Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Tuesday, March 9, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
Approved Meeting Minutes
The meeting came to order at 7:00 PM.
Commissioners Present: Joseph Carabello, Thomas Caccavaro (left at 10:00),
Nancy Campbell, Leslie Mayer, and
Donald Vitters (arrived at 8:00 pm)
Staff Present: Jonathan Jalbert, Recreation Superintendent
Patsy Kraemer, Human Services Director
Robert DiLoreto, AHS Athletic Director
Recording Secretary: Laura Munsey
Others Present: Mr. Bill Berkowitz
Mr. Gary Larson and Mr. David Warner, Larson Associates
Mr. Peter Lackey, Friends of Waldo
Mr. Lewis Brooks (did not sign in however was present from 7:15 –8:30)
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Carabello welcomed the Commissioners and guests to the March 9, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Administrative changes were presented to the Recording Secretary for 1/13/04 minutes, and an amendment was made Ms. Mayer:
Paragraph 2 of Item 2, 2nd Sentence
Ms. Galkowski stated that Enterprise Funds must be self sufficient, and that fees must should provide for capital spending projects.
Item 4: Paragraph 2,
3rd Sentence: The Park & Recreation Commission can would establish the rules and conditions in collaboration with the School Committee for school fields.
Add 2 new sentences after 6th Sentence: It was explained that this merely provides an opportunity for groups to raise funds that doesn’t currently exist. The Commission is not involved in the fundraising effort, but would control through Special Permits what user groups are allowed to do.
MOTION (made by Leslie Mayer, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 13TH MEETING AS AMENDED.
VOTE UNANIMOUS (4-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
AFFIRMATIVE (Caccavaro, Campbell, Carabello, Mayer)
2. Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park
Members of the group were not present and will be invited to the next meeting.
Buzzell Field Renovation
Mr. Robert DiLoreto, Athletic Director for AHS addressed the Commission and urged their support of postponing the renovation of Buzzell Field, so that the AHS Football teams could use Buzzell Field for Practices in the Fall of 2004 during the renovation of Pierce Field. He stated the following reasons:
- Transportation Costs of bussing students to Hurd would be $24,000-$25,000. Students could walk to Buzzell. If he needs to relocate to Hurd he will ask the industrial parties to help defray the costs.
- AHS Athletic Trainer could be more centrally located providing Safety
- High School Bathrooms/Locker rooms could be used.
Mr. Caccavaro stated he was concerned that the Commission has already awarded the Architectural Contract for Buzzell Field to Larson Associates. He is concerned that the town will incur additional costs by delaying the project a year. Mr. Jalbert informed the Commission he spoke with Larson Associates and there would be a 5-6% increase in the Architectural Contract Cost for this project if it was delayed for a year. It was also stated that Contractor Bidding is favorable at this time and may not be as favorable next year. Ms. Mayer stated that bathroom facilities would also be available at the reservoir. Mr. Carabello stated that the industrial parties should be approached regarding the additional costs either by Transportation Costs or to the Town due to delaying Buzzell. There
was also concern expressed that additional damage may take place due to the type and level of use at Buzzell Field. Ms. Mayer stated she was concerned about the request to install Goal Posts and where the field goal practice would occur. The commission will take Mr. DiLoreto’s request under consideration until Mr. Vitters has a chance to hear the concerns, and share his input.
3. Reservoir Fee Proposal
Ms. Kraemer and Mr. Jalbert presented a proposal to the Commission to approve new fees for the Arlington Reservoir Program. A proposal with 2 Options was presented to the Commissioners. The reservoir fees remained unchanged from 1992 -1998, and in 1999 fees were increased $5 for all season passes, and no change was made to daily passes. In 2002 fees were increased an additional $5 for non-resident season passes, and $1 for daily passes. No increases for resident adult, child, or senior citizen passes have been implemented since 1999. Ms. Campbell and Ms. Mayer were concerned with the amount of hourly administrative fees being added to this program. It was further stated by Ms. Mayer that she does not believe rounding up the administrative fee from $28.80 to $30.00 is appropriate.
Mr. Jalbert and Ms. Kraemer explained that the rounding up from $28.80 to $30.00 provides a cushion for much needed infrastructure improvements and stated the following examples: the repair of the pipe at the Reservoir was temporary, there is a leak in the roof, and electrical problems have been identified. Ms. Mayer stated that she believes that these are capital projects that should be planned for and for which capital funding should be pursued. After a lengthy discussion and debate various Commissioners made the following recommendations.
Adult Season Pass: $ 35.00 (Increase of $10.00)
Child Pass (up to age 17) $ 25.00 (Increase of $5.00)
Seniors (age 65 and up) $ 20.00 (No increase)
Non-resident season passes $ 60.00 (Increase of $20.00)
Family Membership $150.00 (New Offering = Cost of 2 adult and 3 children)
Mr. Carabello asked several times for a motion to approve the recommended reservoir fee increases for the summer of 2004 as requested by Mr. Jalbert and Ms. Kraemer as presented in their proposal, or to make an amended motion based on the discussion of the Commission.
MOTION (made by Leslie Mayer, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE COMMISSION WISHES TO TABLE THE RESERVOIR FEE PROPOSAL PRESENTED BY MR. JALBERT AND MS. KRAEMER.
VOTE: 3-1 IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
AFFIRMATIVE (Caccavaro, Campbell, Mayer)
OPPOSED (Carabello)
4. Special Event Permits
Mr. Bill Berkowitz, who is a member of the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park and the Arlington Arts Council would like a Special Event Permit for Saturday, May 22, 2004 with a rain date of Sunday May 23, to hold a photo exhibit displaying photographs of the neighborhood, local parks, etc., along the walkway at Menotomy Rocks Park to support an appreciation of the arts. He has received a small cultural council grant. Mr. Berkowitz is currently recruiting photographers for this event. Volunteers will be responsible for the set-up and clean up. They do not anticipate a problem with additional car traffic.
MOTION (made by Leslie Mayer, 2nd by Donald Vitters)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A PHOTO EXHIBIT TO BE HELD MAY 22, 2004, WITH A RAIN DATE SCHEDULED FOR MAY 23 TO BE HELD AT MENOTOMY ROCKS PARK.
UNANIMOUS VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION (5-0)
MOTION (made by Leslie Mayer, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR THE BARTLETT SCHOOL TO HOLD A FIELD DAY ON TUESDAY MAY 18, 2004, WITH A RAIN DATE OF WEDNESDAY, MAY 19TH, AT SPY POND FIELD FROM 8:30 TO 1:00 PM FOR APPROXIMATELY110 CHILDREN. THIS PERMIT SHALL BE APPROVED PROVIDED NO CONFLICT EXISTS WITH ANY TOWN SPORTING EVENTS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY BEEN SCHEDULED AT THAT FIELD.
VOTE: IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION (3-2)
AFFIRMATIVE (Campbell, Mayer, Vitters)
NEGATIVE (Caccavaro, Carabello)
MOTION (made by Tom Caccavaro, 2nd by Mr. Vitters)
APPROVE A SPECIAL PERMIT FOR CHRISTOPHER HARRINGTON, LEARNING, INC. COLLEGE ACADEMY, TO HOLD A ROCKET LAUNCH AT OTTOSON FIELD ON JULY 15 AND 22, 2004 FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 STUDENTS FOR A SUMMER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
A Special Permit Request has been received for Vision 20/20 to hold a watercraft celebration at Spy Pond Shorelines on Sunday, September 12, 2004 with a rain date of September 19, 2004. The Commission decided to postpone a vote on this special permit request until the dates for renovation of Spy Pond have been determined. Mr. Vitters will be attending a meeting of the Friends of Spy Pond and will discuss the request with them.
Jen Rothenberg, Friends of Robbins Farm, sent to Mr. Jalbert pictures of the mural they would like to paint at the Robbins Farm Retaining Wall. School Children will paint the squares.
MOTION (made by Tom Caccavaro, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE COMMISSION SHALL TABLE THIS VOTE UNTIL FURTHER INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE.
VOTE (4-1) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
AFFIRMATIVE (Caccavaro, Campbell, Carabello, Vitters)
NEGATIVE (Mayer)
6. Capital Projects
Representatives from Larson Associates (Mr. Gary Larson and Mr. David Warner) stated a delay of Buzzell for a year would increase their fees 5-6% for cost of living increases. Larson could start the architectural phase now if the planned use for the field will not
change. Construction costs are very competitive at this time and future construction cost bids may increase with delays. Mr. Warner also stated however, if the construction phase of the project goes out to bid in December or January (approx. 9 months), the difference in cost may be minimal. Mr. Larson stated that the intended use of several football teams on the field will cause more damage, however the field is in such bad shape already that the plans needed to renovate will not need to be changed based on the additional anticipated use. If sod is installed you would need 6-8 weeks for the roots to attach. Mr. Warner provided a rough estimate that the financial increase for sod over seed for the surface at Buzzell would be an additional $25,000. If seed is used they would need a
minimum of 2 full growing seasons.
Mr. Peter Lackey of the Friends of Waldo Committee informed the
representatives of Larson Associates that Safety is the number one concern of residents. There is a large amount of broken glass due to vandalism and loitering. Lighting needs improvement, and rearranging the furnishings may be helpful. A large
effort is underway to work with Dog owners to help keep the park clean. Another
priority is the condition of play equipment and play surfaces.
Larson Associates made a brief presentation sharing their initial analysis:
The existing play structure has seen better days - noncompliance issues. Main Structure
is okay but has some concerns. Needs better fall zone, chain okay but not the
best choice, entanglement problems, etc. Recommend this be replaced. Swings
are okay, but lots of peeling paint. Surfacing non-compliant. a lot of
pavement throughout the park, basketball orientation is wrong and is sloped (under
2% but could be tighter); drainage problems; Nice Tree (however is dirty -
meaning lots of sheddings/projectiles). Some input from the neighborhood group would be helpful regarding age of children who use the park (toddler, pre-school, older,
teens); Is control a problem?; Is the Basketball Court too close to Street Hockey? Does
it cause problems or conflict?; Do you like the amount of pavement? Do you
want to keep the sloped hill for sledding? Pitch could be changed for safety.
Provide bags for cleanup of dogs. Mr. Lackey informed the commission that
through initial discussion the neighbors generally feel the park is well
integrated and they want to encourage all age groups to use the park. Additionally
the paved area is welcome, other than the condition, i.e. tripping hazard, broken glass and
drainage issues. They would like play equipment replaced and possibly in a
different location; the slope used for sledding ends on the sidewalk, and they
would welcome a change to make it safer. Mr. Lackey will see that the Committee
sends the suggestions to Mr. Jalbert. Mr. Jalbert will forward this document to Mr. Vitters, and all the Park and Recreation Commissioners. Mr. Vitters
will be the liaison between all Groups/Committees and the Architect. Larson
will put all plans up on their Website, and this will be part of the service they
provide.
Larson Associates inquired if a Neighborhood Committee has been established for the Locke Playground. Mr. Jalbert will contact Debbie Hayes, and ask
if she would like to coordinate a Neighborhood Group (residents of the abutting Condos should be included). Larson further stated everything is non-compliant at this park. Knowing the age group of users would be helpful. It is a small area, and they will need to get creative.
Larson informed the Commission that Game Time Landscapes is on the State Bid
List. The Price of equipment is clearly listed, and includes the installation of structure, if the site is prepared.
Mr. Vitters was updated on Mr. DiLoreto's Presentation.
MOTION (made by Joseph Carabello 2nd by Tom Caccavaro)
for Reconsideration of the March 9th vote regarding the renovation of Buzzell Field.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
MOTION (made by Nancy Campbell, 2nd by Leslie Mayer)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION WILL RECOMMEND DELAYING THE BUZZELL FIELD PROJECT TO ALLOW THE ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL AND POP WARNER FOOTBALL PROGRAMS THE USE OF BUZZELL FIELD FOR THE 2004 FALL SEASON. THIS DELAY IS CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESOLUTION TO THE FOLLOWING ISSUES: TEMPORARY GOAL POSTS AND APPROPRIATE NETTING FOR FIELD GOAL PRACTICE BE PROVIDED, STORAGE LOCATIONS, PARKING CONCERNS, AND COMPENSATION BY THE MITIGATING PARTIES FOR ANY ADDITIONAL FEES CAUSED BY THE DELAY.
UNANIMOUS VOTE (4-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION.
AFFIRMATIVE: (Campbell, Carabello, Mayer, Vitters)
CDBG Proposals are now due. Mr. Jalbert and Mr. Vitters will submit the requests from the Park and Recreation Commission. Clarissa Rowe of the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park will be invited to attend the next meeting. Ms. Mayer asked to reformat the agenda so that all presenters are scheduled to go before any Commission Business. There is a Land Stewards meeting scheduled for March 29 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Senior Center.
The last 3 agenda items including all committee updates, the Recreation & Rink updates, and other business will be postponed until the next meeting.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:30 pm
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