Salem Park & Recreation Commission
Draft Minutes
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 16 2015 at 6:45pm
Meeting Location: 5 Broad Street
Members Present: Chair Amy Everitt, Vice Chair Leslie Tuttle and Chris Burke, Bob Callahan, James Shea
Members Absent:
Others Present: Kyle Zick, Charity Lezama, Doreen Wade, Roy Breckinridge, RoseMary O'Connnor, Adam Fitch, Matt Richard, Deborah Bishop, Joey Barilone
Recorder: Stacy Kilb
Meeting Called to Order
The meeting is called to order by Chair Everitt at 6:46pm
Approval of May Minutes
Motion: Callahan, Second, Burke; all are in favor
Introduction of 3 new Staff Members
Anne O’Shea, FT Receptionist; Erik McCarthy, Recreation Assistant for Programming; Kathleen McCarthy, Program Manager
Visitors
Kyle Zick –~Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture; Presenting an update on the Trail and Fort project at Winter Island
Many audience members are here for this item, and also because of a miscommunication Rebel Shakespeare (RS). Partanen is working with Kerri Cahill so all is resolved as far as the location of RS this summer. She describes some potential locations. Kathleen Hoff 47 of Hathorne St. Salem comments on this.
Agnes Buchnanan of 17 Northend Ave, speaks on behalf of Kerri Cahill, and states that some have complained about RS being on the fort, claiming it is “sacrilege.” She also states that the use of chainsaws and power equipment during rehearsals is disruptive and would like reassurance that RS is welcome on Winter Island. Partanen reassures her that such complaints did not originate from the City and Tuttle also comments that this Commission has always supported RS.
Jim Jellison of 53 Butler St. Salem, cares for 2 bunkers at Ft. Pickering, and states that he is the only one down there, and does not comment to anyone about RS.
All issues previously discussed are in March 28th minutes available on City of Salem website.
Kathy Winn from Salem Planning provides an intro to Winter Island (WI) projects, including the trail around the island and restoration of Fort Pickering.
A grant was received from the Park Program fort the trail and CPA funding has been approved for Fort Pickering.
Mr. Zick gives an overview of the project. Fort Pickering is two pieces and the trail will run along the walking path at the exterior of the island. Progress thus far: a land surveyor has surveyed the area. Use of the trail must be determined. Some water views may be opened; they may not follow the existing path in all cases. They will try to accentuate all positives of the site and create new ones as much as possible. They will also explore how far back from the bank they need to be, and how to best manage invasive vegetation.
Mr. Zick reviews Fort Pickering. They have revisited the 2003 Master Plan that pushed for historically accurate restoration of the fort, however there is limited funding for this first phase. Thus immediate safety hazards, access, and invasives that are destroying the fort will be addressed first. Approval from the Conservation Commission and Tree Warden has been obtained for vegetation management. A 3D laser scan survey of the fort will be done this fall to create a snapshot of the condition of the fort as well as to animate and generate interest to obtain future funding. Erosion and stability issues will be addressed. Vegetation will not be cleared off banks but they may remove some invasives there.
If funding allows, they would like to clear some vegetation in the Northwest Bastion so it does not get damaged further, but they would like to keep it somewhat private for campsites. Many “social paths” are heavily eroded and it will have to be decided which should be closed and which should be formalized and stabilized to provide access while protecting resources. Other historic forts have been explored; they have some ideas as to how to announce that there is a fort there. Additional improvements to seating could also be made and several are under discussion. They would like to promote universal access all the way through the fort.
Ms. Hoff asks about invasive species and the trees. Mr. Zick states that it depends on the tree. Trees to KEEP have been marked with orange ribbons. A few trees that are invasive will be left but those that may damage the fort will be removed. All trees to remvove/prune have been surveyed and reviewed with the tree warden. Bob Nersasian (ADDRESS NOT GIVEN) comments that it appears most cutting will be in the parade ground; it will be there plus a little more. Mr. Nersasian comments that he and some volunteers did selective cutting two years ago; he cautions that what they are calling sumac was cut to the ground and is now 15’ tall; it will come back quickly so if there is no urgent need to remove the growth, they may open up liability since kids will see the blocks and find them inviting to climb.
Burke asks who will make decisions about how the path is used. Ms. Winn states that there will be at least one public hearing for input. A working group could also be developed. Tuttle comments that she was on the Winter Island Commission and this is part of the Master Plan.
Barbara Warren of 201 Washington St. , Salem Sound CoastWatch (SSCW), who was also on the WI Master Plan committee, states that there were public meetings, and while at the end consultants make what looks like a finished booklet, the Committee didn’t go into details so the public must be able to voice opinions and each element of Plan should be thought through and done according to how people actually want to use the island.
Satia Hall, of 47 Hathorne St., asks about vegetation behind the Rebel Shakespeare stage and Mr. Zick outlines.
Mave Harrington of 26 Surrey Rd. Salem asks about more plaques and interpretive information. There will be more interpretive signage and plaques. There won’t be any restrictions as to how the space is used; the only change would result from concerns about vehicles parking in the Fort.
Jeff Barz Snell 7 (name??) Terrace asks about lighting at night, and Mr. Zick is soliciting input. Mr. Barz Snell also asks about areas for performance. There is a natural amphitheater in the master plan but there is no funding yet.
John Seger of 7 Chestnut St. mentions the stage and cleanup of the hangar. He states that there was no prioritization of these larger projects and he feels like these two elements would be a good place to start. He asks about phragmites in the pond; it will be addressed but not in this first phase as it needs to be done later in the year.
Burke asks about project timing. They would like to start this month and will shut down after clearing is done so they do not have work ongoing during the busy season. Clearing for the path would begin in the fall. James Tierney of 19 Willow Ave asks if clearing by July is realistic; Mr. Zwic says it will take five business days.
Dora Swinback of 12 ½ Sutton Ave. Salem says it is an ambitious plan, outlines funding, and asks about parking. It is addressed in master plan but is not in the scope of this phase. Ms. Swinback is concerned that an increase in parking would take away more of the park and states that there is much to consider. She also worries about wildlife in the area.
Jeff Grant asks about noise and safety; he thinks this should happen in the off season, but the 3D lazer scan of the fort must happen in the fall, so if clearing work can be done now, it can be done before the height of the season.
Mr. Seger comments that the current funding includes clearing, restoration of masonry, and the path through the fort. Mr. Zwick outlines the areas of the fort. Generally, stabilization is a priority, as are safety issues. Full restoration will be pursued as funding allows. Mr. Nersasisan through Friends of WI says that restoring walls would cost $250,000 so that may not be possible with current funding of only $90,000 for the above work.
Mr. Tierney asks about the clearing and Mr. Zick outlines
Eli Grant of 3 Winn St. asks about the rats. Mr. Zick says that rats are not unique to this fort.
Charity Lezama~- North Shore YMCA; Requesting the use of City Parks for a mobile Public Art program
Charity is not yet present so Mr. Breckinridge presents first.
Doreen Wade/ Roy Breckinridge –~African American Picnic is requesting use of the Willows basketball court July 18, 2015 and also to use a generator in the evening to show a movie at the Willows.
Ms. Wade is not present so Mr. Breckinridge presents. He is the person who requested the basketball court for a clinic on the same day as the African American Picnic, at the last meeting, to give children an organized activity. Ms. Wade would also like to show a movie and is requesting a generator. The basketball tournament would run from 9-3. There is no entry fee and the tournament is open to all. Burke comments that this picnic has a long tradition and is concerned if the tournament would interfere with free play, but that can happen after 3PM. Also with so many age groups, everyone should be able to participate. No one will be excluded and everyone can put in their own team.
Callahan comments that, depending on the number of teams that sign up, a 3PM ending time may not be realistic, but Mr. Breckinridge states he will be firm. Burke comments that this may make it available for more to play, not just the best players. Also re the movie, the bandstand does have electricity and may be the best place to show the movie.
A motion to approve both events and the movie being coordinated with Partanen (details of location TBD) is made by Shea, seconded by Burke, and passes with all in favor.
Irv. McConney of 347 Bridge St was also trying to put together an event that day with his organization, Street Unity Movement. He would like to offer a live performance t the hatch shell stage and will work with Mr. Breckinridge re timing. He would like to have vendors that will sell merchandise, but not food. There is not enough time to fill out the application and present at the next meeting, which occurs before the picnic. Partanen asks for everyone to speak to her since there is no single organizer and she would like to issue a signed permit as it is unclear who else may want to use the stage. Mr. McConney can get in touch with Bill Wooley re permits.
Shea comments that Mr. McConney needs approval but the event is before our next meeting so a vote must be taken, but he is not on the agenda. Questions arise as to whether Partanen can issue permit without the Commission’s approval. The Commission can approve music, etc, but vendors must ask permission from Partanen. Callahan outlines the permit process but it would take too long for this year. The Commission can issue the permit for entertainment but vending cannot happen this year. Shirts may be distributed for free.
Shea asks about the requirements for sound and Callhan asks about timing. He wants to do this from 11-4; will the movie be after dark? Movie time is undetermined but assuming it would be after 4PM so Mr. McConney will need to work with Partanen re sound, etc.
A motion to approve entertainment is made by Shea, seconded by Callahan, and all are in favor.
RoseMary O'Connor~– Requesting permission to place an informational sign at Mack Park informing the public of the Glaciers contained there
Ms. O’Connor has a letter from Capt. Raymond Bates, who claims that years ago there was an interpretive sign that outlined glacicers at Mack Park, and that school buses would stop there to review the geology. Lisa Joubert, a graphic designer, has put together an outline of a new sign they would like to place at the park. This area is all that remains of the Ice Age in Essex County. They have documentation of this from internet.
Callhan wants to make sure this is based on historic fact. Chair Everitt comments that Salem State Geology Dept. could give more information. Capt. Bates is very interested in getting this done. Burke comments that he approves of the signage but wonders who developed the narrative –is it what was on the old sign? It is unclear what was on the original sign so the proposed one is all new.
Chair Everitt suggests having a geologist from Salem State review the sign for accuracy; Burke or Chair Everitt can put them in touch. Callahan says this Commission can approve the sign but placement and design should go through the Planning department.
A motion to approve the sign as coordinated through Partanen and the Planning dept, and pending approval by a Salem State geologist, is made by Tuttle, seconded by Callahan, and passes unanimously.
Adam Fitch/Matt Richard~– Requesting the use of Collins Cove for the Zombie Walk October 10, 2015
This is the second annual Zombie Walk, also not for profit, that will gather at Collins Cove park, play Zombie Kickball, then do a three mile walk through the City, dispersing at the Common. A motion to approve is made by Callahan, seconded by Tuttle, and passes Unanimously. The applicant w ill also go through the City Council since it uses streets. This will be at 3:30PM
Adam Fitch~– Requesting the use of Gallows Hill Park the the Running Dead 5k September 26, 2015
Mr. Fitch describes the Charity Race which benefits NSMC Cancer Center. This is in its 4th year. A motion to approve is made by Shea, seconded by Callahan, and all are in favor. Participants can sign up on the facebook page.
Deborah Bishop – Pathways for Children;~requesting permission to put temporary fencing at the Charles Curtis Park
Two classes are being run at the Carlton School abutting the March St. Playground; Ms. Bishop would like to use it for kids to play but is licensed by EEC, who doesn’t want kids to play there because the fence has gaps. She would like to put in a temporary snow fence in the morning and take it down in the afternoon.
Partanen asks if someone has exclusive use of the park and if it is during school time. Pathways does not currently use it but Carlton school uses it during recess, as does the Y. Pathways would not use it at times that would conflict with those organizations.
Callahan comments that access to the public will be restricted when the fence is up and suggests they put up signage indicating that the park is still open. Burke approves of rolling and leaving the temporary fencing between usage times but comments that it may disappear. If that is the case the applicant will replace it and bring it in between uses.
A motion to approve is made byShea, seconded by Callhan, and all are in favor. Details are to be arranged through Partanen.
Joey Barilone –~Requesting a fee waiver for 3 Sundays in July to use the Willows Shell from noon-3pm to provide free family music to the public
86 Malden St. Everett. Describes his professional experience playing music for seniors and the type of music he performs.
He would like to provide a free family concert but would like to promote it via posters and flyers, and would like to put out a tip jar. If he does turn a profit after expenses he would be willing to provide additional free shows at the Senior Center in lieu of the City paying him.
This is a combination of live and DJ’d music; Mr. Barilone sings to recorded music in the background. Many performers put out tip jars under license from the City. Burke opines that the Willows benefits from some quiet time but Shea comments that he is in favor since this is free entertainment to residents. The concert can be promoted on the Parks and Rec website. Callahan comments that this will be one more reason for people to visit the Willows, but that the music should be at a reasonable volume. Mr. Barilone comments that the Commission can verify his setup at the first performance and cancel the other two if they do not approve.
The Sundays in question are currently available at the shell. Work was done on the shell and it was meant to be used, according to Callahan.
Mr. Barilone also outlines his efforts at fundraising so that he can work without charging. Callahan suggests contacting Partanen after his three successful Sundays since Elderly Week is in August and he may be able to provide entertainment for free.
A motion to approve is made by Callahan, seconded by Shea, and all are in favor.
Discussion: Burke would be in favor.
Superintendent’s Report
Revenue Report
All revenues are up. Program revenues are going down but the Department is working on that. The golf course is doing well and the snack bar is open. The Witch House is also doing well.
Olde Salem Greens News Article
Good for Paul calling out his hard work . Partanen wanted to mention this. Callahan states that the article “hit the nail on the head” in several respects. Partanen mentions Capital funds and the five year plan for possible upgrades. There is some discussion on path improvements re capital funds and the five 5 year plan.
The Program Manager and assistant should help programs go up rather than down. There is some discussion of the Forest River Y Program. This is down 41% and Shea asks how the money will come back. All instructors funded out of this. The Department doesn’t make any money on this Program; all money brought in is paid out in salaries, and the paperwork does not show cost but Partanen can provide Program income and cost breakdown.
Shea asks about meters, which are in all year and are not taken out; no deposits have been made.The Department doesn’t get anything in the winter, but it is unclear why nothing was received in April or May. Partanen will look into it.
Parks & Facility
Kayak Shed at the Willows
The business owner is happy in the new location.
YMCA Pool Operations
The pool will be filled tomorrow and will open June 22; the day program starts June 29. On Monday the Health Dept will inspect it and the Splash Pad will open this coming Friday. That will be open 10-6; Park Maintenance inspects but it is not staffed on weekends.
Mack Park House tenant updates
There were additional plumbing issues that have now been repaired. The tenants are sking about having a more extended lease so they don’t have to renew each year and may come before the Commission.
Memorial Park Pillars being repaired
Pillars are being straightened. Phase 2 is next year.
Salem Common Gazebo Lights have been replaced
LED lights have been installed and the flag pole is also lit. Burke asks about lights along the path and other areas, as they were not lit. Callahan comments that the corners are dark.
Old Business
n/a
New Business
Shea says someone requested they paint the Gallows Hill Summer House/pavilion. There is some question as to whether this is a job for the man who lives there; he could do it if Partanen purchases the paint.
Burke asks how to spend donated money from Salem Willows and shares his thoughts on possible areas for landscaping.
Chair Everitt mentions that next Tuesday at 6 they are trying to get designation for accessibility for all ages in City; there will be open forums and feedback for Community of All Ages or Age-Friendly Communities. Chair Everitt encourages Commission involvement in those conversations because it is important for all to have access to all parks.
Shea comments re donation ideas for the Willows and suggests seeding a path now used by dump trucks.
Everitt says that gazebos etc. are not accessible so that should go on the list. The Disabilities Commission has funding, and may put a ramp on the other side of the gazebo to the regular walkway. That was the biggest and most widely used. They may also pave or put a stone path to the smaller gazebo. Tuttle says there was a family in one gazebo and they were parked next to it, though they were not supposed to drive there. Callahan comments that Partanen should make it a point to speak to the Police Dept. to enforce no vehicles on the grass.
Burke asks about funds for Salem Willows in the future. Meter money, Parks Dept funding, private donations and the Seafood and County Fests are discussed. Further discussion re priorities for spending also occurs with Tuttle opining that funds for maintenance of the Willow trees themselves should be allotted, as they do have a life span.
Callahan suggests coming up with a list the Commission can prioritize.
Possible projects:
Bathroom improvements
Grass path
Burke’s suggested area
Willow tree maintenance/future removal
Upstart Crows did a performance last summer. They have submitted and application to do a performance this July, but it was too late to be on this agenda. Show dates are July 17th, 18th, and 24th-26th. Partanen describes their program. It is a local theater company that does free productions.
Partanen did not have problem with their presentation last year. Bill Wooley has the permit, and if there is a conflict they can cancel one date.
Shea motions to approve, is seconded by Callahan, and all are in favor of the applicant working through Partanen to schedule the performances.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn is made by Callahan, seconded by Shea, and all are in favor.
Next Meeting: ~July 21, 2015
The meeting ends at 8:30 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Stacy Kilb
Clerk, Salem Park & Recreation Commission
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