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NEWTON RECREATION COMMISSION
DATE: Wednesday July 11, 2013
TIME: 7:00PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
MEETING MINUTES
- Call to Order: called to order at 7:40pm
- In Attendance: Diane Morin: Secretary, Jessica Brasier: Vice Chair, Marilyn Landry, Sarah Woodman, Annie Collyer: Members, Ray Thayer: BOS liaison
- Introduction of Guests: Charlie Melvin, John Neveux, Elaina Desmarais; Lifeguard, Maia Drucker; Swim Director
- Approval of Minutes:
Collyer motioned to approve the minutes from June 26, 2013 as written. Landry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
- Drowning incident at Beach: On Saturday July 6, 2013 there was an incident which resulted in a drowning victim. Drucker reported that the incident is still under investigation. She has spoken to the staff about not speaking to anyone about the incident and to refer them to the BOS.
- In-service training for the two lifeguards involved in the incident was held by Desmarais and Drucker. They confirmed excellent skill levels for both lifeguards.
- Drucker asked the commission to have a swim aid on duty with the lifeguards. Desmarais informed the commission that when there are 2 or more swimmers on the raft that one lifeguard will be located on the raft. There is a blind spot from the shore to the raft when a swimmer jumps off the backside of the raft. Desmarais’ father would like to donate a paddle board to be used by the lifeguards to better monitor the raft. The paddle board could be used by the lifeguards to patrol the backside of the raft without having to stay on the raft.
- Drucker reported that the Fire Department has loaned us some equipment for emergency use. We now have a back board including straps and collars,, oxygen tank, AED, ambu bag, gloves, gauze, goggles and bandages. The commission will need to purchase these items next year and will need to take the cost into account when doing the 2014 budget. Larry Foote, Emergency Director, estimated the cost to be $3500-$4000.
- Desmarais asked for a communication device for the beach that the lifeguards could use for direct communication to the police and fire departments. This way the staff would not have to leave their post to make an emergency phone call. Melvin informed the commission that the police are testing out a new system within the town and suggest we contact the Chief to see if we can get one of the devices. Morin will contact the Chief to see if it’s possible.
- Swim aids will take over the swim test in where swimmers must pass the test in order to go beyond the 5’ depth mark. There has been some resistance from adults. Collyer asked what the commission could do to help alleviate the problem. Desmarais suggested that something be posted with the new rules. Morin reported that Len will go to the beach and pop the lock on the glass sign and replace with a new lock. The rules will be posted in both the glass enclosure and on the wooden board by the beach shed. Collyer would like to see more signage stating that the beach and parking are is for Newton residents only. Drucker said it is hard to patrol the area. People can come from the woods and the lifeguards would not know that because they are watching the water.
- Drucker report swim lessons have been going great. She has 4 different levels of classes running. The most in one class is 11.
- Update electrical Service to Beach Shed:
- Drucker reported that the electric service has been installed. The refrigerator and light are working. Drucker also reported that the Town Administrator and she spoke about a portable water bubbler that was ordered for the beach a few years ago. It is currently stored at the town transfer station. The TA will ask one of the transfer station employees to bring it to the town hall. Morin added that we will no longer need to purchase bottled water. We will get the water as part of the town hall delivery from Poland Springs. We will need to pay for two 5 gallon bottles per month. When the one at the town beach needs to be replaced, Len will make the switch. The beach staff will need to inform the TA when a replacement is needed. The TA is still working out the cost.
- Neveux asked if something could be done with the electrical ground rods that are sticking out near the beach shed. Morin will ask Len to cover the rods. He also said the sand is piling up around the beach shed and should be pulled away to prevent the wood from rotting. Morin will ask Len to rake the sand away.
- Choose movies for Movie Night: Brasier reported that the library has several movies available. She will pick out 2 movies and reserve them for movie night at Greenie Park. Once selected she will inform Collyer and Morin who will post them in appropriate places. Morin informed the commission that the police command vehicle will be there to provide lightning. She also informed the commission that the requisition was signed by the BOS.
- Town Day:
- Brasier asked to pay Zoo Creatures in full so she would not have to pay it on the day of the event. This would make it easier for her as that day will be hectic. She is still looking for volunteers.
Brasier motioned to recommend to the BOS to pay $350 to Zoo Creatures from budget line item Town Events, account number 4520472. Collyer seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
- Brasier informed the commission that the musical group Three Play is available for Town Day. The estimated cost is $200. Brasier will get an invoice for the next meeting.
- Landry asked if the PTO would still be running there 5K run and Brasier confirmed that they will be running the 5K. Brasier will be meeting with the PTO to discuss scheduling activities for that day.
- Landry informed the commission that the Newton Historical Society and Gale Library will be having an open house as their part of Town Day. Landry asked if the town hall parking lot could be used the day of the event. Collyer and Brasier stated that there are multiple sites available for parking.
- The discussion turned towards using horse drawn wagon, hay ride, to ferry people from the Memorial School and the center of town. It was thought that the peanut trail could be use. Melvin and Thayer both stated that the trail would not be wide enough for horses and wagon.
- Brasier is still waiting on the car show coordinator to get back to her.
- The topic of security came up from the PTO. Will we need coverage for Town events? Melvin will ask the chief of police the cost for coverage.
- After some discussion about whether to have a rain date it was decided to have Town Day rain or shine. This will be in line with the PTO event. Brasier will inquire with Zoo Creatures and Three Play their cancellation policy. Collyer will ask Rick Bailey to allow to use the Newton Junction Baptist community center.
- Local businesses would like to setup booths to sell their wares. It was decided to keep the event just for the Town.
- Thayer is working with the Fire Chief to see if Smokey the Bear can make an appearance.
- There will be no fund raising during the event. However we could sell space on the program to businesses. We would need to coordinate with the PTO and determine how the proceeds would be collected. We would also need to understand which funds the proceeds would go to. Brasier is willing to reach out to local businesses. Upon further discussion it was decided to not move forward on this idea.
- Brasier would like to see next year’s Town Day to be just for the Town and not done in conjunction with the PTO. Melvin asked if a carnival could be brought in next year. Brasier and Collyer have done some research on a carnival. Some of the concerns are that vendors want to handle everything and not allow local business to participate.
- Update Senior Fall Outing: Woodman reported that we have already sold several tickets. It has been posted in several places within town and the Carriage Towne news. It has been posted to Facebook as well.
- Trails: Collyer will draft a letter to the BOS asking them to dissolve the Trails committee and place trails under the Recreation Commission. She will send the letter to Morin who will forward it to the BOS.
Brasier motioned to have Collyer draft a letter to the BOS dissolving the Trail subcommittee. Then Collyer will forward it to Morin who will get it to the BOS. Seconded by Landry and the motion passed unanimously.
- A warrant article would be needed to re-open the trails to motorize bikes and ATV’s.
- Ocasio’s Fund raising: There does not seem to be any interest in this program therefore the program is cancelled. Morin will contact Mary Winglass and ask her to remove the program from the recreation calendar.
- Greenie Park revitalization: Tabled
- Greenie Park picnic table: Tabled
- Update Bylaws: We will not have to make changes to the by-laws as we will be meeting the first and third Wednesday of the month. At the end of Morin’s term as an alternate she will ask to become a full member.
- Treasurer Position: John Neveux would like to be a member and is interested in the position.
Collyer motioned to recommend to the BOS the appointment of John Neveux for a 3 year term to expire April 15, 2016. Seconded by Woodman and the motion passed unanimously.
- Chairman Position: Brasier recommended that Collyer become the chair for the commission. Collyer stated that she travels during the year and that the rest of the members need to be ok with that. The members did not have a problem with that.
Woodman motioned to make Collyer the chair of the Recreation commission. Seconded by Landry and the motion passed unanimously.
- Public Relations Position: Collyer would like to see one person from the commission be the go between for the commission and Town hall. She recommends Morin continues doing this part of the job. Morin agreed to continue but would like to see someone else coordinate the press releases, poster/flyers, and social media. Collyer suggested that whichever member is responsible for the event, they write up the information and post were appropriate
.
- Calendar/Schedule/Email: Morin will ask the Town Clerk and Mary Winglass if there’s away to promote the email signup so residents can have access to information about the town happenings.
- Fisher Cats game: Morin reported the tickets came in today for the August 11 game. For $5 fans can purchase a hot dog and beverage. If successful we can purchase 100 tickets at a cost of $9 next year. At this level there are more options. Collyer will post the information.
- Sanborn Babe Ruth donation: Morin reported she contacted the Kingston Recreation and did not receive an answer. Morin also asked the previous member Sue DiMercurio who told her that the Recreation had not given them a donation last year. After a short discussion it was decided to not donate because of lack of funds.
- Announcements: none
- Other Business :
- Raft: Neveux reported that the new raft has some loose screws along the edging. He called the company and has not received a response. Collyer will give him the owner’s cell number.
- Greenie Park: Melvin has received complaints about exposed cement blocks in the small kids play area. He would like to volunteer to rake the sand and level off to re-cover the exposed cement blocks. Collyer expressed concern that there’s not enough sand to cover the exposed cement. The commission has no problem with him doing this and would like to thank him for doing this repair
- Brasier is looking for fun facts about Newton for Town Day. Landry will ask her husband how many 250th anniversary books are left.
- There was a voice mail from Pilgrim Lanes Bowling in Haverhill, Ma, offering a $5 special for kids. The price included 1 string and shoe rental. There are no funds to do this event.
- Adjournment: adjourned meeting at 9:10pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Diane M Morin
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