MINUTES
Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of Meeting
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 6:45PM
Meeting Location: Parks and Recreation Department, 5 Broad St.
Members Present: Chairwoman Leslie Tuttle, James Shea, Bob Callahan, Chris Burke
Members Absent: Amy Everitt
Others Present: Doug Bollen, Director, Director, Salem Parks, Recreation and Community Services,
Mr. McCarthy, Liaison, Mr. Pelletier, Councilor
Recorder: Stacy Kilb
Chairwoman Tuttle calls the meeting to order at 6:50PM.
1. Approval of February minutes
Callahan moves to approve the February and March special meeting minutes, is seconded by Shea, and the motion passes unanimously, with compliments to the clerk (
2. Visitors
Rose Mary O’Conner, Mike Sosnowski - Mack Park Neighborhood Association, Salem Veterans Association- discussion and vote on Monument for Phil Verrette at Mack Park
Mr. Sosnowski presents the proposal for the memorial. Mr. Verette passed away in October 2009, being hit by a car near Mack Park. Mr. Sosnowski outlines the location of the monument and passes around an aerial view. It will be below the ledge on Mason St.
Mr. Verrete was a Silver Star recipient, who was put up for the Medal of Honor but did not receive it, fought in and was wounded in many battles, and was very humble and unassuming upon his return. He was a sergeant in the 30th infantry division, and fought honorably. The memorial will be a stone no more than 4’wide at base, 1’ deep, and 3-4’ tall. The MPNA (Mack Park Neighborhood Association) would be doing the maintenance of the grass around the area.
Callahan adds that if the MPNA cannot maintain this area, it will be maintained by the Parks and Rec. Department. Mr. Sosnowski says they are going to put it in an area near the home of the family. Callahan wants to ensure its maintenance, that there are no piles of snow around it and nothing interferes with it. If Parks & Rec assists, it will still be maintained if MPNA has difficulties clearing the area. It is cleared normally by Parks & Rec now. It is also commented that inmates can also help out and it will be maintained. Callahan just wants to make sure that Parks & Recreation Department does its part to maintain it.
Chairwoman Tuttle asks about the material for the memorial. Mr. Sosnowski has one quote for a square-sided, polished black stone with a U.S. flag draped over a corner, with a biography and a silver star in full color, a bronze star in full color, and a purple heart in full color. The Chairwoman asks how the color remains over time – it is unknown. The quote is from Kimball Memorials in Danversport and another from O’Rourke here in Salem. No fundraiser has been done but money has come from donations; they have almost all the funds. Mrs. Verrette still lives onsite.
Mr. McCarthy speaks, pointing out the letter in the packet from Ward 6 Councilor Paul Prevey; he urges the Commission to support it.
Shea motions to approve, is seconded by Callahan and the motion passes unanimously.
Chairwoman Tuttle reads the above letter aloud.
David Smith – discussion and vote on Sail Salem program for 2011
Mr. Smith makes his annual request to allow Sail Salem to continue what it has been doing in past years; the only difference this year is an expansion via a pilot program with Endicott College. He outlines how that will work; they will have access to Sail Salem’s chase boats and will sail out of Winter Island. There will be additional moorings and boats that can be used for Sail Salem’s kids’ programs over the summer. They will use some of Sail Salem’s equipment. Sail Salem’s long term goal is to get Salem State involved and Mr. Smith is hoping this will prompt them. If so, they will have high school sailing for Salem and Beverly in the next year.
Last year close to 400 kids participated; 500-600 may be reached this year. Endicott will allow Sail Salem to use all of their boats over the summer; up to 10 boats. They now have a venue and also have more resources to put into it, and will support Sail Salem. Mr. Smith has talked to Salem State but there are budget issues.
Callahan asks when Endicott’s program ends; it ends in Late May and starts again at the end of August. This also provides job opportunities for students. This also helps Sail Salem. They are trying to reach out to Salem High students to use them as paid instructors at the Junior level. Salem is a Title IX approved school. They were sailing from docks off the beach that got washed out; they had been doing some beach launching but there is not enough room now, hence the move. They do not pull sailboats up to public docks regularly; perhaps only to swap students, rarely over the 20 minute tie-up allowable. There have been boats tied in the past and could be in the future. Sail Salem has received docks that need to be fixed and is in the process of doing that They are also looking to modify the Chapter 91
license and add a float to the right of the ramp to help alleviate congestion. Usually this is only a problem on a busy Friday or Monday holiday. All classes are Monday-Friday, evenings.
Their season went through October last year. He describes use by a Montessori school, which paid a small fee and helped work on the boats. The season will go longer as long as people are willing to maintain boats and it does not interfere with other happenings on the island.
Shea clarifies – Endicott will use Winter Island, bring 10 boats and let Sail Salem (SS) use them. Question: In the time Endicott will use the area, how much will it be and will there time take away from SS time and will kids get bumped for college kids?
No. The Sail Salem primary season is the summer; they have not branched out because they only have small boats, and kids are in school. As the program grows and college students and staff can instruct in the spring and fall, they can continue to have programs, but need the supervision that is lacking right now. SS’s focus has been during the summer, while Endicott’s focus on the spring and fall. Other programs (like the Montessori) use boats that Endicott doesn’t. This is advantageous to Sail Salem and to the City as a whole, especially if a partnership can be formed with Salem State. Also, when they go to fundraise it helps to be able to say who they service.
Burke asks about the boats the kids use; they are small, but the boats coming from Endicott are larger. Burke also asks about moorings; Mr. Smith says it will all work out and he should be able to get moorings by “adverse possession, whereby someone can take an abandoned mooring and move it; if not claimed after a year, it becomes the possession of whoever relocated it. He also states that there are many places to put a keel boat without impact, as the field is not maxed out.
Callahan wonders about public dock space and asks about the sailboats which could be tied to the public landing. He asks about the shuttles and if they will be tied there. Historically there has been one boat on the backside of the float, used to go out and get the whalers. They will police themselves, but Callahan is concerned about busy times and says they must be sensitive to the Salem public who will want to use that tie-up space. He supports the program but recommends due diligence on moving sail boats when needed. Evening sails are mostly adults, who sail off of and back to the mooring and do not come to the dock.
Mr. McCarthy also supports the program but asks the Commission about the Pilot program with Endicott and Salem State. He says that College kids will be drawn to the island; will they drive there? Mr. Smith says they will come by boat, or be encouraged to come by boat. He does not know in the case of inclement weather if they will come in a van or several cars; in the past a list of names has been given and they get let in so there is no issue with passes. Chairwoman Tuttle says that other groups (Rebel Shakespeare, etc.) do that when they use the park.
Shea mentions again the question of how to handle it if students come over in separate cars. Mr. Smith says this is a valid question but probably will not come up this year; however it’s different if it’s a Wed. afternoon than say a Saturday regatta. The program is tied into when their classes end. He discusses the advance planning that would be needed for such an event as a regatta.
Teasie Riley-Googin of Wisteria street speaks, asking about the WI Master Plan which will review uses; only so many pieces of the pie can be given out, so at what point will the program outgrow Winter Island? Mr. Smith says it depends on what else happens at Winter Island; the Chairwoman says a priority is making it accessible to the public, and this is a way for Salem residents to get out on the water. Ms. Riley–Goggin says it should be watched.
Callahan says that there must be strong coordination on parking with the new WI manager; students must not park in restricted areas on waterfront. Mr. Smith agrees.
Councilor Pelletier asks why they can’t park across the Street on Fort Avenue. Chairwoman Tuttle opines in the summer it would be appropriate but in May won’t be necessary; it is pointed out that students will not be there during the busiest months. As of now there will only be a most 12 students there. One day the program will hopefully be bigger and it would still work under the existing system.
Burke points out that kids nowadays do not like to walk, but that’s how it is with a regatta.
Shea motions to approve with the stipulation that Mr. Bollen oversees the project and coordinates with the new manager, is seconded by Burke, and the motion passes unanimously.
David Gilbert – Introduction: Winter Island Manager
Mr. Gilbert has just started this week, and has 2 days on the job, and will start taking reservations on Friday so he must learn quickly. He went through 3 interviews, and is a local man from Salem with 30 years’ Coast Guard Reserve experience.
Shea asks Mr. Gilbert about the WI budget, which is independent, reminding him that he needs to generate revenue to maintain his salary and get raises; this may be different with running campsites, etc. and is like running his own business. In the future to get a raise, questions will be asked about revenue, so he should pay attention to it.
Bollen says Mr. Gilbert will jump into the WI Master Plan Committee also. He has been temporarily appointed by the mayor as “acting” but will have to be appointed by City Council.
Mr. Gilbert comments that he is excited to start and has a lot to bring to the park in order to add value. Chairwoman Tuttle asks about how it is a- most snow has melted and Mr. Gilbert checked for safety hazards and to make sure that sites are marked. There is a big branch down. Shea asks about the MET tower, which is still up but is supposed to be down. Paul Marquis approached Community Gardens about taking down part of the fence in order to remove the MET tower.
Callahan suggests that Mr. Gilbert not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. WI is only part of the city and all other Departments are there to help WI. He warns not to get buried in the details.
3. Applications for rentals
Chris Coleman-Boys and Girls Club discussion and vote for use of Willows field
This would be a Sept. 18th fundraiser. They will use the field and Dead Horse Beach for an “Olympic style” event. Bollen reads the letter to the Commission. 100-200 participants plus family members are expected; there will be food trucks.
Shea asks if vendors down there will be insulted by the food trucks and asks Councilor McCarthy about that issue. Trucks that get brought in do not compete with vendors there, plus the Board of Health issues the licenses. Things are winding down in September but it is suggested that Mr. Coleman speaks to vendors already there to be sure there is no competition. This is NOT the same weekend as “Touch a Truck” or “Clean Sweeps.”
Callahan comments that giving the OK to food trucks is outside the scope of this Commission, since they will be on the street, not in the park. Questions about the use of City streets go to the City Council, etc.
Discussion ensues as to what actions to take. Burke motions to approve everything to do with parks, but that this Commission takes no opinion on the 3rd paragraph about food trucks. Shea seconds, and all approve.
Natalie Femino – Puppy Mill Awareness Day, discussion and vote for event on Common
This event has taken place in the past. Bollen reads the letter to the Commissioners. This is the fourth year.
Shea motions to approve with Bollen overseeing the details, is seconded by Callahan, and all approve.
Burke asks if they are granting permission to use common or to use it without a fee. Bollen says they pay a fee; he had them make the request as it is a larger event; there has been no problem in the past.
4. Finance Report
Golf-Witch House-Meters-Winter Island – review revenue monthly reports
Golf
Preparations are being made to open soon, aiming for an April 1st opening. They could open in March if the weather is good; most of the March revenue is from people buying passes, but not many have been purchased so far; they will be reflected in the next report. There will be an XC race this weekend there. There is still some snow out there.
Callahan moves to discuss Olde Salem Greens rates out of order and review the matter now.
Current rates and a comparison sheet have been handed out.
Callahan motions that we maintain resident rates as they are but stipulates the following increases for nonresident rates:
9 holes-weekday: from $18 to $20
18 holes-weekday: from $33 to $35
9 holes-weekend: from $19 to $20
Full membership-7 day: from $1425 to $1500
Senior nonresidents: from $875 to $900
Junior nonresidents: from $275 to $300
College students: from $275 to $450
He cannot comment on resident member passes as he holds one of those.
Callahan justifies his proposal under the philosophy that, because Salem residents have had an increase in taxes and are paying for course, they should not bear any increase; nonresidents come from local areas and minor rate adjustments would not be a significant increase to them; to go to other courses they’d have to pay for more gas to get there. Raising rates for college students also makes sense. He also wants to create an additional pass for a veteran’s discount of 10% off any pass, mirroring such a discount available elsewhere. Shea seconds the motion but more discussion is warranted.
Shea agrees with most, but not all, increases. He suggests looking at them in smaller groups, especially as he disagrees with the college pass going from $275 to $450.
Chairwoman Tuttle is concerned given the meeting with golfers that took place earlier in the week. This was a private meeting between golfers and two Commissioners (Chairwoman Tuttle and Chris Burke); only two could attend since if any more than that went, it would have had to have been announced as a public meeting, but in this case the purpose was to gather information and suggestions. She will report on what went on at the meeting.
Shea takes exception to the fact that he and the two remaining Commissioners did not even know that such a meeting was to take place, and he had to find out secondhand, which made him look foolish since a member of the public knew about a meeting he was not aware of.
Chairwoman Tuttle reads her notes, which include the following points:
· Most golfers at the meeting felt that measures were needed to improve revenues. One example would be to raise golf fees for all day rates by $1.
· Right now there is a discount for certain days and times when the course is not busy. The golfers would like to extend this program to other times but have not fully formed the idea. One possibility would be to offer the reduced rate when it is slow in the spring and fall. For now this would be up to Dick Drew. It would be difficult to offer such discounts on a daily basis, due to poor weather, for example, but if that was done it could be announced by email or posted on the web.
· Another suggestion was to have leagues that play on weekdays during prime time make the same donation that weekend leagues make.
· With gas costs rising, the fuel surcharge on carts could increase from $1 to $2.
· Weekday morning walk-ons could be eliminated, and reservations could have to be made the day before. Shea asks for the definition of a “Walk-on,” which are golfers who show up early and get tee times.
Callahan comments that this is not the purview of this Commission; we don’t set policy, only rates. Burke comments that this was voted upon by the Parks & Rec Commission before he came on, and this Commission has also approved the ladies’ league at certain hours, so setting policy has been done in the past, but Callahan still disagrees. Burke states that he does want the superintendent to run things but does not want to preclude this Commission from setting policies; Callahan counters that we are making rules, not policies, and Burke replies that this is splitting hairs. Callahan argues that there is a big difference and Tuttle says that this issue cannot be resolved tonight; Shea would also like to move on.
Thus moving on, the issue of leagues is discussed. The golfers suggested to make it a goal that 50% of the prime time tee times are open to the public from 7AM-10AM on weekdays; as of now they are already close to that goal, with 17 of 30 slots filled by leagues on Sundays and 19 of 30 filled on Saturday between 6AM and 10AM. These numbers should be kept in mind.
Outstanding issues:
· Play is slow, and the golfers are not sure a ranger would help
· Staffing at busy times is an issue
· There is some debate as to whether the new Superintendent should work weekends
· They do not support an increase in the price of season passes, as sales are already down. The $1 increase would only be on day passes. They do not want rates to go up unnecessarily. The purpose of the meeting with golfers was to gather their thoughts, not make conclusions.
· Only Mr. Bates supported eliminating the 7-day pass and only having a 5-day pass.
· There is the complaint that the Salem High golf team practices during prime golf time, taking the late afternoon tee times. Shea comments that there are fewer tee times as fall goes on, due to shorter days. He does not want to kick them off the course but agrees that it is a revenue issue; there were also comments that they have double the tee times compared to other area High School golf clubs.
· The possibility of opening the course earlier in the summer months is raised; this would add an hour of tee times, and put the course on par with others that open at sunrise.
· Another issue is that of people wondering about availability and how to get good tee times perhaps there could be something on the website to explain how to do it. 19 of 76 tee times on Sundays are taken by leagues.
Callahan says that everything brought up are management issues, not Parks & Rec issues. Burke questions what would happen if the Superintendent wanted to cut back the High School’s time, and Callahan replies that that’s their prerogative. Shea disagrees, opining that it is in fact Commission responsibility.
Callahan says that it’s up to management to maximize their use and maximize revenues. Burke asks what happens if the management makes a hard decision about High School time, and the team comes back before us, then we have to make an even harder decision. People have a right to come before us to appeal; Callahan agrees but questions why we should make that decision first. Shea points out that the golf manager is actually Doug Bollen, not Dick Drew.
Shea disagrees many of the above points, opining that resident rates should not be increased as revenue last year was substantial. He would not mind them going up for nonresidents, approves of the formation of a Veteran’s pass, is not in favor of raising the price of the college pass, and wants to look into the fuel charge and how much fuel is used for 9 holes of golf and if increase would prevent golfers from taking carts. They are recommending that weekday leagues make donation same as weekend leagues; he thinks that is not fair since weekends are more valuable than weekday times. He is in favor of the Superintendent offering specials during slow times. He thinks course DOES need a ranger and thinks it will move play along and make a difference. Also the Junior league needs more staff.
Bollen comments that the Commission wanted to have a golf manager; if we raise fees by $1 and we do $30K in rounds, that’s $30K added to the golf course that could be used to asking for a golf manager’s salary to be put in the budget.
Shea says he would agree if we were getting a manager that needed to be financed, not the other way around. Callahan says that the Commission is discussing rates tonight on this agenda, not management. Burke comments on increasing resident rates; he is in favor because for full length courses, we are $2 below them, and we would still cost less than them with the increase.
Shea reiterates that he and Callahan were not informed of the meeting [between Chairwoman Tuttle, Burke and the golfers] and is upset that they just got all of this information tonight and have not had time to digest it. He feels he cannot make a decision right away because of that. Chairwoman Tuttle and Burke have had a chance to review materials. Burke says it was a mistake, and a subgroup should have been formed; no vote will be taken tonight. Chairwoman Tuttle also apologizes, saying it was simply for information gathering to be presented now.
Callahan had previously made a motion on rates, and it was seconded. Shea amends the motion to keep all of the above changes except for raising of the college pass. Chairwoman Tuttle wants to review rates again. They would be:
Resident rates remain the same because residents have been hit with tax increases, and course there for them.
Nonresident rates would increase:
9 holes-weekday: $18 to $20
18 holes-weekday: $33 to $35
9 hole-weekend: $19 to $20
Full membership-7day: $1425 to $1500
Senior nonresident: $875 to $900
Nonresident junior: $275 to $300
College pass will remain at $275
Creation of 10% discount across the board for Veterans
Callahan remind the Commission that he cannot discuss resident member pass since he holds one, but this is not an issue at the moment.
Shea seconds the revised motion to approve the above changes.
Burke comments on nonresident passes, asking how many were sold last year. Seven regular, ten senior, and 17 junior nonresident passes were sold then. We do not have information on the number of rounds played by residents vs. nonresidents, but the increase could also add up to funding for a new manager. Burke asks if we are voting on raising rates; this motion fixes rates and does not include raising resident rates; that would require a separate vote at this point.
Liaison McCarthy asks if Veteran seniors would get a 20% discount (the 10% Veteran discount on top of the senior discount). Since the Veteran discount is off of any pass, they would. It is pointed out that seniors are still paying taxes no longer have kids in school and generally do not use fire and ambulance services, etc. so we should do this for those who are also veterans.
Mr. McCarthy disagrees with cutting back the High School team’s time; there is a line between obtaining revenue and providing recreation. He points out that the students will become paying players in a few years. However, this is not part of the discussion right now.
He also points out that, with regard to additional revenue from rate increases, what the City will do is figure out how much more they can get from the golf course and put it into their budget, viewing it as “found money.” The Commission should first figure out what impact the increases will have, then use a formula to generate figures for the hiring of a golf manager.
Mr. McCarthy also points out that 70-80% of golfers are residents so increasing nonresident rates may not increase revenues by much. Callahan says it’s more like 50-50 but Shea disagrees. Mr. McCarthy says those are numbers from Bollen so it is more like 70-30. If 25,000 rounds are played, the increase would be substantial, in the $12-15K range. 33K or so rounds are played each year. There could be up to a $20K increase.
Burke would vote to approve because he wants to raise nonresident rates but does not think many nonresident passes will be sold and an increase will lessen their already low numbers. However, this is not a big factor. Raising daily nonresident rates will have more of an impact.
A motion is on the floor for nonresident rate increases and creation of a Veteran discount across the board. Burke asks if the discount would be on daily rate too - daily rounds, passes, etc. Golfers prove they are a Veteran.
Chairwoman Tuttle disagrees with certain parts of the motion. She supports the Veteran discount and nonresident weekday increases, but not the nonresident pass increases as she feels lower sales would offset increased profits from the higher prices. Shea comments that only a handful of nonresident passes are sold. It is questionable whether one person deciding not to buy would offset the increases from the other passes. Callahan says it would not since this would also open up more tee times, since those who pay for such passes are actually playing.
Mr. McCarthy is in support of the Veteran’s discounts but asks if it would apply to daily specials, e.g. 2 people in a cart? Burke also points out that round numbers will go away – e.g. 10% off $16 = $14.40 etc. Shea says the figures could be rounded and Callahan suggests offering 10% off passes or $1 off daily fees. Specials would have no further discounts. So, as of now the college pass increase has been withdrawn, so nonresident yearly passes must be voted on.
Chairwoman Tuttle asks for a motion to have yearly passes stay as is, but gets no response.
Instead there is a motion to raise nonresident pass rates as above, with a10% discount off of yearly passes and $1 discount off of daily passes for Veterans. Additional nonresident increases are as follows:
9 holes-weekday: $18 to $20
18 holes-weekday: $33 to $35
9 hole-weekend: $19 to $21
Full membership-7day: $1425 to $1500
Senior nonresident: $875 to $900
Nonresident junior: $275 to $300
Shea had previously seconded this motion, which passes 4-1 with Chairwoman Tuttle against due to her objections about the increased cost of nonresident passes.
Shea motions to retain the same resident fees. Callahan recuses himself because he has a pass.
Burke prefers that we don’t take a vote and suggests that further discussion could happen next month. He does not want to take a vote and not be able to change it later if Bollen wants to raise all fees to support the hiring of a manager.
Shea withdraws his motion since all is staying the same for now. Callahan points out that we will be starting to sell passes at the current rates; Burke is aware of that. Declines in full membership means no one has wanted to raise them. Shea says that at the next meeting Bollen could bring in what expected increases could bring in, in revenue.
Callahan opines that the Commission should vote to take no action as the matter is on the agenda. It does not preclude us to take action, so he motions and is seconded by Shea. Burke objects, saying he is not sure we should vote on that tonight as you cannot take a vote for another year once the Commission has voted on an issue. Callahan withdraws the motion and the issue is tabled. It is moved to next month’s agenda.
Chairwoman Tuttle asks about hiring a manager. Are there golf pros we could hire seasonally? Shea says it can be done either way; if a full time job with benefits is offered, it guarantees the pro’s return. Our course would get an older pro or a young kid just starting out, not someone in their prime.
Chairwoman Tuttle also asks about the gas station issue. Bollen says it has not been addressed. Transporting gas does not break laws but is inefficient. It is pointed out that that was the opinion of Mr Carter of GFMI, not of the superintendent. Chairwoman Tuttle thinks that, long-term, building a station is cheaper given the time we pay people to go get gas. We usually push capital improvements aside. Callahan says the School department could put one in, as they also have vehicles that need gas, and we could use it. He also suggests battery powered golf carts. The point is to have a pump in the vicinity of the golf course, not for its exclusive use. We don’t need a pump year round; Mr. Carter did not want the pump alone but also a storage facility. Electric carts would also be a huge capital improvement and require
more room, etc. Tuttle thinks we should figure out how much gas we’re using. Burke says a fuel surcharge increase would be appropriate because we get it all back whereas we don’t on cart rate increases.
Shea says if he was in charge he would put a ranger on. There should also be a credit card machine there so people calling in for tee times get charged anyway – cards are not run for reservations. However, there are very few no-shows. For the most part they cancel. Shea says it should be done. In a municipally run course there’s no incentive to collect on things like that since it’s no one’s money.
Chairwoman Tuttle feels we don’t have the information we need at the meetings, which was why she had the other meeting. Shea says that the clubhouse is set up backwards – the restaurant and office spaces should be switched, so employees could keep an eye on things. The starter could be in the clubhouse and starters could be rangers.
There are no bids for food vendors but we may be able to do a 1 year contract. Shea says they should take whatever offer comes up this year.
Chairwoman Tuttle says that for the next meeting, we should figure out if we can have a golf manager if we raise rates, if we can get a ranger, and how much fuel we use there. Also it would be helpful to know the number of rounds played by residents vs. nonresidents.
We use 3,169 gallons last year, and can transport 50 gallons at a time, but this is for trucks and everything, though Bollen says 90% of that is golf carts. We have the numbers though we don’t know how many rounds of golf can be played per gallon of gas.
Witch House
This will open April 1st this year; it has always opened in May in past years. Ghost Hunters was on but had a lot to do with Salem. Apparently Bridget Bishop spoke, according to the show. Bollen asks how to handle the situation if other shows call, making similar requests. The Commissioners think they should come into a meeting. Over a million people watch the show and it will bring business to Salem
Meters
They will be put back in in April (computers get taken out for the winter). Shea asks if we got the rate increase; we did not yet and the mayor has not responded; the council can bring it in if they want. Shea wonders why Willows meters did not increase with all the others and Bollen opines that perhaps it is because of vendors.
Mr. McCarthy asks about past revenue, which has gone down every year because people figure out that no one monitors the meters and thus do not pay into them. He says people park all day and fish, long termers park and walk and meters help with turnover. As of now it costs a quarter for an hour and they want to double it; in
Rockport it is a quarter for 15 minutes. There is also an alternative at the Willows; drivers can park farther away for free according to Callahan, and only have to pay for parking directly in front of the Willows. Mr. McCarthy wants to see a parking study done, as we are trying to get people to park downtown; Callahan says we are trying to take the lead and we don’t have to have the Mayor bring it up, since a councilor can do it and we will help bring in revenue.
Chairwoman Tuttle points out that money goes directly back to the Willows. Mr. Pelletier (Councilor) says he has no problem raising the rates. Mr. McCarthy will let them know what he chooses to do at the next meeting.
Winter Island
March, April and May should be a heavy three months, once reservations start. We did not do Jan. and Feb. reservations this year. Mr. Pelletier asks about support staff- there will be different amounts of staff at different times, as many as the city can afford until June 30th. Revenue was stressed to the new manager. Last year it was 256, before was 234. (thousands of dollars in revenue??)
Capital Projects – update on capital projects, Common Fence, playgrounds
Three companies are coming back with playground designs, and there is a meeting on April 5th (TRACK 8) for Pickman Park. Broad St. should meet again. Bollen met with the Common group, and is working on the fence issue with Bill, doing research with companies, and waiting to see if grant money for a consultant came through from the City since they need an evaluation/inventory of needed work. He is hoping for a $15K grant for the consultant fee, then they will move forward for sections to be done this year. Bollen met with 3 companies twice each ,DeAngelis should have molds, and still checking, as they have several storage locations. If they do not have molds they must pay the City $80K. He will meet with Rich Viscay to discuss 2012 potential projects. He wants to wrap up Dibiasi, Pickman, and Broad St.
Chairwoman Tuttle raises the golf course again. She points out that GFMI, the potential management company, was going to make several capital improvements (beyond maintenance) and wonders if the Commission should ask for money for some of those improvements, especially for drainage on the waterlogged 3rd hole. Bollen says 3 years ago we got $100K for new equipment, which is usually what we do. They may limit it this year but the gas tank would come from that. If they are spending, for example 10 hours/week getting gas we should look into this.
5. Superintendent’s Report
Spring-Summer brochure update on statue of booklet
This will be mailed in about a week and a half. It is 40 pages, and approximately $4000 worth of ads was raised. It is always issued at no cost to taxpayers. Bollen will get it to Commissioners for the next meeting, and it includes programs from our entire departments.
6. Parks & Facility
Playgrounds – update on Pickman Park playground build status
As above
Forest River Park – possible purchase of new swings
Pricing is being done to replace a set that a tree fell on last year and destroyed.
Budget – review status of budget
There is a meeting with the Mayor tomorrow to review all budgets, and she may make changes to be submitted to Rich, then back to Bollen, who must have a mission and goals. It is like a semi-annual report.
Sunshine Ordnance – announcement training on March 15
Doug went re: open meeting law, which is getting more strict, requiring more details on the agenda; discussion and vote must be listed or you cannot vote. The Public has 30 days to protest a meeting. It must be posted in time, etc. but things change. Even so, it still has to be on the agenda. They discussed the director’s report, a very gray area, as they don’t know if everything must be listed on it. You can’t bring up and vote on new business. The meeting can be protested if the agenda is not posted online, at City Hall and to the councilors.
Winter Island Master Plan Committee next meeting date
The meeting will be Thursday at 8 AM and they will discuss a date for the next public meeting. Committee meetings are open to the public and will be held at 120 Washington St. The definition of “meeting” is discussed – e.g. more Commissioners than would be necessary for a quorum may be present as long as they are not gathering with the intent of having a meeting. For example, Conservation Commission site visits at which all Commissioners are present are not viewed as “meetings.”
Olde Salem Greens fees – discussion and vote on 2011 rates
As above
Golf carts- information on leasing bids
There were bids of 70% again, by the same golf cart company, and that percentage is very good, in 2002 it was only 35% for the City of Salem.
Winter Island – status of taking reservations
As above
Road Runner Club of America – report on potential National Conference in Salem 2013
Bollen is looking into hosting this. The local running club and department would host. It is held in a different city every year, and would bring at least 300 delegates to Salem. Bollen spoke to the Hawthorne, and will submit a video on what Salem offers, etc. He is feeling it out now and talking to the regional director of New England.
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Executive Session – Concession at Willows old bathhouse
Public portion of the meeting closes at 9:15PM.
A motion to close the above is made by Shea, seconded by Callahan, and passes unanimously.
A motion to go into executive session is made by Shea, seconded by Callahan, and passes unanimously.
Reason: (6) To consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, if such discussions may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the governmental body and a person, firm or corporation.
Adjournment Next Meeting April 19, 2011
Executive and regular sessions close at 9:30PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stacy Kilb
Clerk, Salem Parks and Recreation Commission
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