Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Present: Steve O’Shea (Chairman), Peter Beaupre, Jr., Michael Arbour
Also Present: Tim Pascale, Director/Program Coordinator, Jeannie Guertin, Secretary/Clerk
Steve O’Shea called the meeting to order at 6:21 p.m.
The Quarry Hill pool starting blocks need to be repaired. Since the same type are not made anymore, they would have to be replaced. Tim received an estimate of $20,000 to replace the six starting blocks, plus freight.
It’s been a long time since the chlorinator has been cleaned and a few pieces are staring to wear. Probes for the chemical controller are at the end of their life cycles. These are repairs that need to be done, and there is some money available to do this as a result of the savings from no longer paying Pride Cleaners to clean the pool areas. The vacuum was repaired and it cost $1,247 to fix it.
Tim can’t empty the strainer because the parts are rusted shut. To properly clean the strainer basket you’d have to drain the pool. It would cost $5,700 to get a new one, which would be more easily operated and maintained.
The Town isn’t committed to fix the dehumidifier, which is controlled remotely by a third party. This doesn’t make sense to the Commission that this is the only way to operate the controls of the dehumidifier. The Commission should meet with the School Department, and Jeannie will contact the School Committee to put the Commission on their agenda to discuss pool maintenance/repair. Tim will prepare a list of concerns.
The Commission discussed a possible list of projects to consider to apply for Community Preservation Act funding:
Tim mentioned the pool starting blocks, strainer, and locker room benches. He will check if the lockers can be unbolted and Steve could have them sanded and resprayed.
Also, a “real” set of bleachers at Upper Rogers field and irrigation, including our only 8/10 field, lights at Moriarty Field, a new mechanism to raise the baskets at Granite Valley Middle School, and Quarry Hill baskets, bleachers, and scoreboard. Since we are the main users of the Quarry Hill gym, it would be appropriate for us to provide funding (via CPA funding) to improve the gym.
Peter thought it would be convenient to have storage bins for field material, which Tim had previously brought up to the Commission. Also, he would like to see a playground at Flynt Park which should be visible from the big field. It would be a safer environment for the children to congregate all at one place instead of running around the area where cars are constantly coming in and out of.
Steve would like to see more trail development and trail maps provided to the public.
Jeannie commented that a permanently installed concession stand would be beneficial and profitable at one of the fields, and also a renovation of the Monson High School soccer/lacrosse field.
We are in the middle of baseball evaluations. One boy who has been one of the strongest players in his age division is on vacation. He was on our A team last year. It was decided to place twelve players on that team and place him in a thirteenth spot. There will be no more Suburban teams.
Peter Beaupre made a motion to approve the minutes of the March meeting and Steve seconded. All in favor and the motion passed.
The next meeting date is Wednesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannie Guertin
Secretary/Clerk
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