Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Tuesday, June 10, 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 a
Staff Present: Jon Jalbert and Teresa DeBenedictis
Others Present: Katy Willemin, McKane Sharff, Paul Athanasians, Sam Oliver, Deb O’Donnell and Caroline Kenney
1. Minutes
Motion made to approve 5/13/03 minutes with no changes. Approved 3-0.
2. Poetry Signs at Parks- Katy Willemin and McKane Sharff
Ms. Willemin and Ms. Sharff presented their idea to post signs with poetry made by them at two parks, Robbins Farm and Menotomy Rocks Park. Mrs. Mayer motioned to accept the concept subject to consultation on the placement of the signs with the friends groups at the specified parks. Motioned seconded by Mr. Vitters and unanimously approved 3-0. Mr. Jalbert will coordinate with the Friends Groups and keep Patsy Kraemer, Park Commission and Town Manager informed.
3. Thorndike Field – Sam Oliver and Paul Athanasians
Mr. Oliver and Mr. Athanasians requested the Park Commissioners to have one field at Thorndike open for a full size 11v11 soccer field for this summer. Magnolia is the only other full size 11v11 soccer field and it is only used as a practice field. Mr. Vitters motioned to overrule previous motion to close all of Thorndike and re-open for only one field. Motion seconded by Mrs. Mayer and unanimously 3-0.
4. Committee Updates
Arlington Sports Center Improvement Committee (SCIC)- Jon Jalbert
Mr. Jalbert updated the Park Commissioners on the two public meetings held on the future expansion of the Sports Center. Representatives from the Tree House at Symmes presented the idea of looking at Arlington holistically and requested to be on the September agenda. The group will work with Mr. Jalbert if needed this summer.
Open Space- Bernice Jones Mrs. Jones not available.
Fields Sub-Committee- Joe Carabello No change for field users due to Town appropriations. Mr. Carabello requested a meeting to be set at end of the summer. Mr. Carabello would like to see that all schools and private schools be added to field closing email list.
Reservoir Committee- Leslie Mayer Mrs. Mayer presented the Reservoir Brochure to the commissioners.
5. Capital Projects- Don Vitters
Robbins Farm Project – Project is moving along but will have the grand opening for the playground in the Fall. Slide costs came back at $16,000. Friends Group stated they will help with finances and Mr. Vitters motioned to accept their donated funds and to utilize the remaining balance of the project est. $6,000 to go towards the slide. Seconded by Mrs. Mayer, approved unanimously 3-0. Mr. Vitters requested a letter be written to the editor, which he will draft, thanking the Friends Group and all the volunteers. Mr. Vitters motioned to request a plaque to be presented to the Friends Group and placed on site. Seconded by Mrs. Mayer and approved unanimously 3-0. Plaque will be paid for by Teresa DeBenedictis’ DPW budget.
Mrs. DeBenedictis mentioned Throndike Field has $14,000 left in its Capital budget that could go towards the new fence and replace the gate and rail. Mr. Vitters motioned to have Teresa get quotes on the fencing and gate. Seconded by Mrs. Mayer and approved 3-0.
Spy Pond Project-Next meeting scheduled Monday, June 23rd at 7pm in the annex of Town hall. Issues to discuss will be designs of beach area, fencing, concrete boat ramp, parking lot and granite retaining wall.
Reeds Brook Project- Mr. Jalbert updated the commission on a meeting he had with Kevin O’Brien from Planning Dept.. Mr. Carabello stated that Park Commissioners must be present at their next meeting to discuss designs and turf field. Mr. Carabello stated he will go and present at their next meeting.
6. Parks Dept. Update – Teresa DeBenedictis
Despite the rough spring, Mrs. DeBenedictis stated the fields look good and other areas are now beginning to get caught up. She presented Commissioners with estimated mowing costs for Town playing fields by private contractor (Tibbets), per previous request of the Commission.
7. Recreation & Rink Update – Jon Jalbert
Meeting adjourned and no update was given.
8. Other
Meeting adjourned.
The Commission adjourned at 10:10 pm.
Jon Jalbert, Superintendent of Recreation took minutes.
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