MINUTES
Salem Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of Meeting
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 6:45 p.m.
Meeting Location: 5 Broad St.
Members Present: Acting Chairman Bob Callahan, Amy Everitt, James Shea, Chris Burke
Members Absent: Chairwoman Leslie Tuttle
Others Present: Doug Bollen, Director, Salem Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Recorder: Stacy Kilb
Folder A Track 5
Meeting Called to Order
The meeting is called to order at 6:50PM by Acting Chairman Bob Callahan.
Approval of March minutes
Shea makes a correction on page 6 to a comment he made: “There are fewer tee times as fall goes on due to shorter days... revenue issue.” The statement should be that “he disagrees” that kids playing on the golf team is a revenue issue. Also in the 2nd to last paragraph, “also the junior league needs more staff” - someone else may have made that comment, but it was not him.
Shea motions to approve with those changes, is seconded by Burke and all approve.
Visitors
Juli Pottier – discussion and vote on food eco-program at Leslie’s Retreat Park
They have been going for 11 years now, have a cedar shed on the property, and act as a cooperative to members in Salem and beyond. The status of the park is explained; it is managed by Parks & Rec but is not official deeded parkland.
The Co-Op would like to continue their yearly permission to use the park space and would also like to put in improvements such as flowers around the center where the trees are, to give back. Ms. Pottier asks if the Commission is familiar with the Co-Op. They set up on Tuesdays and Thursdays – it was weekly, but there was a waitlist so they opened on a 2-day basis. Salem has not been at capacity since the Farmer's Market opened; they maintain a cedar shed; members come, pick up produce, and leftovers get donated to local food pantries.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan asks what they plan to do. There is no plan yet and Ms. Pottier would like to put something easy and perennial in the center island, although 18-wheelers do drive over it. She wonders who maintains the property- it is the City – and says that previous birch trees and plantings got mowed down. She would also like to plant a slower-growing tree by the canal side as a memorial.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan suggests she present a plan for improvements. The next meeting is in May, but she could still get Perennials in there. Burke says Ms. Pottier should present to Bollen and just let him approve the work.
A motion to approve is made by Shea, seconded by Everitt, and passes unanimously. A plan will be given to Bollen for approval. Also included in this motion is one to approve the use of the space; all are in favor of that too.
Aaron Katz, Callie Lipton, Matt Caruso – discussion and vote on use of Common for "Holistic Festival"
Matt Caruso presents but is not here for the jazz festival this time. He has chatted with Aaron about this festival. It would be Aug. 27 from 11-7, a fun, community event. Mr. Katz describes it as bringing together audio, visual and healing arts in one place in a family event. The first year will probably draw up to 500 people, and they want to play music in and around the gazebo. Mr. Katz and Ms. Lipton are also part of the Dejas band. Their music fits in with yoga and holistic themes. Shea asks if Mr. Caruso is part of it- he is.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan asks about vendors – none will be selling anything but there will be exhibitors doing demonstrations of yoga, reiki, etc. They will need an insurance policy and may look for individuals to pay for space to cover that cost. No food or merchandise will be sold.
There are no conflicts on that date on the common. She motions to approve, is seconded by Burke, and the motion passes unanimously.
Burke asks about who will pay the fee for the Common; they are not sure where they fit – community events are $250 but they are not a nonprofit. What category does it fit into? Bollen opines that it's a community event. Mr. Caruso asks if they can wait to pay fee until they have some income. They have to commit to paying for it and having the insurance policy.
All are in favor.
Dan Shuman – Summer Bike race- discussion and vote on use of Common for Bike race
There are a couple of corrections – the setup date is Aug. 10th, not Aug. 11th. The address should be 72, not 70 Washington. Everything else is the same. The race is from 4-8, with setup at 10am, and take-down as soon as it's over; there are hay bales and things to keep people off the fence, 2 port-a-potties they provide, and no cars around the common. There is a DJ/announcer on stage but not a band. Vendors are people that sponsor the race, and are not really selling anything, and will be in individual 10x10 tents on the 5 Washington Square site. They will sell T shirts. Food and beer vendors get their own permits. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan outlines a 3rd step for the beer vendor, and other city agencies from which permission must be obtained. Mr. Shuman agrees. There is nothing
new this year; hopefully it will be bigger. The organizers tried to go nonprofit but did not have the capital to get the papers drawn.
He discusses the Beverly race and how it expands onto the sidewalk, and that they may move the beer tent onto city property (sidewalk) but for now are getting approval for it on the common. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says that use of the common goes through Parks and Rec, while use of the streets goes through city council.
Shea motions to approve the race, with Doug's oversight, is seconded by Everitt, and the motion passes unanimously.
Bollen points out he may need a letter for the Council; the next meeting is next Thursday.
Bollen describes the process for the upcoming golf course vendor.
Bill Laganas – Discussion and vote on Concession at Golf course
The lease is drawn up in the packet. This is a one-year license, next year it would have to go out for a proposal; we normally do this for 3 years; there were no bids this year. They may bid next year but missed the process this year.
Shea asks Mr. Laganus to tell the Commission about them; Mr. Laganas outlines his business, which operated concessions at the Wenham Country Club, the cafe at the House of Seven Gables, and a concession in Lynn. He has lots of experience. Burke asks about the hours, which will be from 6:30am-11pm on weekends, and wonders if those are the hours they want or if they are what the Parks & Rec Department would prefer. Shea asks him to clarify – it seems like a long day. Shea says they have not done well in the morning up there, not that they shouldn't try but at some point they may say they don't want to do breakfast. If breakfast does work they can be open at 6:30. They already cleaned the place; the guys will set up coffee on an honor system. They just want the option of being there legally at the beginning and end
of the day. Sun., Mon., Tues., and Wed. nights will be earlier nights.
Shea asks if the last vendor had a key to the gate for staying late – they did, and were allowed to stay later, and had some leeway. They want to do more community involvement. They want to do a movie and sell concessions for kids. Also, they would like to host some other functions, and would like the lease for 3 years next year and want to do this right. Shea comments that a few years ago the Commission ruled that people could not go up on the deck to eat coffee and donuts unless they were purchased onsite; but it is up to them [those who run the concessions] to police it. Vendors must be supported but it is a battle.
Everitt asks if the language requires them to be open that early but it just gives them the option of being there early and late, and does not require them to be there. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says they should change the language to reflect the fact that they “may open as early as” and “may close as late as” depending on circumstances. The other commissioners agree.
Burke asks about the beer and wine license. They would have to apply separately, but prospects for getting it are good. They must wait 4-6 weeks; and can't go for 1 day licenses if the application in process. They do business with another caterer who can use his liquor license in another area so they may be able to use that. Melissa told them about a new state law regarding the licenses. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says they should request a hearing before the licensing board to do it as they may be able to help.
Councilor McCarthy says that if an application is in for a seasonal license, they can't supplement it to get the vendor to that point. He says it can't hurt to try but the above is true. He also says they may get it if they are not asking every Fri. or Sat. but only on a few specific dates. He asks about the application and asks about the ending time of 11PM. Do they need to tell the Commission if there are later events like that as usually the course gets locked at dusk? They would let the Commission know in advance.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says that using the deck for activities over and above serving the public would need Commission approval. Shea recommends that they do a 6th tee concession, as that's where everyone gets backed up; if they are selling hot dogs and sodas almost everyone will buy one since they are waiting, so they should try selling there.
Shea motions to approve, with Mr. Bollen's oversight, but the applicant asks about a hood system and fire extinguisher, as well as other equipment they bought and will bring in; the landlord must have the hood, fire extinguisher and ancillary system cleaned, inspected and approved. Some other things must be brought up to code as well.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan asks if the cost is passed on to vendor – it is, but we have to do it either way.
The current applicant looks for the inspection of the hood, ancill system, and extinguishers, which must be cleaned by licensed person. They are looking at a June 1st $500 liquor license. But it will take them a few weeks to open. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says we are responsible for maintenance and fire equipment. As a trade-off for rent he asks if they would pick up the inspection cost. They will rent until they get a liquor license; they are looking to waive rent and also want us to pay for inspection.
The applicant says he will split it but if something is found wrong the Commission needs to pay for it. The applicant says there is a walk-in cooler out back that will be fixed, that they will pay for, even though there is no guarantee they will be using it after this year.
There will be 2 separate inspections by 2 companies – Noble Hood and another company; there is some debate as to if they actually are separate or not. The Commission and the applicant also debate if the hood cleaning falls under the inspection. It does. The Ancillary system is then checked and issued a separate certificate. This must be done every 6 months.
Shea summarizes:
The City will pay $350 in fees, the applicant asks for a rent waiver until June 1st but are opening on May 1st, so will have one free month’s rent. The trade off is that this free rent is in exchange for the applicant paying fees for the various inspections. Acting Chairman Callahan says he will push to get the liquor permit through.
Everitt clarifies on what inspections cost – this depends on how long the ductwork is. The estimated duct and hood cleaning is about $30but could vary. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says we will not charge them more than the $500 in rent they're waiving, and repairs would be the City’s responsibility.
Shea motions to waive the 1st month’s rent, until June first, and have the vendor pay inspection fees, with additional costs to be borne by City. Everitt asks to strike “shall” and put “may” in the proposal, with regards to hours. This wording change is under discussion, and is not being voted upon.
The motion is seconded by Burke, and passes unanimously.
Burke comments that if they plan to have a function up there, the applicant must come before the Parks and Recreation Commission. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says they also need a motion to approve the lease itself.
This motion is made by Shea, but Burke asks for an amendment stating that that all functions be approved by the Parks and Rec commission. It is then seconded by Burke, and passes unanimously.
The applicant asks if holding a movie night requires an entertainment license, but the Commission is not sure. We don't get one for the Common movies but we are the City.
Claude Pelletier – Discussion and vote for permission to allow a tree donation
Bollen reads a letter as Mr. Pelletier isn't here, but City coordinates with tree dept. and must approve a park site. He wants to honor his father by planting a tree; the letter describes the father and his life. Mr. Pelletier wants to plant a tree in Forest River Park, a Red Maple in view of the water, not necessarily near it. He realizes benches could be purchased but feels a living memorial would be more meaningful.
A motion to approve with oversight by Doug Bollen is made by Shea and seconded by Everitt. Discussion continues.
Burke asks if there will be a plaque, but none is mentioned or approved. Burke says he wants elms planted in the parks, as we have 15 more that the applicant could have free of charge, but if he's set on a red maple they can do that. The elms may go to Greenlawn Cemetery but we can offer him one of them. It is suggested that the Commission approve the tree donation as it as is, then tell him we have these elm trees. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says we own the elm trees and he wants to do a red maple. Burke says there are only so many places you can put trees and he wants to get the elms planted.
Shea also wants to make sure there is no plaque involved. Mr. McCarthy asks if the tree is a species on the list of what the City can plan, since sometimes they have preferences; he should check with the City arborist. Dick Rennard is the tree warden.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says it will be passed based on the acceptance of the City Arborist, and our approval is to put it in Forest River Park based on that approval.
Teasie Riley Goggin points out that the applicant will pay for his tree; will he get the elm for free? Yes, but he could donate shovels and gloves to plant the others. Salem historically had many elms, but now it doesn't have any. Burke would like to put some on the streets, but there has been some resistance and this goes beyond us. Ms. Pottier (the dog park applicant) says she asked about same thing a few weeks ago. She would be willing to buy a bench and plant the elm. Burke discusses putting elms on the street, but they are big trees so he thinks most will end up in parks. There may be only certain locations they can go anyway.
The motion is on the floor and seconded, and gets approved unanimously.
Track 6
Applications for rentals
Salem Community Gardens – discussion and vote on yard sale at Common
The dates available for this fundraiser, and the applicant is also asking for a fee waiver as a nonprofit group. The Common Association has done this before. The date in question is June 11th, from 8-2. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan's says the issue is yard sales; though he is in favor of the use of the common, he wonders if we are opening a “pandora's box” of yard sales on City property. Shea says we can vote it down if it gets overworked. The applicant must be mindful of the location on the common. Ultimately it is up to Bollen to decide.
Everitt motions to approve with a fee waiver. Burke asks about waiving the fee, which is already reduced for nonprofits, and does not approve fee waiver as requested. He would like the applicant to pay the $100 fee so as not to distinguish between nonprofits.
The motion is amended to include charging the nonprofit fee, is seconded by Shea, and all vote in favor.
Finance Report
Golf-Witch House-Meters-Winter Island – review revenue monthly reports
Golf
Bollen does not have a number for April but has sold 73 passes as of last week; business is starting to pick up. In Feb. and March people were waiting for a decision. He is unsure if passes are ahead or behind compared to last year, when they sold 150.
Witch House
This opened on April 1st for the first time; usually it opens in May. Visitors are trickling in. Bollen thinks we will have our best year since she (the manager) may add $5-6K in April, if we have similar numbers to May and June last year.
Meters
Councilor McCarthy says he is dealing with downtown, and has no comments on raising the meters prices in the Willows. He has not had a chance to talk to the Parking commission about it and did not want to complicate the downtown issue.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan asks what the Parking commission has to do with the Willows; they collect from the meters and set the fees. The Acting Chairman disagrees, saying the City Council sets the fees. There is some discussion as to which meters are part of the park (the ones in the middle) and those that aren’t (the ones on the street). The Parks and Rec Commission has jurisdiction only over the meters in the park. We do also get the money from meters in front of the stores, that are on the sidewalk. The Acting Chairman state that the Commission can make a recommendation to the City council as far as raising the rates, but the Council would have to present it. What’s happening now is that rates are currently low and there is money to be made for the upkeep of the Willows.
The Acting Chairman asks for a motion to send a letter to the City Council recommending the meters rate increase. Burke says the letter should include the fact that that it’s less of a charge than the rest of the City meters, and stays in Willows. It should also be noted that there is free parking within the park - 250 free spots.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan also recommends motioning that the letter be sent to the Ward Councilor and cc'd to the City council. Mr. McCarthy says his issue is not raising rates at the golf course because they're Salem residents – he gets lots of complaints from Seniors and those who don't want to walk. If the facility is for Salem people, he doesn't see how this is different.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says the rationale is that everyone pays to use the golf course, while people go to the Willows for free except for parking. They don't have to pay to park in some of the spaces; they could park farther away. He says that 100% of the money goes to upkeep the park they go to. Whether the Council passes the measure or not is not up to us, but we are making this recommendation.
Everitt asks Mr. McCarthy about parking the study, if it recommended reducing meter fees anywhere in city to be equal to the Willows. It was agreed that it should stay as is, not decrease to 25 cents. The South Harbor garage is 25 cents an hour to get people to park there, which makes it cheaper than what's on the street, so meters around there are 50 cents but the garage is 25 cents. They are not going to change the meters in the rest of the city; the Willows would still be cheapest. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan says if you go ANYWHERE In Rockport it’s 25 cents for 15 minutes; VA beach is 25 cents for 10 minutes. He argues again that no one is forced to pay; there are free spaces, just not prime ones, and we are not being unreasonable.
Teasie Riley Goggin comments that you can't compare Rockport with Salem; we have many seniors here – the ones there can pay. We are in a recession now and are inundated with fees; what do we get for tax money in the City as far as where to park? Isn't the excise tax to park on the street?
MR. McCarthy says he will discuss it before the vote. Shea addresses the issue – before the meters were there, those who parked there were employees, fishers, etc. and there was NO turnover of cars at all – they parked all day. Burke says the incentive NOT to do that now is not strong since the meters are cheap. He would like to see turnover since it does not help the elderly if metered spaces do not turn over and there are no available spots at prime time. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan points out that those with handicap placards park at meters for free.
Shea adds that with the increase, since the money is earmarked for the Willows it will guarantee that the Park is in top shape; otherwise the City is strapped for cash and will not put extra money into the Park. We will be maintaining it for those who use it.
McCarthy asks about the spreadsheet of the meters - they will increase from 25 to 50 cents an hour, so projected revenues would double. .
Shea says some of the things they did there last year included building a fence, but it turns out that it was donated by Spectra Energy. We resurfaced the tennis courts, built bathrooms, and bought a new sign. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan suggests that the motion include a letter to Councilor McCarthy and the Council that we include improvements made with 25 cents an hour. Mr. McCarthy says the Willows bathroom is taking $10k/year for 10 years; some meter money goes to pay that off.
The following motion is made:
o To increase the meter rate at the Willows form 25 to 50 cents per hour
o That this will be recommended in a letter sent to Councilor McCarthy, with the City Council and Mayor Driscoll CC’d
o The letter will also point out previous improvements made with funds generated by the Willows meters.
o It will also state that the hours on the meters would be extended, and they would be enforced from 8AM to 8PM.
Councilor McCarthy says that Parking Study downtown goes into uniformity and enforcement, expanding the meter hours from 8am-8pm 7 days a week. What would the Willows meters be? Shea says that they are adding to this motion the enforcement hours of 8AM-8PM to mirror the City's parking meter proposal. Currently they are on 7 days a week at the Willows, but are not enforced all seven days.
Burke seconds the motion, which passes unanimously.
Capital Projects – update on capital projects, requests for 2012 Capitol
A grant for $7500 was obtained to hire a consultant for the Common fence. The consultant must do inventory and next year’s $50K will be used to move forward on the project. There is another $50K earmarked for playgrounds next year.
Burke asks about considering the ball field. Palmer Cove looks ready. Compared to other cities, our field does not look good, and he wonders if we can put some resources into it. Our teams are playing 5 games at the college and 3 at Palmer Cove. This qualifies for CBDG (Community Development Block Grants).
Superintendent’s Report
Recreation Booklet – update on mailing and programs
Everyone got one at home. We are getting positive feedback and many sign-ups, as this is one of the better ones. It made $4Kon ads, and costs $7K to put out, including mailings, and the cost comes out of the revolving fund.
Parks & Facility
Playgrounds – update on Pickman Park playground build status
Bollen met with Pickman Park, and they are close to making a final decision for June. DiBiasi will happen in the next 2 weeks, and they are renaming the playground within the park.
Winter Island Master Plan Committee – update on status
Everitt speaks, and reviews the public meeting, summarizing what they came up with. There are 2 similar general plans that move parking around – some would be shifted away from the waterfront to behind the hanger. The goal is to try and restore the hangar and barracks, but there is a deadline for the barracks as it will deteriorate to hazard status if not done soon.
A bill was filed by John Tierney last week for expansion that could help with that, plus with the fort. Attendees at the meeting split into groups to discuss options, but people had a hard time separating vision vs. funding. People are worried about funding, and especially with the potential loss of RV camping. It was generally thought that the RV's needed to go but people worried about funding. They are trying not to look at funding for now. Ideas will be brought forth for identifying funding sources. The terraced area behind the hanger could be either an amphitheater or public gardens, and Everitt describes possible changes on the plan.
There will be at least one more public meeting.
Olde Salem Greens fees – discussion and vote on 2011 rates
Bollen sat with Dick Drew and did projections according to data from 2010.
Residents played 15029 rounds and non residents played 9328 rounds. Season pass holders played 9438 rounds.
Bollen outlines the number of rounds played by residents and nonresidents The total number of rounds played was 33,795. Revenue would increase by an estimated $15K if prices were increased by $1 per round.
If nonresident rates went up by $2 round, it would lead to an $18K increase in revenue, for a total increase of $33K; some have passes, but this is not a large source of revenue.
With higher-priced season passes, revenue would increase by $1200.
Golf cart rentals generated $92K in rentals, of which the city saw 70%. It is estimated that they use 1/5 gallon of gas per round, and carts get filled every Sunday whether they are full or not. If cart fees were raised by $1 this would generate another $8K, minus 30%, which would mean a $5K increase for the City.
Veterans discount would cost, passes sold so far 39% were veterans, total discount if sold same as last year would be $3265.
If we kept the resident rate the same we'd be ahead $15K given the above totals. We cannot calculate the $1 off for veteran's daily fees.
Golf carts could go up $5K. Bollen suggests going up $1 per round for residents, which would generate $28-$29K, if our goal is to hire a manager. An increase of $25-$30K from March- November would potentially cover it. These figures could give us a better case to ask for that money. Veterans will still have a discount.
Shea asks about Veterans – we require them to prove that they are veterans; they will have a card for daily use, which will cost $5 (if they want it), otherwise they would have to bring papers every time.
Shea motions to increase daily fees by $1 for residents, and Everitt seconds. Shea comments that he makes this motion in order to generate revenue to hire a manager at the golf course. The motion passes unanimous.
Shea motions to raise golf cart fees by $1. He is seconded by Burke; Shea says the way price of gas is, $1 might not be enough. Burke asks if it would be better to do a gas surcharge and we would get 100% of it since we only get 70% of the fees. Bollen says we could do a $2 surcharge; but if gas goes down we would go down with it. Acting Chairman Bob Callahan thinks raising fees is better. It is now $13 with a $1 surcharge. He questions raising the fees but losing the surcharge.
Shea thinks the Commission should increase the fee by $1, and keep the surcharge. Burke asks if the Commission can repaint the sign which has many cross-outs. Bollen says he is looking into it. Burke says that he noticed that our course does not have 1 person vs. 2 person rates [for golf carts]. Shea says we do; it is a reduced fee for 1 person, though it may be a little more than half, but less than full, price.
Shea motions to increase golf carts by $1 per rental, is seconded by Burke, and the motion passes unanimously.
Winter Island – update on reservations
Reservations are going very well, and they already have $9098 in March on the 1st day. As of today they are up to $38,099. This is after a month and a day of accepting reservations. One other person works 35 hours a week and a 2nd employee 2 days a week; they are still a little behind but are catching up. The new software is working well. There has been some training so that other people will understand how it works and they can take reservations.
There were some recommendations following last season on some campsite. There are premiere sites that everyone asks for; they are not being used at this time but may be in the future. Bollen approached the Conservation Commission about this; what they will do is submit an RDA (Request for Determination of Applicability) to check for feasibility with that Commission and the Wetlands Protection Act.
They are not using these sites because of the wetlands/marsh/moat issue – there is a DEP file on telephone pole, but not for this issue. The DEP has to do with invasive species. There were issues last year with vehicles going down the road to Waikiki beach, and they would stay overnight, back into camp sites, etc. Bollen thinks it is practical to open them again and Bill discussed this with Frank Taormina of the planning department; Bollen would like handle it the right way and go through the Conservation Commission first. Not using these sites impacts revenue.
Shea asks if we have written documentation saying we can't use it them, but we do not. It was a recommendation from last year to not use those sites. Sandy George and Bill made that recommendation, and also the Planning Department and Conservation Commissions had some input. The sites are 25, 26 and 2, next to the bath house, and are not specifically barred from use, but they want to follow protocol since there is some question.
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan suggests renting them on a first-come, first served basis during the weekends.
He recommends not taking advance reservations in case someone comes to us and tells us it's a restricted area. However, he opines that we should rent them until someone says not to. Everitt asks how long it will take to get this through. The next Conservation Commission meeting is April 28th, and Bill Woolley will work to draft a report. This should happen by the end of the month. Bollen prefers to wait until he has approval to rent them out.
Burke asks what rules apply to campsites near wetlands since all are near wetlands – is it arbitrary? Acting Chairman Bob Callahan recommends following through and coming back with recommendations for the next meeting.
Seasonal workers – discussion and vote for seasonal pay rates
Peabody and Beverly pay less; Salem starts at $9 per hour, with higher pay for lifeguards. The golf course is a tough job, and they work hard, that pay is higher too. The Witch House has cashiers and tour guides. The summer camp employee pay comes out of the Rec revolving fund; golf and Winter Island have their own budget.
Many seasonal employees at the golf course are grandfathered in. Some are paid higher.
The pay scales would range from $9 to $10 for seasonal workers, from $9-11 for workers at golf course, $10 to 11 for lifeguards. The Witch House ranges from $10-11.
Everitt motions to accept the pay scales, is seconded by Burke, and the motion passes unanimously.
Camp Naumkeag RFP – update and vote on Camp Naumkeag submission
Acting Chairman Bob Callahan cannot vote as he is on the Board of Directors. Bollen formed a committee, interviewed vendors, and the only bidders to submit had a good interview. They will put in $10K in capital improvements over the next three years. The will pay $1000 per week rent for 10 weeks. The parks will be connected and an opening in the fence made so people can use both. Bollen would like to see a new playground. This company has qualified camp directors, and would move from the Plummer Home to camp Naumkeag. He was surprised that they want a caretaker, and they would pay all his associated bills. This is a good thing.
One point of contention was that we rent the facility on weekends, and they would like this caretaker to have a weekend day off, yet we would still be renting then. However, in general it is a win-win situation.
Bollen wants the Commission to move forward for approval. Everitt motions to approve the lease with the Y regarding their proposal, Shea seconds, and the motion passes 3-0 with Acting Chairman Bob Callahan abstaining.
Bollen wants to write a letter to the purchasing agent re: the lease with the YMCA.
Ball fields – update on status of conditions
Palmer cove work is briefly outlined, and little league is ready to go.
Golf concession – discussion and vote on concession vendor
See above.
Golf Superintendants position – update on posting for position
This has been posted and three outside resumes received as of last week. There are no internal candidates; two look OK and have a commercial license. Dick Drew said August 10 would be his retirement date
Callahan suggests Dick Drew be involved in the interviews.
Swings at Forest River Park – plan to purchase new set
The original ones got destroyed by a tree in a storm last year, so Bollen has opened a $4K purchase order.
Old Business
New Business
Executive Session – Concession at Willows old bathhouse 8:40PM
James Shea makes a motion to go into Executive session, Amy Everitt second
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 May 17, 2011
A motion to adjourn is made by Everitt, seconded by Burke, and passes unanimously.
Executive and regular sessions close at 8:50PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stacy Kilb
Clerk,
Salem Parks and Recreation Commission
| 
