Newton Recreation Commission – Minutes
February 13, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Newton Town Hall
Recreation Commission
Minutes of February 13, 2008
Page 1 of 3
Call to order
Rick Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:55 pm with the following members present: Rick Bailey, Gary Nelson, Bob Donovan, BOS Ex Officio and Lisa Babcock. Minutes were recorded and transcribed by secretary/alternate, Lisa Babcock.
Also in attendance: Bob Morton and Mike Bonin from the Newton Baseball and Softball Association.
Bailey appointed alternate Babcock for the evening.
Newton Baseball
Bob Morton updated the Commission regarding Newton Baseball and Softball. He introduced Mike Bonin, the NBSA Facilities Coordinator who will act as liaison to Newton Recreation and will oversee field maintenance.
Mr. Morton said that he had been speaking to Todd Fitzgerald about a naming opportunity for the new field (Greenie III) in honor of his late father. Mr. Morton said the naming could also be tied to the proposed pavilion. Mr. Morton said that NBSA will look into pursuing donations and plans for the pavilion.
Mr. Bonin said he will get three quotes for the field maintenance which includes mowing, fertilizing and irrigation. He said he would like to get one company to handle all three areas of maintenance if it is more cost effective.
Mr. Morton said the fields need to be cut more than once per week in the spring and fall and less during mid-summer.
Mr. Morton presented an invoice for the divider nets that will be installed between the fields. He said most of the drainage work had been done and there were only a few minor things left. He suggested writing a thank-you letter to Gibbs for the time and machinery that was donated.
Mr. Morton also stated that NBSA was planning to do some remodeling of the interior of the concession stand. They would be redesigning the counter space and adding a drink cooler and some shelving. They would dispose of the old freezers. Bailey said the transfer station would waive the disposal fees for the freezers. Mr. Morton said there would be no cost to Recreation.
Donovan asked if the person doing the work was insured. Mr. Morton said he would check.
Nelson moved to authorize NBSA to re-arrange the interior and build shelves in the concession stand at Greenie Park. Second by Donovan. Motion carried 4-0.
Mr. Morton said NBSA was considering a new project to build a batting cage since the netting was ruined on the old one. He said they were thinking about a chain link fence tied into the tennis court. Bailey said he was concerned about adding another permanent baseball structure to the park. He also said that there were plans for the tennis court, but that he was willing to look at their ideas. Mr. Morton said he would draw up some plans for the Commission to review.
Mr. Morton said that NBSA was planning to put 3 picnic tables near the concession stand. Bailey said that Recreation could help with that.
Mr. Morton said that NBSA was planning to install new locks on all of the doors of the shed. Bailey suggested that all the doors be keyed the same. He said that Recreation would pay for a good lock for the main door.
Bailey instructed Mr. Morton to compile a list of everyone who received a set of keys and to forward the list to the town hall. The list is to be maintained by the Recreation Commission. He also said that 6 copies of the key should be distributed as follows: 1 Police Dept, 1 Town Hall, 1 Fire Dept, 3 Recreation Commission.
Town Beach
The Selectmen’s Office had informed the Recreation Secretary that the owner of Whispering Pines Campground, Mr. Pica, had stated at a recent BOA meeting that he had an agreement with the Recreation Commission for use of the Town Beach.
Bailey stated that he had never authorized the campground to use the Town Beach and to the best of his knowledge the prior Chair had not done so either.
Donovan pointed out that the Recreation Commission does not even have the authority to grant permission to use the Town Beach, only the Selectmen can do that.
Bailey instructed the Secretary to draft a letter to the BOS and copy the BOA and Planning Board stating the following:
1) The Town Beach is to be used by Newton Residents only.
2) Newton Recreation strictly stresses and adheres to that policy.
Nelson mentioned that a piece of the fence that separates the Town and campground beaches had fallen down and should be replaced.
Capital Improvements Program
Bailey handed out copies of the CIP forms that were filled out at the previous meeting. The forms included suggestions for: reconstruction of the tennis and basketball courts, construction of a new playground, and construction of a new sports field at Greenie Park.
Nelson moved to submit the CIP forms as filled out by Bailey to the Rockingham Planning Commission for inclusion in the Master Plan. Second by Donovan. Motion carried unanimously.
Easter Egg Hunt/Girl Scouts
The annual Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Girl Scouts will be held in the Memorial School Gym on Saturday, March 15th beginning at 1:00 pm.
Bailey moved to pay up to $300 for rental of the gym and other supplies for the Easter Egg Hunt. Second by Nelson. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Babcock abstaining.
February Vacation
Bailey moved to rent Skateland for Thursday or Friday of February Vacation, with costs not to exceed $350. Second by Donovan. Motion carried unanimously.
Nelson offered to contact Skateland for the 28th or 29th.
Adjourn
Motion by Bailey with second by Nelson to adjourn at 9:15 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock, Secretary
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