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NEWTON RECREATION COMMISSION
DATE: MONDAY July 20, 2015
TIME: 7 PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
MEETING AGENDA
- Call to Order Chairperson Annie Collyer called the meeting to order at 7 PM.
- In Attendance were Sue Milner, Bob Faghan, Steve St. Cyr and Annie Collyer
- Introduction of Guests: None present
- Approval of Minutes: Milner made a motion to approve the minutes of July 6, 2015 as written. Collyer passed out the budget status to date, to be made a part of the official minutes. She pointed out that most of the $20,000 budget is back-end loaded, with coverage for Town Day, Greenie and Town Beach repairs, and vacation plans, like roller skating and movie night in the last half of the year. The motion was seconded by St. Cyr and passed unanimously.
- Town Beach: St. Cyr reported that the lines are in, and the beach sand was turned as contracted. Collyer stated that she believes it is more appropriate for a town employee to remove the ropes and to install them in subsequent years, and will discuss this with Town Administrator Nancy Wrigley, with a removal date on or around September 21.
- St. Cyr asked about the path to the beach, which has exposed roots. Collyer said it is her understanding that any improvements would mean that the path would have to be made ADA compliant, with increased width and new surfacing. She thinks the cost might mean a warrant article, but it is possible that the budget for the coming year could accommodate path improvement since the beach sand will not be turned again next year.
- Greenie Park: St. Cyr said that the swing hooks are outdated, and made a motion to replace 8 swing hooks at a cost of $23.95 each, for a total of $226.38. Milner seconded. It was decided to ask that the Town Maintenance man install the new hooks. The motion passed unanimously.
- St. Cyr has been painting the merry go-round, and should finish in a week or so. Milner offered to help. He had to return the paint to Home Depot and replaced it since he was there, with his own money. Collyer suggested he obtain reimbursement from Wrigley, even though paying an individual directly is not town policy normally. The paint he obtained was about $3 less than the original purchase and within the authorized amount.
- St. Cyr has invoices for $643 for the skate park, $180 for the basketball court and $368 for the tennis court, to repair cracks. Petra Paving will be doing the work on Wednesday, and understands that payment will take a few weeks, due to town procedures. The amounts for the skate park and basketball court were already approved by the Commission, but the tennis court was not yet. Collyer made a motion, seconded by Milner, that we approve $368 to repair the cracks on the tennis court. Discussion followed about the use of the court, not for tennis but for wall ball, biking, etc. Collyer would like to paint play lines for 4-Square, a bike track, wall ball, and hopscotch. St. Cyr would like to have it usable again for tennis, but the cost to resurface is about $6500. To remove the current surface and redo it the
best way would cost about $20,000. It would have to be a warrant article either way, the Commission agreed. Collyer pointed out that the court is a town asset and needs maintenance in order to keep it from falling apart. Collyer, Faghan and St. Cyr voted aye, Milner voted nay, and the motion passed. Collyer noted that it is budgeted to have the wall ball rebuilt this year, and is waiting on Mike Pivero for a quote and to get the work approved by the Board of Selectmen and done this year.
- Senior Activities: Milner reported that all 45 Senior Discount tickets for the trip to Lake Winnipesaukee have been sold. Collyer said that she has posted on Facebook that there are only 8 remaining spots on the bus, with a dinner ticket price of $40. Milner will give it a week, then coordinate with Wrigley to make the ticket purchase with the town credit card. She asked that, now that the trip is sold out, we pay the Coach bus invoice. Milner will work with Wrigley on the water and snacks for the busride, 100 of each.
- Movie Night: Collyer noted that the Board of Selectmen have authorized 8 Merrimac as the location for Movie Night on August 26. Burrill has said he will coordinate with the Chiefs. Milner, St. Cyr, Faghan and Burrill are all available to help with that night. Collyer will check to reserve HOME for the movie and will submit a payment request to Wrigley for the $397.38. There is no rain date, but it can be rescheduled at any time within the next 9 months. Perhaps a time at Town Hall could be set up in the event of rainout. Collyer will check on the price for a portapotty for the site for that night, so that the Commission can approve that expense at the August 3 meeting. Collyer will handle publicity.
- Town Day : Town Day will be September 26. Collyer has checked with various potential vendors, such as Fiesta Carnival and GigMasters. Fiesta looks for crowds of 3500 or more, and most of the GigMaster artisans are $1000 for 2 hours. These are not going to work for Newton Town Day. Collyer outlined the Town Day history, that it used to be a big town event, and declined to about 50 attendees at Greenie Park until a few years ago. The Commission decided to join efforts with the Memorial School PTO 5K Race, to have critical mass for Town Day. She pointed out that in spite of advertising, most residents were still not aware that Town Day was also taking place at the 5K Event. This year, it appears there will not be a 5K put on by the PTO. Discussion followed on how to make Town Day most successful for the
residents. St. Cyr pointed out that attractions geared to children will draw families. Collyer said that having a townwide flea market will bring participants as well as shoppers. Collyer also said that the cost of a good fireworks display will be about $2000 according to pyrotechnician and town resident Jay Hubbard. He is willing to help and teach. The Commission believes the town needs to have a fireman involved. Milner suggested we first talk with the chief, and Collyer will do so. Faghan will begin speaking with vendors, and the Commission agreed that Town Day will run from 10 AM to 2 PM, with vendor booths at $25 and food vendors for no charge. The fees collected will help to defray costs of the fireworks. Other ideas discussed were offering a free hot dog lunch, with chips and water; Smokey the Bear; a police dog demo; a play by the Middle School Drama Group; Zoo Creatures; Antique Car show (local residents); a Rock Wall;
Tractor Hay Rides; Fire Engine; Games such as a bean bag toss, mini golf, horseshoes, and mini golf; face painting from the girl scouts; balloon art; pony rides; frisbee golf ; soccer club demo; martial arts demo; NBSA event, as well as bands. Burrill has said he will handle the bands, costing $1000 last year. Collyer will check into game options and costs. Milner will look into Pony Rides and Lighting. St. Cyr will look into antique car show options and follow up with the girl scouts.
- Announcements: none
- Other Business: none
- Correspondence: thank you letters to Recreation and Mike Pivero for the Memorial Day Parade from the Board of Selectmen, and a thank you letter to Axis Communication from the Board and Recreation for the donation of the security cameras.
- Adjournment: Milner made a motion to adjourn, seconded by St.Cyr, which passed unanimously. Collyer adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Collyer, Secretary
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