Minutes of Park Commission Meeting
Held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Selectmen’s Hearing Room, Town Hall at 7:00 pm
1. Call Meeting to Order:
Mr. Bowen called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Members present were Mr. Bowen, Mr. Wood and Mr. Scafidi. Also present, Mr. Santos and Mr. Hannon.
2. Minutes to Approve:
A. Public Session – January 19, 2016
Mr. Scafidi 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. Request for installation of Artwork on A.R.R.T. from Scott LaFleur
Scott LaFleur presented his proposal for the installation of a custom sculpture, which he and his family hope to donate to the Town of Hudson. Mr. LaFleur expressed to the Park Commission that he is hoping to become the catalyst in the local public art movement, encouraging public art within the Town. Mr. LaFleur noted that he would prefer that his sculpture be installed on the Assabet River Rail Trail. He stated that the installation of art would potentially attract more people into town and that partnerships/sponsorships with local businesses related to public art may aid in the future maintenance and sustainability of a public art program.
Mr. Santos commented and expressed his concern of the lack of guidelines for any such public art projects. Mr. Santos stated that, in his opinion, guidelines were needed before approving or accepting public art projects to be placed on Town property. He also stated that internally (within the Town of Hudson) he needed to see which departments/town officials might need to be involved in this process. Mr. Santos asked that the Park Commission and Mr. LaFleur award him and his staff with some time to explore any requirements internally prior to the Park Commission making any decisions.
Mr. Wood and Mr. Bowen both stated that proper guidelines needed to be in place so that the process is clear for both the Town of Hudson, as well as any future artists.
4. Personnel:
A. None
5. Director’s Report:
A. Follow-up Discussion to potential flooding of rinks for winter skating.
Mr. Santos informed the Park Commission that he had spoken to a representative from DPW regarding the history of flooding the rinks at the Warren Chamberlain Recreation Facility. Originally spearheaded by volunteers and in the later years maintained by the DPW, various reasons caused the DPW to stop flooding and maintaining a frozen rink. The process of flooding the rink in later years caused damage to equipment (the specialized flooring and boards). Mr. Santos also stated that he had recently reached out to the Hudson Youth Dek Hockey Board and requested their input on this matter, as they actively use and assist in maintaining the facility for their youth programs. The Hudson Youth Dek Hockey Board of Directors plans on taking this item into consideration at their next scheduled meeting and will
report back to Hudson Recreation with any recommendations and/or suggestions. The board representative did however voice his concerns to Mr. Santos, stating that future flooding could potentially damage the equipment Youth Dek Hockey program had installed over the last several years.
Mr. Santos stated that he would report back to the Park Commission once he had received further feedback from the group and also that DPW would need to be included in future discussions on this matter.
6. Communications and/or Correspondence to be noted by Commissioners:
A. None
7. Old Business:
A. None
8. New Business:
A. None
9. Adjournment:
Mr. Scafidi motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 pm, seconded by Mr. Wood and carried...
Vote: 3 – 0, in favor
Motion to Adopt: Mr. Scafidi
Second: Mr. Wood
Vote: 3 – 0, in favor
Date: April 13, 2016
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