Park and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of October 11, 2012
Commissioners in Attendance: Al Larson, Rob O’Connor, Dan Rezende, Dave Romejko, Craig Zimmerman, Sharon Parlipiano, Andy Paterna, Ray Favreau
Also in Attendance: Gary Bazzano, Mary Busky
Approval of minutes: September minutes approved/no changes
Public Input: None
1. Reports: SW FOOD Alliance/Andy Paterna
Copies of the SW FOOD Alliance Master Plan were distributed to all Commissioners—the plan was presented and items within the plan were discussed, such as: community gardens, winter farmers’ market, food co-op store, cooperation with the high school-edible schoolyards and composting, working with the environmental science club at SWHS,
Both present plans and long range plans were discussed.
This document is a ‘dynamic’ document and will be reviewed on a regular basis by the members of the FOOD Alliance and updates will be made—as needed.
Motion: Dave Romejko Second: Sharon Parliapiano Voted: Passed
2. Open Space Task Force: Dave Romejko
Potential property near Kelly Rd and Avery St. for purchase by the town.
This property was rated as ‘very high’ in regard to town purchase.
3. Parks & Recreation Director Report: Ray Favreau
-Parks Dept Staff wearing Pink shirts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Rec-fields are now lined with pink;
-PARC current fund balance is: $377,384.58
-Town Council passed a resolution appointing Public Building Commission to prepare conceptual design plans for an addition to the Community Center.
-Proposal will soon be presented to the Town Council for construction of a Recreation Center at Evergreen Walk—with pools and gymnasium
Motion: Craig Zimmerman, Second: Dave Ramejko
The Motion made was: PARC is in favor of the pursuit of a Recreation Center and Trails—facilities at Evergreen Walk—with the understanding that financial information design detail is still pending.
Voted: Passed
-All PARC members are invited to the Town Council meeting this Monday (10/15) to support this plan.
-Security Cameras are now installed at Rye St. Park—controlled by a desktop computer---Three cameras also at VMP—all are part of the Police Dept. Grant.
-10,000 earthworms were ‘circulated’ to the all purpose fields at the high school - the earthworms are natural aerators and fertilizers for the field; this field is now draining very well, based on the excellent remediation work completed by the Park & Rec Dept.
-Parks & Rec Dept is looking into applying for a ‘farmland restoration grant’/working with Jeff Folger to install irrigation lines to bring water to the Deming Rd property (Nelson Property) for possible community gardens.
-Rec Dept online registrations now at 57% of program registrations
-Wapping Park is new home for ‘grasshopper sparrows’ – future use of park (i.e. disc golf for example) needs clarification.
-Projects underway by the Recreation Dept:
Skatepark – research about this facility being completed
My Friend’s Place – partial perimeter fencing should be installed this fall
Handrails at VMP – completed
Walkway connectors – Windhsire Dr. to Nevers Park ; Carriage Dr. to Andreis Trail—completed
Rye St Park – tennis courts waiting for USTA grant funds
Report: Town wide Referendum for Recreation facilities and improvements – details from Town Council still pending.
Report from Council Liaison: Gary Bazzano
Questions from Town Council to Ray Favreau regarding Community Center usage history.
Skate Park: Question – could additional money (above the approved $95,000 identified as Phase I), be spent from PARC budget?
The general consensus of Town Council –they would support that approach –for a phase II of a Skate Park using PARC capital budget funds.
Report: Walk and Wheel Ways - Rob O’Connor
WWW minutes included in PARC packet
Program announcement: Oct 20 Bike Friendly Community Award Event
Tom Condon will MC the program—torch ride to Jacobs View at Nevers Park—then ceremony at Jacobs View—then community bike rides through town (participants have
choice of a 10 mile or 20 mile tour)—they are asking everyone to bring a can of non-perishable food for donations to the SW Food Bank.
Motion to Adjourn at 10:25pm
Next Meeting: 7:30pm on November 14, 2012
Respectfully Submitted:
Andrew A. Paterna
(substituting for the Excellent, Efficient George Caye)
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