Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVED- Meeting Minutes
The Park and Recreation Commission meeting came to order at 7:30 PM.
Commissioners Present: Don Vitters, Leslie Mayer, Joe Carabello, Bernice Jones and Mark McCabe
Staff Present: Jon Jalbert, Patsy Kraemer and Teresa DeBenedictis
Others Present: Robert Femia, Harry Mezor, David White, George McGinnit, Joe Koslowsky, Dan Willey, Tom Moskaluk, Paul Flynn and Joe Hart
1. Minutes
Motion made to approve 2/11/03 minutes with changes. Approved 4-0.
2. Thorndike Field Scenarios- Jon Jalbert
Mr. Jalbert presented at the request of the Park & Recreation Commission, three scenarios showing the impact on Thorndike Field and Field Permits. Motion made to accept Scenario One which allows shared access to Thorndike Field for all groups and closing of the field for 2.5 days (Mondays, Wednesday 2:30-5:30, Fridays). Motion accepted unanimously 5-0. The Commissioners stated concerns on enforcement when field is closed, proper notification to all users and police. The Commissioners further stated the field sub-committee work with Superintendent of Recreation to address these issues when they meet this Thursday.
Mr. Vitters recommended that a maintenance plan and costs to maintain fields be done separately for all fields this spring, so we can have detailed maintenance information on each field.
3. Field Maintenance sub-contracting quotes-Teresa DeBenedictis
Postponed until April mtg.
4. Land Stewardship Program – David White, ConCom
Mr. White presented the brochures and information on the Land Stewardship Program and asked the Park & Recreation Commission for their support and if they would like to add any sites to the list to be included in the project. The Commissioners are in support of the program and asked if Turkey Hill and Hills Hill could be added. Mr. White noted the first meeting is next Wed., 3/19 at 6:30 pm.
5. Committee Updates
Arlington Sports Center Improvement Committee (SCIC)- Tom Caccavaro
Mr. Jalbert updated the commission on the latest of the three options to be presented at an open meeting for the general public. The Commissioners asked if the presentation could be made first to them at the next meeting prior to the open meeting. Mr. Jalbert will set that up. Mrs. Mayer stated there needs to be a coordinated process with Kay Donovan, Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Jalbert stated the heating project is moving forward with the bid process and will update at the next meeting with the results.
Open Space-Bernice Jones
Bernice stated there is a lot of discussion on Symmes and recently the Cemetery Committee is proposing column burials at Symmes.
Field User Committee- Joe Carabello
The Committee is meeting this Thursday.
CPA Study Committee-Leslie Mayer
Nothing since Finance Committee meeting.
Friends of Canine Citizens of Arlington
The Selectmen approved to support the warrant article which allows us to amend the “Leash Law” in designated fenced in dog park areas.
6. Little League Softball Program – Joe Hart
Mr. Hart presented his proposal on a softball league for ages 9-12 year olds. The league would only play on weekends and he feels this would not conflict with the Recreation Dept. softball program. The fields are available for softball on the weekends. Mr. Jalbert expressed his concern that it was his understanding it was going to be a middle school program and be a feeder program for the high school. Motion made to accept the program. Motion approved 5-0.
7. Capital Project Review and CDBG Update- Don Vitters
Spy Pond Shores- Permitting and plans continue.
Robbins Farm-Friends of Robbins Farm have raised over $37,000 thus far.
Signs for Parks- Carol R. Johnson is currently looking at preparing a sign prototype based on Reeds Brook.
Park Beautification Fund- Mr. Vitters stated he could do the brochures but the costs were high. Mr. Jalbert suggested his office could handle the project.
8. Recreation and Rink Update- Jon Jalbert
Mr. Jalbert updated the commission on the programs and special events. Mr. Jalbert presented a proposal from Kate Cremens-Basbas to have her students paint the wall at Robbins Farm. Motion made to allow painting if they present the mural to the Commission and if Kate supervises the project. Motion accepted 5-0.
Mr. Jalbert updated the Commission re: the fence and the presentation to Conservation Commission.
9. Others
Mr. McCabe presented his resignation letter from the Commission.
The Commission adjourned at 9:40 pm.
Jon Jalbert, Superintendent of Recreation, took minutes
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