Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Tuesday, May 13, 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, Joe Carabello, Leslie Mayer and Bernice Jones
Staff Present: Jon Jalbert and Teresa DeBenedictis
Others Present: Eric Baatz, Maya Apferbaum, Kate Thompson and Friends of Spy Pond Shores
1. Minutes
Motion made to approve 4/8/03 minutes with changes. Approved 4-0.
2. Friends of Menotomy Park- Clarissa Rowe
Mrs. Rowe presented the Friends annual report in writing with these major points:
A. The constant postponement of capital money for the park. Mr. Vitters recommended to the Friends Group to begin a laundry list of projects to organize future funding and projects.
B. Use of the fields for soccer practice. Mr. Jalbert stated they will be out mid-June and require no weekend soccer games.
C. Vehicular use of the Park
D. Mature trees in Disrepair. The Friends would like to have a tree company do a free demonstration and remove dead limbs. This is okay with Teresa DeBenedictis and she will send a staff member to see what will be done.
E. Maintenance Permitting with the Conservation Commission. Bernice Jones will work with the Friends Group to make sure permits go smoothly.
F. Dog report stated the number of incidents with dogs has declined.
G. Memorial benches. Mr. Jalbert will work with the Friends and continue to have memorial benches installed through the Park Beautification Fund.
H. Enlarging the rules of the park on permits for the park. Mr. Jalbert will update the permit form.
3. Spy Pond Presentation – Kate Thompson, CRJ
Mrs. Thompson presented the drawings on the Spy Pond Shores Project. The Friends of Spy Pond Shores also presented a packet with their concerns on the 3rd plan presented tonight. With all their proposed changes, the friends would like to have another, if not more, public session (s) to discuss and address their issues. Mr. Vitters will try and schedule another public meeting and report back to the commission in June on their progress with the project.
4. Committee Updates
Arlington Sports Center Improvement Committee (SCIC)- Tom Caccavaro
The Commission would like to see Mr. Caccavaro present at the public meetings. Also, Mr. Carabello stated any information or notice in writing going public should come from the Chairperson of the Park & Recreation Commission.
Open Space- Bernice Jones Mr. Jalbert passed out the Open Space and Recreation Plan Book.
Fields Sub-Committee- Joe Carabello No longer existing, but the next Board of Selectmen’s Field Committee will meet next Tues., 5/20 from 7-9 p.m.
Community Preservation Act- Leslie Mayer Proposed substitute motion on the floor putting it to the voters for Spring of 2004.
5. Capital Projects- Don Vitters
Robbins Farm Project – Memorial at Robbins Farm discussed because of being relocated. Mr. Vitters motioned for the rock to remain but be positioned according to Carol R. Johnson. Motioned accepted unanimously.
Slide manufacturer recommended fixing six sections of the slide and add a section at the bottom. Mr. Vitters mentioned there is $6K left and the Friends have agreed to help with funding. Mr. Vitters motioned to approve the $6K to repair the slide and extend it. Motioned approved unanimously.
All Capital and CDBG plans are in and waiting for Town Meeting approval.
6. Parks Dept. Update – Teresa DeBenedictis
Parks Dept. removed mounds at Ottoson and Reservoir Field. Working on Buck for infield Sod repair and fencing. Salvaged benches from Robbins Farm project and moved them to North Union. Sand was delivered to Stratton two weeks ago. Teresa is getting quotes on Thorndike fencing.
7. Recreation & Rink Update – Jon Jalbert
Mr. Jalbert discussed field permit issues. Mr. Jalbert discussed the reservoir projects he is currently completing for the opening in June.
8. Other
Thorndike field was discussed and motion made to close for the summer. Motion accepted 4-0.
Reservoir Cleanup scheduled for this coming weekend.
The Commission adjourned at 10:55 pm.
Jon Jalbert, Superintendent of Recreation took minutes.
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