Newton Recreation Commission
Date: Monday, August 1, 2016
Time: 7 PM
MEETING MINUTES
Chairman Bob Faghan called the meeting to order at 7 PM. Following a salute to the flag, he introduced Recreation Commission members Christine Kuzmitski, Steve St. Cyr, Vice-Chairman Annie Collyer, Selectman Ex-Officio and Alternates Angela McVey and Vanessa Burrill to guests Candace Davis, Adrienne Smith, John Neveux and Andre Neveux.
Mr. St. Cyr made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Kuzmitski, to accept the minutes of July 11, 2016 as written. The motion passed unanimously.
Next on the agenda was the Town Beach. The guests were present to discuss the raft and other beach-related concerns. Mrs. Davis began the conversation by stating that she and Mr. Neveux have been working with Dyer Docking, the raft assembler, and the manufacturer of the raft panels to come up with a solution to the broken panels. The current panels are G3, and the manufacturer is willing to replace them at no cost with upgraded G4 panels. Mr. Neveux stated that he has stood on the raft and seen hairline cracks that disappear when his weight is removed. Discussion followed about determining the cause of panel breakage, whether it is weak panels, or the frame itself. Mr. Neveux stated that he has had Dyer Docking reweld the ladder in the past. All agreed that the pre-eminent objective is to do the
raft right, and that the safety of the children be preserved. Mrs. Smith wondered whether anyone can help and Selectman Burrill affirmed that due to insurance and liability concerns, only town employees or bonded and insured trained others can do work on town property.
Ms. Collyer made a motion, seconded by Selectman Burrill, for purposes of discussion, that the Commission authorize Mr. Neveux to have the manufacturer send the replacement panels plus 4 for reserve for the entire raft, estimated to be 40 panels in all, at no cost to the Town. Following discussion, the motion was defeated 2-3, with Ms. Collyer also voting against the motion. She agreed with Mr. St. Cyr’s comments that it would be best first to determine what other upgraded panels are available from the manufacturer, and whether they will credit the value of the G4 panels against a purchase of a higher grade replacement. Mr. Neveux will learn the answers to this question and bring them back to the next Recreation meeting on August 15.
Mrs. Burrill noted that the concern about the frame itself can be looked into in the interim.
Mr. Neveux had 6 other recommendations on the Town Beach some of which are already in force:
The Beach be open from mid-June to mid-September with Portapotties in place. In force now.
Come up with a parking policy so that out – of- town grandparents can take town children to the beach, without needing to use the parents’ vehicles with town stickers. Inquiry is to be made of the Board of Selectmen and the Office Manager.
Add lettering to the sides of the raft that no swimming under the raft is allowed, and refresh the no diving lettering.
Store the raft at the town beach in the off-season, perhaps with a plywood protection and snow fencing around it, along with the security cameras, for protection.
Insure the raft is under surveillance by security cameras at all times. Ms. Collyer suggested a warrant article be investigated for an additional higher-resolution security camera installation at the town beach.
Update the current beach rules and post in the ‘Notice’ box at the beach.
Next under discussion was Greenie Park. Mrs. McVey said that NBSA will replace its sign about keeping dogs off the fields. She also distributed trail maps and information prepared by her daughter in working for her Silver Award for Girl Scouts. This information was tabled for resolution at the next meeting.
Mrs. Kuzmitski presented plans for a Senior Warrant Article trip to the Cog Railway. She said the bus will leave at 8:15 AM on Wednesday, September 21, and return at 6 PM. She will seek to have two stops- one at the Park and Ride in Plaistow, and one at Sargent Woods. Ms. Collyer made a motion, seconded by Selectman Burrill, that we recommend to the Board of Selectmen to spend $1115 for the Coach bus and $1371 for the Cog Railway, with the balance being paid by a cash $20 payment for each of 53 tickets by Newton Seniors (defined at 60 years of age and above). There will be 2 chaperones at no charge, who will be Mrs. Kuzmitski and Mr. Jim Doggett. There is no handicapped seating available on this trip. The Senior Warrant Article balance will be about $1400 to be used for a Senior Holiday
Luncheon at Roma’s in December. The motion passed unanimously, and Mr. Faghan signed the requisition request for the Board of Selectmen approval.
Ms. Collyer made a motion, seconded by Selectman Burrill, that we spend up to $50 for water and snacks for the trip. The motion passed unanimously. Because the food is not very good at the Cog RR, Mrs. Kuzmitski suggested that Seniors pack their own lunches.
It is likely that the Board will approve the trip at its meeting on the 2nd, and the trip will sell out quickly. Ms. Collyer will make a flyer and, following the approval, email to Mrs. McVey to print, and place at Town Hall and in the Post Offices, to Ms. Kuzmitski to distribute to SW Seniors, and to Mary Winglass, Office Manager, to put on cable. She will also send an email announcement to Ms. Winglass to send to the Recreation email list. Mrs. Kuzmitski will write an article for the Carriage Towne News as well.
Mrs. Burrill presented plans for the Newton 5K Race on September 10. She is putting a link on the community page, created a Newton 5K Race page, will ask for a link on many Facebook pages, including the Turkey Trot, Recreation, Kingston, Hen House and the schools. She will send articles to both the Carriage Towne News and to the District for inclusion in the school newsletters.
Ms. Collyer made a motion, seconded by Mr. Faghan, that up to $150 be spent for a DJ on Race Day. The motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Faghan stated that the police and EMT’s are all set for the Race.
Other Business: Mr. Faghan reported a letter of congratulations for jobs well done from Frank Guinta.
Mr. Burrill made a motion, seconded by Mr. St. Cyr that the meeting be adjourned. The motion having passed unanimously, Mr. Faghan adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Annie Collyer,
Secretary
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