Dr. Pat Curtin, Chairperson
James Shea, Vice Chairperson
Chris Burke
MaryAnn Curtin
Laura Swanson
The Park and Recreation Commission held its meeting on Tuesday August 21, 2007 at 6:45 P.M. at the Park, Recreation and Community Center located on Broad Street.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: ABSENT:
Dr. Pat Curtin
Chris Burke
MaryAnn Curtin
James Shea
Laura Swanson
MINUTES
Laura Swanson made a motion to approve the minutes from the June 2007 meeting with the following ammendment: The Commission is monitoring the situation at Castle Hill Park from month to month and the police reported that detail at the park is not neccessary at this time. MaryAnn Curtin seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Absent
Dr. Pat Curtin
James Shea
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Laura Swanson would like the following changed to the July minutes before approving: Laura Swanson made a motion to wait until the next meeting to vote on the Mack Park RFP.
MaryAnn Curtin made a motion to approve the minutes of the July17, 2007 meeting. Chris Burke seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Absent
Dr. Pat Curtin
James Shea
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
VISITORS
Alex Boucher was present and recognized for his great work done at the Forest River Park, he fixed 47 park benches, and 19 picnic tables. The Commission appreciated all his hard work and the Mayor presented him with a plaque.
MaryAnn Curtin recussed herself because the following business involved the Common.
Luann Burns - HAWC, requesting the use of the Common. Doug Bollen said she would need a police detail, her vendors are all donated and from Salem, and her portable potties are also donated. Capt. Brian Gilligan was present to assist with any questions she had.
James Shea made a motion to approve the use of the Common with the all applications and permits in place. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Present
Dr. Pat Curtin MaryAnn Curtin
James Shea
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Dr. Pat Curtin read the article III Salem Common Use Policy section 17 - 37 an ordinance prohibiting circus's, carnivals, and machanical rides.
James Shea made a motion to move forward and approve the proposal and send it to the City Council for clairifications.
Dr. Curtin ruled the motion out of order.
no second.
Laura Swanson said you can make a motion on the condition of City Council's approval.
Councilor Michael Sosnowski asked "What is the City Councilor's plan to do about the ordinance?
Dr. Pat Curtin said he doesn't feel comfortable voting on this because the governing body is the Salem City Council, then comes to the Park and Recreation Commission.
Laura Swanson made a motion to allow Mayor Driscoll, Councilor Sosnowski, and Councilor Lovey to speak, and hear what they have to discuss about the proposal for the Common. James Shea seconded.
Discussion: Dr. Curtin would like to know if Laura plans on voting on this tonight. Laura Swanson would like to have more information for all parties.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Present
James Shea Dr. Pat Curtin MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Presentation by Mayor Driscoll - Would like to have a Fiesta Company at the Common for the Halloween week. She said their is a need to improve management and control the activity during Halloween week. Captain Brian Gilligan was present and she is working hard with the police to get feedback from them to keep Halloween under control. She stated that their needs to be additional areas to cogigate, to have crowd control. She would like to make some revueue ideas. Hauted passports are going to be used to get discounts on certain areas, and events. She would like to offset the revenues. She is working to have 98.5 radio station advertise that it is a family oriented event. She is working to remove some vendors on Essex Street because it is too congested. She plans on
having Fireworks will go off as an ending of all ceremonys. She hopes that will direct people to different areas. She feels that the Common could use some additional use during Halloween. The police have servalance cameras set up at the Common and Capt. Gilligan said they work great.
The proposal was for October 12th - 31st, (2 weeks), but now will only be one week of activity. The rides were Haunted rides but were changed to just thrill rides. Fiesta Company is prepared to control the noise level, Police detail will be present, there will be a night watchman on site. They will also have trash barrels abd portipoties. They have a 5 million dollar property damage insurance, and the Fiesta Company has worked in areas that have arrigation systems in place. The Mayor expressed her knowledge regarding the fence and how fragile it is. She will keep the exterior path open. The Mayor would like to work with the Common Association.
Mayor Driscoll is asking the Commission to make a motion to approve Subject to the City Councilor taking action.
Captain Brian Gilligan said the Common has been under utilized on Halloween. No one seems to know when to go home down town. They are all on Essex Street and people are wondering around not knowing where to go. If there was something family friendly to do that would put alot of people out of the crammed situation. He thinks that it's an excellent idea to draw people toward the Common. He doesn't think there is a better idea. He says that operations downtown will be much easier controlled.
Captain Brian Gilligan's view of the ordinance is that you can prohibit activities, or may not prohibit these activities, it's what you can issue a permit for or not.
Laura Swanson asked what kids of rides that are and what age groups they are geared for. Fiesta representative said ages 6yr - 15 yr. Complete list of rides in proposal.
Michael Coleman 12 Brown Street - Common Association
All current ordinances (26 -72) will prohibit carnival ect. He doens't want the ordinance changed. The Common's concesses was there at there meeting but no vote was made.
Michael Sonsowski Councilor - states he has not gotten one phone call, or email in favor of this event. He stated that in section 26-68it states "Nothing in this article shall be construed as transferring the statutory jurisdiction of the Salem Common from the Salem City Council to the Salem Park and Commission".
He agrees with raising revnue but not this way. He also said the Mayor was contradictory stating she was to raise funds with the parking and then stated she hopes people will take the train in.. He thinks there are a whole lot of questions that need to be answered.
Councilor at Large, Councilor Lovely stated that (26-72) prohibits circuses, she read this section aloud, including the 8 items attached. She asked the City Clerk what the reason was for the ordinance was initially. The City Clerk said It was because of an activity that left a problem and many repairs to be done. She says the idea is very black and white, she does think the Fireworks are a great idea whereever they maybe done.
Laura Swanson would like to look back and come to the City Councilors to clairify the uses that were already granted for the Common.
Councilor Corrchado recieved calls regarding this and people are concerned about the parking, and possibly having a voice regarding this event.
Mayor Driscoll stated she is not asking the Commission to vote and break the law, she would like a vote made "SUBJECT" to City Councilor's approval. She needs to still go to City Council she understands that.
Mayor Driscoll said she would like the Commission to vote on this permit tonight subject to the City Council's approval, Dr. Curtin asked the Mayor, Do you mean to say you want the Commission to vote to approve a permit that is prohibited by a City Council ordinance? She responded that the Commission could vote on it.
Dr. Curtin would like to to say he can call a special meeting at any time, he would like a legal point of view. He does not want to take a motion into consideration tonight, He would like to see a final proposal after the City Councilor's approval.
Mike Sosnowski stated that the Common Association is open to everyone not just the people living around the Common.
Chris Burke asked how long the process would take if a change of ordinance would go through? Councilor Lovey explained that it could be voted on Sept. 13 and has to go 2 passages, and if there is one objection it will be put in committee.
Regina Flynn of 62 Essex Square Commends the Mayor for all the great things she is doing for the Haunted Happenings and thinks the Passport and Fireworks are a great idea. She does not think the acitvities on the Common are a good idea.
Russell Slam of 9 Forester Street asked the Mayor How often do you ask people to change the ordiance to benefit a specific event? The Mayor replied that she has been involved in many ammendments and ordiances and stresses that it is a public saftey benefit.
Rose Kilroy of 2 Forester Street said last year there were 17 missing fence pieces and there are over 37 pieces missing now.
Jayne Hackett Oliver Street asked the Mayor if there were any other venues she could try, other than the Common. The Mayor responded that they have explored alot of other areas but they fell through.
Laura Swanson thanked Dr. Curtin for the open discussion. She said if it goes anywhere else on Park land it will still need to go to the City Council and then the Park and Recreation Commission.
Dr. Curtin made a motion to send this to the City Council. no seconded.
James Shea made a motion to approve the permit subject to the City Council. no seconded.
Laura Swanson made a motion to make a recommendation to the City Council to change the ordinance and was in favor of the Halloween proposal for the Common made by Mayor Driscoll.
Dr. Curtin ruled out of order any motion to approve the request by the mayor for a permit.
We are in favor of this vote with the contingency of approval by the City Council with the following stipulations:
9:00 p.m. closing weeknights only, not 10:00 p.m.
Protective barrier around fence
Petition off the gazebo for safety
Funds allocated will be available for repair and reseeding of land
Any revenues will be deposited to the Common fund
Dr. Curtin said any other vote or reccommendation will be in violation of the Ciy Ordiance.
The vote was as follows:
AYES NAYES PRESENT
Laura Swanson Dr. Pat Curtin MaryAnn Curtin,
James Shea (rescussing herself, Common Association)
Chris Burke
Ruth Wall - Mack Park, Waterfront Park
She is looking to put her carriages somewhere in Salem. She has learned about the zoning laws that prohibit her to have her horses in certain areas. Police say Mack Park is an easier Park to police, but Ruth said the hills going up and down would be difficult. She was more interested in the Camp Naumkeag area, below or behind the Waterfront Park. She would like to build something in size of 60/40 or 70/40. She said 3 of the winter months the structure would not be used and maybe used as a skating rink. The Commission said it would have to go out for an RFP and they would need some specifications to put into the RFP. Also they would need the size, and dementions of the building. She would also have to speak to the Board of Health. Dr. Curtin suggested that She put some specs/
wishlist together for the Commission.
Laura Swanson would like the area marked off to show where on the site she is interested in.
Pioneer Village - John Goff presented his update of the Park.
Councilor Pelletier was present and spoke on behave of John Goff and how much he has accomplished at Pioneer Village.
James Shea made a motion to approve the Temple of Nine Wells request for the use of Gallows Hill. Chris Burke seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
MaryAnn Curtin made a motion to approve the Christian Fellowship Church with the conditions of the time being changed to be done by 9:00 p.m. Chris Burke seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
James Shea made a motion to approve the request of the Salem Common Association to have a Yard Sale on the Common. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Present
James Shea MaryAnn Curtin
Dr. Pat Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
DOUG BOLLEN’S REPORT
Financial Report hand out.
Beth Rennard sent a letter asking if the Commission would make a ruling to have the Camp Naumkeag Park land or give it to the City to be managed by the Park and Recreation Commission.
MaryAnn Curtin made a motion to reccommend that Camp Naumkeag and it's properties be converted to Park Land. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Refund Policy
MaryAnn Curtin made a motion to make a refund policy that you may get a 50% refund with written notification prior to the 2nd class of the program. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
James Shea made a motion to approve the Diamonds request for a golf tournament on Monday September 24, with a shot gun start at 12:30. He will pay for all fees . MaryAnn Curtin seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Chris Burke made a motion to request the purchase of new golf equipment that is desperately needed to replace equipment that is 10 - 15 years old.
A letter to the Mayor requesting this purchase will have an attachment with the 5 items of equipment that totals $107,000.00. He would like that funds be taken from the golf course receipts account to lease/own. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Mack Park RFP
Laura made a motion that in lue of rent which would be (24 months lease at $15,000.00 would be 625.00 per month) they do all the work needed to be done and they will pay all utilities. At the third year they will pay 625.00 per month and utilities. James Shea seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
OLD BUSINESS
Open Space and Recreation plan. James Shea made a motion to support the Open Space and Recreation report. Laura Swanson seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
Laura Swanson made a motion to contact the P.T. Cruiser group and discuss the potential problem regarding the ordinance at the Common. MaryAnn Curtin seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays
James Shea
Dr. Pat Curtin
MaryAnn Curtin
Chris Burke
Laura Swanson
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next Park and Recreation Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday September 11, 2007 at the Park and Recreation Community Center located on Broad Street.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Park and Recreation Commission Laura Swanson made a motion to adjourn. James Shea seconded.
The vote was as follows:
Ayes Nays Absent
Dr. Pat Curtin
Chris Burke
MaryAnn Curtin
James Shea
Laura Swanson
Colleen A. Thibodeau
Clerk
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