Newton Recreation Commission – Minutes
August 27, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Newton Town Hall
Recreation Commission
Minutes of August 27, 2008
Page 1 of 4
Call to order
Chairman Rick Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:50 pm with the following members present: Rick Bailey, Nancy Slombo, Deb Holden and alternate/secretary Lisa Babcock. Minutes were recorded and transcribed by Lisa Babcock.
The following members of the Newton Baseball and Softball Association were in attendance: Gene Pasto, President; Mike Bonin, Facilities; and Bob Morton, Secretary.
Bailey appointed Babcock to stand in for the evening.
NBSA/Greenie Park: Bailey explained that the Commission had asked NBSA to attend the meeting to continue open communication between NBSA and the Recreation Commission.
Bailey said that he had received several phone calls from Jim Hill of Screamin’ Green – Mr. Hill was not present. In the phone calls, Mr. Hill stated that he had been asked to cut the fields at Greenie to a length shorter than recommended. Mr. Hill had said the turf would be damaged if he cut it as short as NBSA was asking.
Since there seemed to be some disagreement between NBSA and Mr. Hill; Bailey had asked Mr. Bonin to discontinue communication with Mr. Hill for the time being. Bailey said he would communicate directly with Mr. Hill.
Bailey also stated that if the fields were cut more frequently than had been agreed to, the Commission’s budget line would be depleted and mowing would not be able to continue into October.
Mr. Morton said the grass was always a length of 4” or more, which is inconsistent with the research NBSA had done. Mr. Morton said the standard is 2.5” and at this length, the grass grows more slowly so it requires fewer cuts.
Mr. Bonin said that he had never been informed of when the fields were mowed despite having asked to be informed.
Slombo suggested that the Commission put the field maintenance out to bid for next year, including weed control, irrigation and fertilization. A license is needed for fertilization and the contractor must be insured.
NBSA will provide specifications for the bid. Mr. Morton asked if general park maintenance could also be included in the bid.
Bailey said the Commission’s focus this year had been on the Town Beach but that they would focus on Greenie Park next. Bailey said the Commission had previously held a public meeting to discuss the park and the main concern then had been drainage – which had been addressed. Morton said the drainage had worked very well this year despite it being a very rainy summer.
Pasto said NBSA was dealing with a lot of vandalism at the park and had been told by police to install a surveillance camera. Bailey suggested having Chief Streeter attend a meeting to discuss security issues at the park.
Bailey also said that Recreation would ask the selectmen to have the road crew empty the trash barrels once per week at the park.
Bailey also informed the NBSA members that they would be asked to fill out a permit to use the park next year and provide a schedule. He also asked that they provide Recreation with any new keys each spring.
Bailey thanked the NBSA members for attending the meeting and working together with Recreation. Mr. Patso, Mr. Morton and Mr. Bonin departed.
Summer Programs Update:
Beach Party - Holden informed the Commission that the Beach Party had been a success. The turnout was good and there were games, crafts and food. She also said there were things that she had planned but could not do because there was not enough help.
Mini Golf – there was a small turnout, the Commission had budgeted $200 for the event but had only spent $50.
Tennis – Bailey said the turnout had not been great but the program was going well. He plans to start the program earlier next year.
Apple Hill Golf Lessons – Holden said the turnout had been very good for this program and that the program itself was excellent. She will discuss a program for next summer with the instructor.
Arts & Crafts – Holden said the program went well. Six sessions had been planned, but two had to be cancelled due to rain. There were 10-15 kids at each session.
Cinema 95 – about 20 people attended.
Exeter Ice House – no one attended. Holden said this and other programs needed more advertisement. Babcock said she would send more ads to the Carriage Towne News.
Secret Agent Camp – this event had to be cancelled due to low interest. The person running the camp had done a good job of advertising. The Commission does plan to arrange something with her for the Fall Fair or for next summer.
Bills:
Bailey moved to reimburse Deb Holden $78.09 out of Town Beach Supplies for purchases made for the beach and $438.06 out of Summer Programs for supplies for the beach party. Second by Slombo. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Holden abstaining.
Bailey moved to pay $10 out of office supplies for Family Fun magazine subscription. Second by Holden. Motion carried unanimously.
Fall Fair: The fair will be held on 9/27/08, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bailey will send an ad into the paper. Babcock will send a letter to town departments asking for participation.
Babcock will contact Taylor Rental to order the bouncy house. (Be sure to get one that will not touch the wires.)
Holden suggested having crafters at the fair. Babcock will ask the Town Administrator what the process is regarding peddlers’ permits.
Holden will contact a DJ, possibly Mat McElroy. She also suggested a scarecrow contest – have local businesses make a scarecrow and submit it to the fair for judging.
Slombo will get the pony rides for 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Holden also suggested having a craft for kids.
Bailey called a meeting for September 3rd at 7:30 pm to continue discussion and planning of the Fall Fair.
Other Business:
Bailey asked the secretary to get copies of the swim contracts and checks (if possible) from the selectmen’s office.
Bailey announced that a reporter from the Rockingham News, Kathy Bailey, is looking for more stories about Newton.
Bailey announced that the Boy Scouts will be working at the Town Beach on September 6th to install the volleyball net, do cleanup and install the new bench and repair the old one.
Bailey asked the secretary to use the Town credit card (if approved) to order the bench and other items voted on at the previous meeting.
Bailey suggested doing a flyer for the school to ask for e-mail addresses to contact families regarding upcoming events.
He also asked the secretary to find out if Recreation could get a phone extension and e-mail address.
The Commission reviewed a memo requesting an inventory. The secretary will take an inventory of what is in the office and e-mail it to Bailey.
Adjourn
Holden moved to adjourn at 10:00 pm. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock,
Secretary
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