Department of Interior last year to develop trails and greenways
and those missions are strongly supported by local Town residents,
second-home owners and out-of-town guests.
Gang then went on to review the River Road Loop, noting it is
the first trail project that will be completed and commented on its
route. She noted that the Leadership Team and other volunteers came
out to help complete the trail.
Gang then reviewed the Paddle Trail and its route starting at
Raebeck Road and finishing at the Skyship parking lot and that an
easement agreement was being negotiated with the Killington Resort
(the "Resort") for the load-in and load-out.
She also discussed the proposed Mission Farm Trail and the
Church of Our Savior's involvement in parts of the trail. And Gang
discussed potential new trails and the Thundering Brook Boardwalk,
which is in the process of reconstruction.
Gang then reviewed the summer programs, noting that the summer
was the P&R's busiest season. She specifically summarized the
Rek & Trek program, the Loads of Fun program, the Circus for
All camp program, the Vermont Youth Adventures program, the
Challenger Soccer Camp, the Swim Team program and the Swim Lessons
program, which were all quite successful.
Gang also reviewed the 4th of July events undertaken by the
P&R, Splash Theater and the River Road Concert Series and the
range of guests in attendance.
Report on Tourism Systems and Funding
Chris Karr, on behalf of the Killington Chamber of Commerce (the
"Chamber"), reviewed a report commissioned by the Chamber and done
by Mr. Carl Ribaudo regarding an analysis of how the Town and
community can continue to improve the way they fund and manage
economic development. He discussed the background of the report and
then proceeded to review an Executive Summary (handout of which was
available at the meeting) of Mr. Ribaudo's report. He discussed the
four main components of the report: Situation Analysis taking place
inside and outside the Town with respect to economic development,
The Key Issues (primarily a review of Town funding and Golf Course
debt), Options for Consideration (recommendations for the Town to
consider with respect to the State of Vermont, taxes, debt
payments, possible Golf Course sale or stay the current course) and
Additional Key Recommendations (review of the role of the Chamber
and Town, flexibility of economic development funds and
public/private investments).
Phil Black raised varies issues that were in the report, with
Karr commenting thereon.
Karr continued discussing funding and what direction the Chamber
and the Town should take. Mr. Megnin commented on the report as it
relates to the Resort and what directions might be taken by the
Resort, saying overall he thought the recommendations were
favorable and should be considered.
Bernie Rome commented on the report and that he had some
differences with the report. He stated he differed with the
conclusions in the report with respect to the Golf Course, noting
that he believed the Golf Course was an economic development
venture, as well as other programs the Resort and Town have
undertaken.
Rome discussed the repeal of the 1% tax mentioned in the report
and Black commented, with a discussion following. Karr stated
further discussion should be undertaken between all parties, such
as the Chamber, Town, Resort, local businesses and the public with
respect to the recommendations.
Haff discussed the Golf Course and its debt and the report,
noting the budget and funding of the Golf Course and the Golf
Course debt repayment schedule (mentioning that the voters approved
of the current structure). He further mention the Town library
operations verses the Golf Course operations and that the Golf
Course might use a similar operations' model as the Town
library.
Bill Vines questioned Golf Course operations and its funding,
noting tax implications. He further suggested that a possible
roundtable be set-up to review the report recommendations. Rome
agreed that the community should come together and discuss the
report recommendations, specifically the Golf Course and its debt.
The Chairman stated that a framework might be set-up to address
peoples concerns with the report. Follow-up to come.
The Chairman then summarized the Board's position on the report
and that the Board will be interacting with the Chamber on the
recommendations, with a follow-up to come.
Tagged:
select board meeting, killington
