Newton Recreation Commission – Minutes
October 24, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Newton Town Hall
Recreation Commission
Minutes of October 24, 2007 meeting
Page 1 of 3
Call to order
Chairman Rick Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:45 PM with the following Commission members in attendance: Rick Bailey, Chairman; Member, Gary Nelson; and Alternates, Lisa Babcock and Deb Holden. Minutes were recorded and transcribed by secretary/alternate, Lisa Babcock. Chairman Bailey appointed Alternates Babcock and Holden for the evening.
Others in attendance: placeCityNewton Baseball representative Bob Morton.
Vacation Weeks
Holden announced that she booked Skateland for the following days over school vacation: Friday, November 23rd and Friday, December 28th for 5:00 – 7:00 pm for both dates. Holden will contact the elementary and middle schools to for advertising. Babcock will contact cable to see if the event can be advertised on cable and will post on sign outside town hall.
Minutes
Nelson requested that the minutes from 10/10/07 be amended to include the following:
The Sanborn Babe Ruth program does provide a service to the town of Newton in the form of recreational baseball for kids aged 13 – 18. The town of Kingston provides funding and fields, Newton does not provide fields. He added that Sanborn Babe Ruth will be more than happy to help with the clean-up of either the town’s recreational areas next year.
Bailey motion to accept the minutes of 10/10/07 with the above revision. Nelson 2nd. Motion carried unanimously.
Newton Baseball
Bob Morton was present to present a proposal to the Commission for the drainage work at Greenie Park. He announced that Frank Gibbs will donate machine time in the form of a large excavator and trucks for one day within the next few weeks. Once the larger machines do the prep-work, volunteers will use smaller machines to complete the work.
Mr. Morton presented a plan entitled “Greenie Drainage Phase 2” and dated 10/23/07. The plan depicted a sketch of the proposed drainage ditches along the access road and parking lot and dry well location. The plan also included a raised grade area near the basketball court. The plan indicated approximate costs for materials to be $5,188. Mr. Morton expects the work to be completed within the next 2 – 3 weeks.
Bailey suggested that Recreation provide some extra funds to make sure all costs are coved. Mr. Morton agreed that extra funds may be needed. He also stated that he would try to get the best prices possible on materials to reduce costs.
Nelson motion to appropriate funds from the Greenie Park supplies line not to exceed $5,500 for materials for completing the drainage work at Greenie Park per the plan dated 10/23/07. Bailey 2nd. Motion carried unanimously.
Bailey thanked Mr. Morton and Newton Baseball for all the work they have done on this project at Greenie Park.
Senior Programs
The Commission discussed possible Senior Programs for 2008.
Nelson got quotes on Duck Tours and provided a sheet with the different prices. He also contacted some bus companies regarding transportation costs and will report back on prices when he receives word.
Babcock will look into train ride.
Sanborn Babe Ruth
Nelson stepped down to discuss Sanborn Babe Ruth. Nelson stated that Kingston awarded the Babe Ruth program $1,000 this year and asked that Newton give a matching $1,000. He explained that he would use the money for the following: $500 for baseball clinics (including instructors) at Extra Innings in Salisbury and $500 for equipment as follows: 4 sets of catchers’ equipment at $125 ea, team bats at $85 ea, infield covers at $95 ea. He also said that he would like to purchase a pitching machine but this was a low priority. He said that receipts for all purchases would be provided.
Bailey said that he would rather have Recreation fund equipment purchases than baseball clinics. Nelson said that that would be fine; he could easily use the money to purchase additional equipment including 3 boxes of game balls (at $25 per box) for each of the 3 to 6 teams as well as less expensive practice balls.
Nelson also explained that Sanborn Babe Ruth is less expensive for the players than other area teams. $150 – $175 is a typical fee, but Sanborn only charges $125 to the players. He also said that Kingston’s $1,000 pays for the umpires for the games. Generally there are two umpires at $55 ea per game.
Bailey motion to provide a grant of $1,000 to be paid out of summer programs to Sanborn Babe Ruth, matching Kingston Recreation’s grant, for baseball equipment. Receipts for all purchases must be provided. Sanborn Babe Ruth will do a community service project in the spring of 2008. Holden 2nd. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Nelson abstaining.
Bills
Bailey motion to pay $292.00 to Sea of Green, and $840.00 to Screamin’ Green, for Greenie Park grounds maintenance, and $203.20 to Triangle for Greenie Park chemical toilet. Nelson 2nd. Motion carried unanimously.
Babcock noted that cost of shipping for the Jim-I-Nee ball toss structure was to include a $50 trucking charge. Nelson said he would try to get the company to waive the trucking fee. Bailey said they should vote on the increase just in case he was not able to get the price recuded.
Bailey motion to spend up to $800 for the Jim-I-Nee ball toss structure. Nelson 2nd. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjourn
Bailey motioned to adjourn at 8:50 pm, 2nd Nelson, vote: unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock, Secretary
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