Salem Park & Recreation Commission
DRAFT MINUTES
Salem Parks and Recreation Commission
Minutes of Meeting
Date and Time: Tuesday, July 17, 6:45 p.m.
Meeting Location: 5 Broad St.
Members Present: Chair Bob Callahan, James Shea, Leslie Tuttle, Amy Everitt, Chris Burke
Members Absent: none
Others Present: Doug Bollen, Director, Salem Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Recorder: Christine O’Brien
Meeting Called to Order
The meeting is called to order by Chairman Callahan at 6:47pm.
Approval of March minutes
A motion to accept the minutes of the June 19th meeting is made by Shea, seconded by Tuttle, and passes unanimously.
Visitors
Sarah Gagnon - Discussion and vote on event at the dog park for October
Sarah Cressman Gagnon and a representative from the American Cancer Society request use of Leslie’s Retreat Dog Park on October 20th for an event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Callahan asks Bollen if the date is open, and Bollen replies that it is. Shea asks what percentage of monies will be donated to the American Cancer Society, and is told that 100% will be donated. Callahan requests that a financial breakdown of the event be provided to the Commission after it is held.
Shea makes a motion to approve use of Leslie’s Retreat on October 20th for the event, which is seconded by Tuttle, and passes unanimously.
Guy Robinson – Discussion and vote on event at Mary Jane Lee, for Sept 1, 2012
Guy Robinson and Marguerita Scott request use of the Mary Jane Lee Park on September 1st for an “End of Summer, Back to School Bash”. The purpose of the event is to encourage children of the Point neighborhood to be more active in school and after school activities. Volunteer parents and teachers will offer free school supplies and sign-up sheets. Tuttle asks how the event is being funded. Scott replies that the YMCA and Campfire have offered support. Bollen says that a formal application needs to be submitted. Robinson provides a completed application.
Shea makes a motion to approve the use of Mary Jane Lee Park on September 1st for the “End of Summer, Back to School Bash”, which is seconded by Everitt, and passes unanimously.
Correspondence
Clown day request – Discussion and vote on Clown day at the Willows for August 4
Bollen provides a letter from The Greater Boston Clowns of America International Inc Alley 54 organization requesting permission to erect two tents at Salem Willows Park which will be used to present workshops and a free show. The annual event aims to promote and continue the art of clowning.
A motion to allow use of Salem Willows Park on August 4th for the Clown Day event is made by Shea, seconded by Burke, and passes unanimously.
Finance Report
Golf-Witch House-Meters-Winter Island – review revenue monthly reports
Bollen reports that Golf revenue is at an all time high, $100,000 more than last year. The new manager and superintendent are doing a great job. Members of the Commission concur.
Callahan inquires about the snack bar. Bollen reports that there have been a few issues and that an RFP will be sent out for next year. Shea suggests the possibility of having Salem High’s culinary students take this over.
Bollen states that revenue from Winter Island is up by 12% due to improved management. There were some issues with the Greek Picnic this year.
The Witch House had a record high, netting over $219,000 this year.
Bollen says that there is no new information on increasing meter rates at the Willows. Discussion ensues regarding the appearance of the park. Bollen says that revenues from a meter rate increase could potentially be used to hire additional staff to maintain the park. Members of the Commission suggest that a letter requesting a progress report be presented to City Council by Councilor McCarthy. Bollen agrees to follow up on this matter.
Bollen reports that capital improvements scheduled for this year include a $40,000 grant for updates to the Castle Hill Playground and that $3,000 will be used to repair the Common fence, scheduled to begin in August.
Superintendent’s Report
Recreation – Pool day program, movies, races, events
Bollen reports that the pool is open and has added extra hours due to the extreme heat. Movies are ongoing at Salem Commons and Furlong Park. It is expected that movies will be presented at all parks next year. There are several races, a track meet and a 3 on 3 basketball tournaments scheduled.
Parks & Facility
Forest River Pool
Numbers are up for pool usage.
Common Fence
Work is scheduled to begin in August.
Requisitions for Proposals
An RFP for the Sea-Station ferry will be worked on soon. Bollen is waiting on quotes for pier repair.
Playgrounds
Bollen will be interviewing 3 companies for Gonyea Park design.
Palmer Cove infield –RFP ready to go out
The RFP for Palmer Cove will go out next week. Previous estimates of $8,000 were understated. The current estimate is $19,000.
Movies – Common and Furlong Park
There is a movie scheduled at Furlong Park on 7/22. Three movies are scheduled for August on the Common.
Golf use by employees – update on amount of play
Employees have taken advantage of free play five times in June and fourteen times in July.
Seawall work at Collins Cove – work should be starting soon on repairs
Work has not yet begun. Repairs are expected to cost $100,000.
Bathroom work at Winter Island from grant
The $25.000 grant will be used to repair pipes and the pump house.
Turf meeting – Update on public meeting for grant for Bertram Field
The School Committee needs to vote on passing ownership of the field to the Parks and Recreation Department. A public meeting was held at which proposed designs were presented. The vote will take place after any grant has been approved.
The School Committee did vote to open fields to the public. Shea and Callahan want to open school gyms to the public. There are issues with janitorial coverage at night because there is only one janitor and no one to cover in the event he is unable to be there.
Roger Conant statue – getting estimate on maintenance of work
The statue does not belong to the Parks and Recreation department, but Bollen is getting quotes as a courtesy.
Mayor’s Cup- held on September 8
The Mayor’s Cup has been rescheduled to occur on September 8th. Revenues from the tournament will go to Olde Salem Greens.
Old Business
Everitt reports that the Mamadou Diop concerts at Peabody Park are doing well.
Tuttle reports that standup paddle boarding and yoga at Dead Horse Beach are doing well. Callahan asks Bollen to work with Leah Goodman regarding free offerings to Salem residents.
New Business
None.
Adjournment Next Meeting August 21, 2012
A motion to adjourn is made by Shea, seconded by Burke, and passes unanimously.
Callahan adjourns the meeting at 7:40pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine O’Brien
Clerk, Salem Parks and Recreation Commission
2012 July
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