Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVED- Meeting Minutes
The Park and Recreation Commission meeting came to order at 7:35 PM.
Commissioners Present: Don Vitters, Leslie Mayer, Joe Carabello, and Bernice Jones
Staff Present: Jon Jalbert, Patsy Kraemer and Teresa DeBenedictis
Others Present: Eric Baatz, John Voci, Bruce Fitzsimmons, Mike Luneau, Steve Moniak, Harry Mezer, Dianne Preston, Mary Lou Byrne, Vicki Good, Tom Caccavaro, Paul Flynn, Joe Koslowsky, Dan Willey, Youssef Salen, and Omar Afifi
1. Minutes
Motion made to approve 1/14/03 minutes with changes. Approved 4-0.
2. Field Maintenance Outlook-Patsy Kraemer & Jon Jalbert
Mrs. Kraemer presented the overall outlook for town to the commissioners. She then lead into the cuts that DPW was facing and the impact on services to Recreation and the playing fields. Mr. Jalbert presented a detail outlook to raise the cut funds to sustain the current level of service and the impact on the user groups. Total funds that need to be raised through user fees would be $184,426 and the hourly charge to all users would be $10/hr. Other options were discussed and Mrs. DeBenedictis was asked to put together the scope of services for sub-contracting out all the field maintenance and see what kind of quotes we get back. Specifically, Teresa will ask PTS and Waverly Landscaping from Belmont.
3. ASC proposal for Thorndike and Hills Hill Fields-Steve Moniak
Mr. Moniak presented his proposal to give $13,500 to maintain Thorndike field and receive in return sole permitting priority and to make sure Thorndike remains a soccer use only facility. This would be only for this Spring of ‘03.
The commissioners asked Mr. Jalbert what the impact would be on the fields and other users. They further requested 3 scenarios to be played out demonstrating the above mentioned impacts. The scenarios are:
1. Allowing access to Thorndike to other sports (Fair distribution)
2. Keeping Thorndike a game only field and shut down 3 days/week
3. Going through with ASC proposal
Mr. Jalbert will present these scenarios at the next meeting (3/11/03) and the commissioners will then make a decision.
Mr. Moniak dropped the Hills Hill proposal.
4. Committee Updates
Arlington Sports Center Improvement Committee (SCIC)- Tom Caccavaro
Mr. Caccavaro presented the drawings of a plan that showed two skating rinks. This included the upgrade of the existing rink, adding a meeting room and multipurpose room. The Commissioners asked Mr. Caccavaro about the public input prior to this design. The commissioners asked Mr. Caccavaro to go back a step and have Arrowstreet provide 3 designs and costs estimates per the published scope of work (1-Basic renovation existing rink, 2-Renovation and Expansion, including second ice sheet, 3-Conversion to alternate use, community recreational facility) and have these options presented in an open public forum for review and input. The Commissioners requested more public input and to see the pros and cons for each design before settling on one design. They asked that invitations go out to TM members,
Finance committee and Open Space Committee members. Mr. Caccavaro agreed to bring this back to the Sport Center Improvement Committee.
Open Space-Bernice Jones
Bernice will update at a later meeting.
Field User Committee- Joe Carabello
The Committee will meet after the next commissioners meeting.
CPA Study Committee-Leslie Mayer
The CPA committee met with the Finance Committee re: warrant articles. The Finance Committee reviewed and had a hearing but has not made a decision yet. They are waiting to see what happens to the Town’s Budget.
5. Capital Project Review and CDBG Update- Don Vitters
Spy Pond Shores- Mr. Vitters showed the design to the commissioners. Two meetings have occurred and they still need to integrate the results of the survey into the design. The next goal is to get through the year of permitting. $375,000 was allocated last year and $175,000 this year to cover phase one.
Robbins Farm-Mr.Vitters showed the design to the commissioners. Bids are due by March 12th. Don will ask Carol R. Johnson Associates to design a sign for Robbins Farm and use it as the demo for signs at all parks.
6. Recreation and Rink Update- Jon Jalbert
Mr. Jalbert updated the commission on the programs and special events. The Daddy Daughter Dance was a success with over 300 people in attendance after it was post-poned a day because of snowstorm. Thanks to all the volunteers for making this event so successful. Mr. Jalbert mentioned a “Special Skates” program run by AC with help from Minuteman Tech Hockey team. The numbers have doubled.
Mr. Carabello will write a letter to John Maher or Selectmen regarding MDC lease.
7. Others
Land Stewardship Program- Mrs. Mayer reviewed the information on the Land Stewardship Program and stated they are interested in coming to a PR commission meeting to discuss PR commissioners’ involvement.
Email Message re: Reservoir- Mr. Jalbert will call the individual and let her know what we can do.
Mrs. DeBenedictis took the information on Grants for Community Tree Planting.
Mr. Vitters agreed to write a letter to Mrs. Foskett regarding the petition for improving tennis courts in Town.
The Commission adjourned at 10:45 pm.
Jon Jalbert, Superintendent of Recreation, took minutes
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