Newton Recreation Commission – Minutes
July 23, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Newton Town Hall
Recreation Commission
Minutes of July 23, 2008
Page 1 of 3
Call to order
Chairman Rick Bailey called the meeting to order at 8:06 pm with the following members present: Rick Bailey, Nancy Slombo, Deb Holden and Deb Stewart and Bob Donovan, BOS ex officio. Minutes were recorded and transcribed by secretary/alternate, Lisa Babcock.
Also in attendance: Swim Director, Jon Holden.
Boy Scouts Project – Bailey presented a community service project proposed by Boy Scout troop 91. The troop will do cleanup at the Town Beach, paint the metal storage box and install a volleyball court.
Donovan suggested painting the posts bright orange. Bailey said they may use reflective tape but that the posts will be made clearly visible.
Stewart moved to pay $1,163 out of Recreation Savings for supplies needed to install the volleyball court at the Town Beach. Second by Donovan. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Bailey abstaining.
Town Beach
Stewart moved to spend up to $500 out of savings, including shipping, for an 8’ metal bench (item # ERB81 Diversified Metal Fabricators, Inc.). Second by Holden. Motion carried unanimously
The bench is to be installed at the Town Beach by the Boy Scouts as part of their community service project.
The existing bench will be repaired and moved to a different location at the beach.
The Commission discussed purchasing a trash barrel for the Town Beach but did not make a decision and deferred further discussion to the next meeting.
Stewart moved to spend up to $500 (including shipping) out of savings to purchase a portable 10’ long 2-sided bike rack for the Beach. Second by Slombo. Motion carried unanimously.
The Commission discussed purchasing a bulletin board for the Beach. Discussion was tabled.
Beach Party
Holden discussed the supplies she purchased for the Beach Party and the events she had planned:
Events include: crafts, tattoos, fishing game, bean bag toss, scavenger hunt, picture taken as life guard, and a piñata.
Supplies purchased: hot dogs, chips, watermelon, water, lemonade and fruit punch in large re-usable jugs, charcoal, lighter fluid, film and pickles.
She suggested an ice cream truck, but a permit would be needed and there was not enough time.
Swim Program
Jon Holden stated that Friday would be the last day for swim lessons. 21 kids participated.
After the lessons are over, life guards will work 9-6, Monday – Friday and 10-6, Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. Holden reported that the life guard chairs had been delivered. He also noted that the chain on the dock broke; he will get a new chain and locks and repair it.
The secretary asked if there was more work for teens doing community service. It was decided that a teen could work to finish painting the picnic tables.
Mr. Holden reported that one of the life guards had been bitten by a snake while giving a lesson. Emergency services were called as a precaution, but the guard is ok.
Summer Programs
Holden updated the Commission on the summer programs. She reported that the crafts program is going well and that approximately 30 people attended movie night.
She will contact Mad Science to get an update on the science camp.
Greenie Park
Bailey suggested having a public session to discuss improvements at Greenie Park on September 9, 2008. Plans for the public meeting will be discussed at the 8/27 Recreation meeting.
Bailey said that back stop for the new field isn’t complete. He also noted a lot of trash under the bleachers.
The Commission discussed charging a user fee to use the ball fields and using the money to pay someone to empty the barrels.
Bailey moved to request that the Board of Selectmen modify the “Application for Permit” form to include a line requiring Recreation Commission approval for the use of the park, fields, etc. in addition to the Board of Selectmen approval. Second by Slombo. Motion carried unanimously.
The secretary will prepare a memo to the Board of Selectmen. If the Selectmen approve the change, a notice will be posted at Greenie Park stating that use of the fields must be approved by the Recreation Commission and the Board of Selectmen.
Stewart noted that a schedule was needed to track who is using the field when and that time must be allotted for pick-up games and kids who want to use the field to practice.
Fall Fair and Road Race
Stewart will call arrange for the reptile show for 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Slombo will arrange the pony rides for 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Fair will run 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
The secretary will send out a letter to town departments asking for participation.
Bills
Stewart moved to reimburse Deb Holden $16.88 out of Town Beach supplies for gardening supplies and umbrellas for the life guard chairs and $79.95 out of summer programs for supplies for crafts. Second by Slombo. Motion carried 4-0-1 with Holden abstaining.
Stewart moved to pay $60 for water testing at the Town Beach. Second by Slombo. Motion carried unanimously.
Baseball/Greenie Park
Bailey informed the commission that he had spoken to Jim from Screamin’ Green who said there was some disagreement between Screamin’ Green and NBSA regarding how the fields were to be cut. Bailey has asked Mr. Bonin not to contact Screamin’ Green and allow the Recreation Commission to oversee mowing the fields.
Bailey also requested via e-mail that NBSA pay for any extra mowing of the fields.
Donovan moved to send a letter to NBSA requesting that the president attend the August 27th meeting to discuss baseball/field issues. Second by Slombo. Motion carried unanimously.
Credit Card
Stewart moved to request that the Board of Selectmen allow Newton Recreation to apply for a credit card in the secretary’s name to bue used for Newton Recreation purchases only. Second by Slombo. The motion carried 4-0-1 with Donovan abstaining.
Adjourn
Bailey moved to adjourn at 10:24 pm. Second by Stewart Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock,
Secretary
| 
