Minutes of the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Monday, October 20, 2014
Present: Michael Arbour (Chairman), Peter Beaupre, Jr., Sara Szado
Also Present: Tim Pascale, Director/Program Coordinator, Jeannie Guertin, Secretary/Clerk; Steve Gordon, Grounds Laborer/Recreation Assistant; Erin Greene, Monson Summer Theatre Producer
Mike called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m.
Peter made a motion to approve the September 29 minutes. Mike seconded the motion. Mike said the minutes should be amended to show Sara seconded the minutes to the August minutes, not Mike. All in favor, and the motion passed.
Tim distributed a picture of the boys JV soccer field at the high school taken Friday, October 17. There is damage to the grass in the areas behind the benches, which are being made during practice drills. There are worn lines from the path the players are making while doing drills. Tim wanted to bring this to the attention of the Commission. Tim will forward the pictures to Athletic Director Jen Gouvin so she can address this with the coach.
Tim is thinking of moving the players’ benches to the opposite side of the JV soccer field. If he did that, the bleacher project that Josh Madison is doing will have to be relocated to the side that the bleachers are currently located. With the benches on the far side of the field, the spectators will be across from them. Most spectators will not watch the game from across the field from the benches now.
Peter made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session under M.G.L. Chapter 30 § 21a for the purpose of discussing the reputation, character, health, discipline, charges, complaints, but not personal competence of an individual. Sara seconded; all in favor and the motion passed. Peter made a motion to close Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. and Sara seconded. All in favor and the motion passed.
Steve Gordon appeared before the Commission regarding him substitute teaching for the school. Up until September 6, 2012, he used to substitute teach at Granite Valley Middle School. Steve felt he could sub during the winter when most of his Parks & Rec hours are in the evening, starting around mid-late November. Two years ago he received a call from the State Ethics Commission and was told there was a Conflict of Interest since he was being paid by the Parks & Rec and also the School. Steve filled out an exemption form to be approved by Selectmen, but it was not approved. Steve wants to now reapply for an exemption to allow him to substitute teach during the time he acts as gym monitor in the winter months and would like a letter from the
Commission with their support. They are supportive and will sign a letter stating their approval.
At their meeting on October 28, the Selectman will discuss the full time status for the Parks & Rec Administrative Assistant position, and the Commission should try to be at that meeting. Tim is unable to attend.
Regarding basketball evaluations, Tim wants different panels for boys and girls. He is going to try to put together a panel this week. If any of the Commissioners know of anyone that may want to sit on the panel, let him know. He would welcome new people for evaluators. Tim is also thinking of non-numerical scoring and simplifying the process. The evaluators could just choose the top “x” amount of players, or a team, from those being evaluated.
The school is trying to get a waiver for the boys and girls high school basketball teams. November 19 will be the official decision on this. Seventh and eighth graders should still try out for Suburban. We are accepted back in the Suburban league for boys’ and girls’ teams.
Sara gave Tim information she received from Dave Mitchell regarding lighting at Flynt Park. Eight wooden poles would cost $1,097. Mark Pekala has architectural software and she asked him to put a layout together. We need this kind of information to present to the Planning Board. He will look at different fields to see what their lighting set-ups look like. Peter talked to Mass Electric about running electricity for power, and they offered to donate the labor. A lot of people in town want to volunteer their help, but we aren’t at that stage yet. There is $7,600 already in the Boosters’ lighting account.
Sara suggested that Athletic Director Jen Gouvin come to a meeting to discuss field usage by high school teams. We will invite her to the November meeting.
The new scoreboard at Granite Valley Middle School is fully installed and operable. Tim feels there should be a cover over the scoreboard, but the cost is $1,000. Peter made a motion to approve the purchase of a protective scoreboard cover. Sara seconded; all in favor and the motion passed.
The display stand being considered for the tennis courts is $617.04. The Commission will explore other options to procure a stand for less money.
The next meeting is Wednesday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannie Guertin
Secretary/Clerk
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