Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Present: Michael Arbour, Steve Slozak, and Steve O’Shea (Chairman)
Also Present: Timothy Pascale, Director; Jeannie Guertin, Secretary/Clerk; School Committee Member Joshua Farber; Superintendent Pat Dardenne; Director of Business & Facilities Don Smith; Pool Director Liz Manley; Jo Sauriol; Christina Orciari; Lauren Smith; Jennifer Young; Keri Linkenhoker; Michelle Connery
Steve O’Shea called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Superintendent Dardenne and Director of Business & Facilities Don Smith appeared before the Commission to have an open discussion regarding the Quarry Hill Pool. Given the ongoing budget shortfall and the inability for the Parks & Rec pool programs to fund the maintenance of the pool, a decision has to be made as to what has to be done to keep the pool open. Tim Pascale wants to make a $1,700 payment to the school, but can’t afford the $3,000 a month (for 7 months) that the school is charging the Parks & Rec Department. An invoice is needed from the school so a payment can be made. Don Smith will send an invoice to the Parks & Rec.
A realistic goal for the Parks & Rec Department is that they can pay $1,700-$1,800 a month based on the fees that are generated by their pool programs. It is difficult to know how much money can be brought in by the fees since it can’t be predicted how many people will participate in the various programs that are offered.
There have been discussions to raise more money, including increasing the rent that Palmer pays for the pool. It is hoped that the pool can remain open until the end of July which would allow the continuation of spring and summer programs, including the Dolphins Summer Swim Team, which concludes on July 30. For fiscal year ’12 the pool may only be open from November through February for the high school varsity swim season. The elementary school physical education “swim and gym” programs would also be run during that time period.
The recommendation is that the pool be kept open until the end of July. The school needs the assurance that any profit from the pool come to the School Department. They need a commitment from the Parks & Rec up front with accountability that payments can be made. The Parks & Rec would like a specific number that is realistic for the Parks & Rec to pay, which will be easier to “back up to.”
What is the cost of the pool usage for June and July with only the Parks & Rec programs are running, including using the pool cover consistently? This will give a more accurate figure of what the pool usage fee would be for the Parks & Rec Department if the Parks & Rec is the only one using the pool. Pat Dardenne said they will take care of that.
There was discussion as to whether there should be a contract between the Parks & Rec Department and the School Department outlining obligations. There is now a School Committee liaison for the Parks & Rec Department, which is Josh Farber, so that issues can be addressed as they arise.
It was brought up that an agreement had been made between Steve O’Shea and Pat Dardenne that if the School Department kept the pool open, the Parks & Rec would maintain the school grounds for free. Steve O’Shea wanted to make it clear that he has no authority to strike any such "deals" and there was no such agreement.
Erin Greene recently met with Tim Pascale regarding her offer to assume the Director/Producer position of Monson Summer Theatre. The Commission was given Erin’s notes of that meeting. Because of her work schedule and family commitments this summer she would like to act as Producer and Artistic Director and hire a separate Director. She feels she does not have the time to dedicate to being a Director. She would be responsible for hiring the Director, as well as a Scenic Craftsman who will be responsible for building the set with the kids and any adult volunteers. She would like to charge participants $100 and require each to sell 10 tickets each. Seating would go back to general admission. Tim proposed that Erin’s fee be a percentage of the net profit, in addition to a
set salary.
Steve Slozak made a motion that the Commission hire Erin Greene as Producer of Monson Summer Theatre, giving her the authority to hire a Director and Scenic Craftsman, and Steve O’Shea seconded. All in favor and the motion passed.
The status of the mowers was discussed. Instead of purchasing replacement mowers, Tim was asked to get information regarding the leasing of mowers. After looking into this, Tim reported that he personally would have to sign the contract and terms of a lease, and he would be responsible for such. The cost of financing mowers would be $6,000 more than purchasing outright. There would be no money left if a new mower were to be purchased. The revolving fund will continue to be used to repair the existing mowers. Capital expenditures have been discussed at the Department Head meetings. Tim will include four mowers in his report for capital expenditures requests.
The fence by the playground at Veterans Field is in need or repair, and Brodeur Campbell gave a quote of $550 to fix it. Tim will ask the Board of Selectmen for monies from the Gifts to the Town Account to repair the fence.
Tim is trying to get the third field at Rogers Field ready for May; however, there is still snow on the field.
There is a Red Sox bus trip scheduled for July 10 with Peter Pan Show Bus, at $135 a ticket (including ticket, bus transportation and driver’s gratuity). There is also a Yankees bus trip scheduled for July 24 at $99 a ticket (including ticket, bus transportation and driver’s gratuity).
Accounts Receivable was discussed and it was suggested that at each month’s meeting an update should be given regarding the status of outstanding accounts. Accounts Receivable will be placed on the agenda for each meeting.
Steve Slozak made a motion to accept the February 10 minutes, and Steve O’Shea seconded. All in favor and the motion passed.
The next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m.
Steve Slozak made a motion to adjourn at 8:32 p.m., and Mike Arbour seconded. All in favor; meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannie Guertin
Secretary/Clerk
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