Newton Recreation Commission
Meeting Minutes
July 28, 2010
- Call to order: Chairman Deb Holden called the meeting to order at 7:20 pm with the following members in attendance: Chairman Deb Holden, Rick Bailey, Ray Thayer, BOS ex officio, and Lisa Babcock. Minutes were transcribed by Lisa Babcock.
Also in attendance: Kyle Kozec, BSA.
- Old Business: Holden requested that all agendas start with old business under the heading "Old Business".
- Discussion regarding meeting procedures: Holden said that the meetings need to stay on track and follow the agenda more closely. At the previous meeting (there was no quorum) the meeting got off track and some important business had not been discussed.
- NBSA and Greenie Park: At the previous meeting Pat Dolan of NBSA had discussed several items that the baseball association would like to get done (shed at Greenie Park, infield mix, etc.) The Commission discussed the fact that the items discussed are not covered under the Commission's budget. Some items such as spraying for mosquitoes do not fall under the Commission's purview. Some items such as the shed for Greenie Park must be covered under a warrant article. NBSA is welcome to submit a list of items and Recreation may be able to give suggestions as how to proceed on some of them.
At the previous meeting there was also discussion about the irrigation system. Grounds maintenance manager, Dave Marden, had made some minor repairs to the system (replace broken heads and add different nozzles). Members of NBSA had requested a professional review of the system and Mr. Marden said he would get an estimate for a consultation.
Bailey noted that NBSA had installed the irrigation system and had agreed to maintain it.
The Commission discussed the possibility of requiring user fees for the fields to offset costs associated with field maintenance and irrigation.
Swim Director Jon Holden arrived at 7:40 pm.
- Greenie Park Pavilion: Boy Scout Kyle Kozec addressed the Commission. His Eagle Scout project, building the pavilion, was complete and he stated that he needs to submit paperwork to the Boy Scouts. As part of this he needs to submit a letter from the Commission stating that the pavilion is complete and accepted.
Babcock said that the building inspector had some minor issues with the structure and that the Commission could sign off on the project since the building issues (if any) are under the jurisdiction of the Selectmen.
Bailey moved to write a letter to Kyle Kozec accepting the pavilion as complete. Second by Babcock. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Bailey abstaining.
The secretary will compose a letter and submit it to the Commission for review.
Motion by Bailey to approve the final payment for the pavilion and to reimburse Jack Kozec in the amount $193.83 for building materials, to be paid out of the Recreation checking account. Second by Thayer. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Bailey abstaining.
The Commission thanked Kyle for his work on this project and for building a beautiful pavilion.
- Town Beach – Capital Improvements: The following items have been completed: a grill was moved, the fence was installed, the bike rack and bench were installed and the chemical toilet was moved to the grassy area.
Holden announced that the bulletin board will be installed on Saturday.
The picnic tables have been ordered. The secretary will contact Upbeat to see if a delivery date can be provided.
Babcock said the Minimum Impact Expedited application for beach replenishment has been submitted to the Conservation Commission for their review and the abutter notices have been sent out.
Holden moved to pay the $200 application fee to NH DES for the Minimum Impact Expedited out of Town Beach supplies. Motion carried unanimously.
Holden said she wanted to contact Mr. Marden and get estimates for the following cleanup work at the beach: move the big pile of rocks into the woods, move piles of brush and weeds further into the woods, and cut dead trees down. The commission agreed. She also suggested getting an estimate to clear brush to increase the parking area.
Babcock said a member of the road crew had informed her that there are large bee hives in the trees near the dumpster. Jon Holden said he didn't think they were a problem. Babcock will take photos of the hives and ask the Conservation Commission if they think there is an issue.
Holden said that the rules and regulations sign needs to be updated. The Commission will discuss the sign at the next meeting.
She also said that she was submitting an article to the Carriage Town News regarding the installation of the new equipment at the beach.
Bailey noted that the abutter, Ron Pica, was happy with the new fence.
Holden said she would like to get the floor fixed in the shed so that it would keep out the mice.
Holden moved to spend up to $150 out of Town Beach supplies to purchase materials to repair the shed floor. Second by Bailey. Motion carried unanimously.
- Swim Program Update: The swim director said the lessons were wrapping up this week. There were a total of about 25 students. He said that he would be closing up the beach on the third week of August.
Mr. Holden said this would be his last year as swim director. He recommended Lindsey for the job but said her schedule might make it difficult for her.
The Commission will have to start the hiring process around March or April.
Mr. Holden said he had an issue with the dock moving or being moved into shallow water. He was able to secure it in deeper water with the help of the road crew.
He also mentioned that a resident had become belligerent when told to stay off the dock (when it was in shallow water). He had to contact the police department in order to defuse the situation.
- Tennis Program: Bailey reported that he had 10 to 12 students for the tennis lessons. He planned to add a second session.
- Beach Party: The date for the beach party is August 14th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The secretary will put the information on the town sign and website and create a flyer.
- Empower Martial Arts / Newton Learning Center Community Day: The commission will participate in the August 21st event with an information table and craft.
- Senior Trip: New member Pauline Dupuis had gathered some information for two possible senior trips. The Commission agreed to book the Spirit of Boston trip for August 18th. Babcock will book the trip and bus and see if the bus will stop at Faneuil Hall after the boat trip. She will submit an ad to the Carriage Towne News.
- Fall Fair: The Commission set the date for the Fall Fair. It will be held on October 2nd from 10 am – 3 pm.
- Greenie Park Entrance: Bailey suggested trimming some of the trees at the entrance to Greenie Park to improve site distances. He suggested scheduling a site walk with the Conservation Commission, Road Agent and a tree trimmer.
Babcock will check the availability of the Conservation Commission and Road Agent for August 28th at 8:00 am.
Bailey also said he asked Mr. Marden for a quote to spruce up the area around the new pavilion and the Greenie Park sign. Mr. Marden will also be asked to remove the old grill that is near the pavilion.
- Amendment to Purchase Policy: The Commission reviewed an amendment that allows for 2-year contracts. Thayer said that after speaking to Mr. Marden and the cemetery grounds keeper, he is considering revisiting the subject with the selectmen and proposing 3-year contracts.
- Other Business:
- Barbara White of the Planning Board has borrowed the cookie trays for an event.
- Bailey informed the Commission that the Cub Scouts will hold a meeting at the Town Beach on August 18th.
- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Babcock, Secretary
Newton Recreation Commission
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