NEWTON RECREATION COMMISSION
DATE: Monday, July14, 2014 7:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
- Call to Order: 7:30 PM
- In Attendance: John Neveux, by phone; Sue Milner; Matt Burrill, ex-officio; and Annie Collyer, Chairman and Secretary.
- Introduction of Guests: none
- Partnering ideas with Fire Dept: Trophy Day, Town Day: Matt stated that the fire truck with a couple of firemen will be present at both events. The Fire Department has a Committee of Support that has recently reformed and wants to be involved with town events. Rec will work with them to create those opportunities.
Annie spoke with Chief Ingalls and confirmed that Smokey the Bear will be at Town Day.
- Approval of Minutes June 9: Sue made a motion, seconded by Matt, that the minutes be approved. The motion passed unanimously with no further discussion.
Sue made a motion, seconded by Matt, that the treasurer's report be made a part of
the minutes. Her motion passes unanimously.
Red Sox World Series Trophy: Matt stated that the weather right now looks OK. If we have thunder and lightning, we will have to move the event to Town Hall, where we will have logistical issues.
Matt will bring a table for condiments. NBSA will open their booth and sell not only their remaining inventory from the baseball season, but also hot dogs, chips, snacks and water supplied by Newton Rec. They will donate all proceeds to Newton Rec'd revolving fund for the betterment of Greenie Park.
Annie made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we approve, from the special events line item, expenditure of $195.02 for hot dogs, rolls, condiments and snacks. The motion passed unanimously, and thanks were extended to Nancy Wrigley, Town Administrator, for going to Sam's Club to obtain the supplies.
Annie made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we approve also from the Special Events line item an amount not to exceed $50 to rent a hot dog steamer from Grand Rental in Plasitow. Annie will contact them tomorrow to rent the unit. The motion passed unanimously.
Annie will contact Mike Pivero or Quality Tree to see if we can get traffic cones to help with access to the trophy for all.
Matt will bring taped baseball game music to the event. He will also bring ice. Matt reported that the fire truck and police will arrive at about 2. All of the Rec members except Brian, who has work commitments he cannot miss, will be there as well. In addition, besides NBSA and Matt Muskrat, Jeannie Cashin and Cathy Surrette will help with 50/50 and explaining the planned Greenie renovations. Sue and/or Matt will collect donations for picture taking. Annie will obtain a money box and raffle ticket containers. We will have pens for those who have to leave to write their phone numbers on the raffle tickets, while others who are able to stay can wait to see if they win.
Motorcycle Rally: Matt has met with Leanne from the PD about the rally. It will be early September. There are a couple of issues to be overcome, and we are not certain we will be able to do so in time, but Matt will report at the next meeting. Normal on motorcycle rallies are half-hour stops at bars along the way. As a Town of Newton event, we do not want the potential for an alcohol mix. One stopping place under consideration is the Seacoast Harley. Three others are needed, and then ending at the Hen House with a dinner.
Greenie quotes, priorities: Annie presented ideas for infrastructure work at Greenie with pricing so far. The Commission discussed these ideas and decided to prioritize the following as a starting point:
-6 picnic tables at Greenie and 2 at the Town Beach, at a cost of $123.36 each for a total of $986.88. Annie made a motion, seconded by John, that we purchase these tables. The motion passed unanimously.
-BBQ grills for Greenie. This was tables pending talking with Chief Ingalls to make sure he has no concerns. The cost of the BBQ's will be $299 each and the Commission would like to start with 3 to see how usage develops.
-move batting cage, according to the master plan for Greenie: We have only two quotes so far, totalling $2800 each to rebuild the batting cage. We have two quotes to dig a trench for wiring from the storage shed and one to install and electric panel from the street. Annie will work on getting more defined quotes for these options for our next meeting.
-Separate the Skate Board Park from the Playground area: This is the #1 wish that Rec has gotten feedback on, from users of both facilities. The quotes for various aspects of removing the monkey bars and swing closest to the skate board park, removing the fencing around the park and remounting the skate board park usage rules, as well as clearing brush on the side of the skate park are totalling about $4,000. Annie will seek more quotes for each aspect of this part of the project for our next meeting.
-Tennis Court area: Removal of the fence, including disposal of old fencing on the side of the parking lot; removal of half of the tennis court asphalt and repair of cracks, and rebuilding the wallball are all infrastructure changes Rec would like. The tennis court poles and fencing can be saved at the Transfer Station for future repurposing for fire truck access to the ball fields, as suggested by Chief Ingalls. The skate board park fencing can also be repurposed to signage at the Town Beach and other future uses.
-The Commission decided not to pursue a sand or water play area at the park for now.
-Sue pointed out that repair of the remaining swing will be needed and we will want to put one child and one multiuse swing there. In the future, we want to get additional swings for the playground.
-The Commission discussed that the money to pay for the infrastructure and improvements above should come from the supply budget of about $12,000, and the balance from the Revolving Fund.
-Also under consideration is adding an outdoor water fountain for about $4000.
Fundraising Goals for Greenie Park: Annie presented three budgets for the play hills at the renovated Greenie. Just the one main play hill would cost $53,226.58 according to Natural Playgrounds. Adding the second attached playhill with stadium seating would cost about $65,000, including about $20,000 of materials, including 338 tons of clean fill, 16 tons of rock in varying sizes from 18" to 24 ", and 78 yards of loam. In addition, 2/3 of a semitruck of various kinds of rock are needed. If we get these donated in whole or in part, the cost of the hill will be reduced. We already have one hundred yards of clean fill being donated by Gibbs Construction, Annie said. Annie made a motion, seconded by Sue and passed
unanimously that we accept the Gibbs donation with thanks. It was decided to set our fundraising goal for $65,000 in cash and/or materials to build the two attached play hills.
The cost estimate to build all five hills is $98,205. The additional hills are being allocated by the Commission to future phases of the renovation, along with grass, plantings and parking lot work.
Annie will check with Nancy Wrigley on the future status of both the future ice rink and the future improvement of the skate board park, defeated in this year's warrant article, to see whether they must pass in a new warrant article, or be donated, or can be addressed out of fundraising and budget in the future.
The Commission agreed to set the current fundraising goal at $65,000 and to present our plans to the Board of Selectmen on July 15. Annie will continue to work to obtain all needed quotes for our next meeting.
John made a motion, seconded by Matt, and passed unanimously that we accept the donation of $250 from Pest End into our revolving fund for Greenie Park improvements. He also made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we accept $500 from Ravensberger, subject to Brain Theirrien's obtaining confirmation from them that they are still donating the funds to our revolving fund for Greenie Park improvements, with a parking lot marker. The motion passed unanimously.
John also made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we accept $16.56 in cash donations, $15.56 of which is from the A& M Variety Store in the Junction, to our revolving fund for Greenie Park improvements. This also passed unanimously.
Expanded Parking: Annie reported that the High School Environmental Science Class Juniors have made a report on an environmentally-conscious expanded parking area on the far side of the current parking lot. They have noted wetlands, large trees for preservation and shaded parking in a 3000 square foot area. Sarah Salade, their teacher, is consulting with colleagues at UNH to finalize the plans, and this will be the basis for future bidding and parking lot expansion at Greenie.
Thermometer- Town Hall, Transfer Station 50/50: Annie will complete the thermometer to show to the Board of Selectmen and to display in front of Town Hall on July 15th. Until our next meeting, we will plan on displaying the thermometer at Greenie Park on Trophy Day, and doing the 50/50 raffle. While it is our intent to solicit support at the Transfer Station, we are tabling that idea for now.
Other Fundraising Ideas under consideration:
Annie will contact Market Basket, Walmart, Walgreens and Home Depot for donations to Greenie Park renovations. In addition, she will contact Senter Bros, and follow up with Landscapers Depot and Eastern Seaboard Construction for donations. She will also prepare a new donations flyer for doorknocking for other Commission members.
Under consideration at our next meeting is a paver program for businesses to have permanent support presence at Greenie, first as parking spaces and eventually move to the planned labyrinth when ready for that phase. Sue suggested that we defer a general paving brick appeal to the town residents until we have completed the specifics now planned.
Trail Signs, Cert of Appreciation for Tyler Mackey: Annie showed the new trail signs to the Commission. The High School shop is hoping to find a student next year who will so blazes for the trails, and hopefully a map of the trails at Greenie Park. Jim Baker has drilled all the signs as well as completed the thermometer stand that the High School shop prepared.
Tyler Mackey created these signs as his Senior project. Annie made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we ask the Board of Selectmen to give Tyler a certificate of recognition in absentia at their July 15 meeting. The motion passed unanimously and Annie will work with Mary Winglass to prepare the certificate. She will then mail it to Tyler and will put up the trails signs.
Senior Activities: Sue has developed plans for two Senior trips:
--One to Castle in the Clouds. This will be a day long trip by Fox Tours, inclusive of bus ride, lunch, tour of the castle and foliage on Wednesday, October 8. The plan is to subsidize 58% of the cost per senior for up to 45 participants, including one chaperone, with full cost for non-seniors and non-residents and anyone over the initial 45. The first 45 will pay only $30 for the trip. Sue will prepare publicity and Annie will prepare a requisition for the Board of Selectmen for $1920.00, according to the motion presented by Sue, seconded by Matt and passed unanimously.
-The second is a theatre trip to North Shore Music Theatre for Christmas Carole on Sunday December 7. Sue will work out the remaining $2080 of our Senior Warrant article to see how many we can subsidize at $30 per ticket. It appears to be 43. Anyone else wishing to ride on the bus and obtain the NSMT discount rate as a part of our tour will pay $55.
Adult Dinner/ Dance: Instead of a dinner/dance, we are contemplating a comedy night, thanks to Laurie Bezanson. She has volunteered to put on a comedy night as she has done for the Plaistow Lions Club for the past five years. The Atkinson Club has agreed to host on Friday, November 21. Laurie has volunteered to engineer this event from beginning to end with promotions, silent auction, etc. We can augment silent auction with our door-to-door activities as well. Laurie is checking with the comedians now for availability. More details to follow.
Beach : There was discussion of trash bags and signage.
Right now, with no town custodian, the trash barrels are overflowing. It is not possible to leave the dumpster open for trash since history shows that many will dump household trash there instead of taking it to the transfer station. Possible solutions were discussed; Matt will seek to get the current trash removed. Annie will check into trash bag access with signage to carry in, carry out, which would mean removal of trash barrels. This could then be put in use at Greenie Park if successful.
The portapotties are pretty full and Annie will call Triangle tomorrow to see about schedules for enptying. It is to be noted that Annie got feedback at the beach today that our beach is cleaner, better portapotties and water than many area beaches!!!
Rec received an email from Chief Streeter regarding a 14' boat and life vests to be stored, secured, at the Town Beach. Annie made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we accept the boat and lifevests to be stored at the Town Beach. The motion passed unanimously. Oar locks and oars are needed. There is an existing boat at the beach that we wish to have moved to the transfer station, but may have the needed equipment to transfer to the new boat.
Signage: Annie presented signage for no smoking, no trespassing, and no access during winter months. Matt made a motion, subject to review of the town statutes by the Board $200 for signage for the no smoking (1), no trespassing (2) and non access during winter (1) with appropriate poles, attachments and chains. It was seconded by John, and passed unanimously.
It has come to our attention that in the past fresh sand has been added to the beach. We have money in our budget that was to be allocated to providing swim lessons, but the contract with the Y did not get completed, so about $1500 is available that could be used for sand. John will obtain written quotes for up to three truckloads of sand. Annie noted that Quality Tree has offered to spread the sand at no cost.
Hike and Camping: nothing on the table
Halloween: Annie presented an invoice from Matt McElroy for DJ for the Halloween Party for 2 hours from 6-8 pm for $250. Sue made a motion, seconded by Matt, to approve the $250 for DJ and to be paid on October 24. The motion passed unanimously.
Annie also noted that the Boy Scouts will need 6 $10 gift cards from Walmart for costume design. Sue made a motion, seconded by Matt, to authorize $60 for gift certicates for the Halloween Party. The motion passed unanimously.
Town Day: Matt expressed his passionate support of Town Day. He has been a 5K competitor for the past 3 years (2nd last year!) He wishes to see a greater presence of Town Day. He noted that advertising of the 5K race so far has omitted Town Day and that we should seek to remedy that in the future. Matt wants a meeting with Melissa Conner, Annie and him and anyone else from the PTO or Rec to sort out this event.
Matt suggested that vendors who want to pay for tables continue to work through the PTO as their fundraiser. And that we work with Mary Winglass to contact all local businesses to invite them to have a non-revenue producing presence at Town Day, with information or games, to let folks know what the resources are in our town. We have room at the Memorial School and at Acio's and the A&M rear lots, so that is not a problem.
Matt has agreed to be point for Town Day, Annie has agreed to help- However on the day, Matt is a runner, so will need backup. Annie is out of town, so another volunteer is needed. Brian has been checking his schedule to see whether he can take this one.
A possibility was raised by Matt, that Hen House participants present PG material...perhaps at Memorial, perhaps at Acio's or A&M. And a battle of the bands is an option, with HS bands as well. We will develop these ideas at the next meeting.
Sue made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we hire JF Entertainment for Saturday September 20 from 10-2 for $300, from our Special Events budget line, as a DJ for the Town Day event. The motion passed unanimously.
Sue made a motion, seconded by Matt, that we hire Zoo Creatures for $250 for Town Day, also from the Special Events line item. The motion passed unanimously.
Townwide Tag Sale: Annie said that she has had contact with Lare Pare who wants to put on a vendor program at Greenie. Rec felt that a tag sale like that will be good. Sue stated that having this with townwide flea market could be self-defeating. Rec decided to let Lara proceed at Greenie Park for Columbus Day and hold a townwide yard sale in the Spring.
Town Beach Signage: Town Residents, for Winter Closing: discussed under Town Beach
- Announcements- none
- Other Business:none
- Correspondence_ none
- Adjournment : 9:15 PM
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