Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - 7:00 p.m.
Approved - Meeting Minutes
The meeting came to order at 7:00 PM.
Commissioners Present: Joseph Carabello, Thomas Caccavaro
Nancy Campbell, Leslie Mayer, and
Donald Vitters
Staff Present: Jonathan Jalbert, Recreation Superintendent
Recording Secretary: Laura Munsey
Other: Arthur Ales
Robert McKeown
Paul Carroll, Arlington Little League
Linda Barnes and David Fisher, Larson Associates
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Carabello welcomed the Commissioners and guests to the April 14, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Minutes of the February 3, 10 and March 23 meetings were reviewed. Amendments were offered for the minutes of the February 10th and the March 23rd meetings.
MOTION
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 3, FEBRUARY 10, AND MARCH 23 MEETINGS.
VOTE UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
2. Field Permit Issues
Mr. Carroll of Arlington Little League addressed the Commission and apologized for the error in judgment of one of his coaches who used a field after the town had determined it to be closed. He further stated that he is working closely with all his managers to notify them as soon as the field closing notification has been made. The Commission thanked him for his cooperation in this matter. Babe Ruth did not have a representative in attendance.
3. Menotomy Rocks Park
Discussion will be postponed until the May meeting and Ms. Rowe will be invited to present at that time.
4. Special Event Approvals
Hills Hill Clean-up: Mr. Jack Duranceau of Arlington High School offered to do a clean up of Hills Hill in June as part of a Community Service Day. Arlington High
School Boys Lacrosse also offered to do a Spring Clean-up of Hills Hill on Tuesday, April 20th.
MOTION (made by Leslie Mayer, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE TEAMS SHALL BE GRANTED PERMISSION TO CLEAN UP HILLS HILL ON TUESDAY APRIL 20TH. THE STUDENTS SHALL HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION. DPW WILL BE NOTIFIED AND A REQUEST WILL BE MADE FOR A TRASH PICK UP WITH A DESIGNATED TRASH DROP AREA ASSIGNED. A REQUEST WILL BE MADE THAT MR. DURANCEAU’S STUDENT GROUP BE ASKED TO CLEAN UP CRUSHER LOT BEHIND OTTOSON MIDDLE SCHOOL ON THEIR JUNE COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY. THE STUDENTS SHALL HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION. DPW WILL BE NOTIFIED AND A REQUEST WILL BE MADE FOR A TRASH PICK UP WITH A DESIGNATED DROP AREA ASSIGNED.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
Bishop School Bear Fair. Ms. Kiera Campbell of the Bishop School PTO requested a special permit for the Bishop School annual Bear Fair on Saturday, May 15th from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm with an alternate rain date of Saturday, May 22, 2004. They anticipate a total attendance of 1000 people.
MOTION (Made by Tom Caccavaro, 2nd by Leslie Mayer)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES THE BISHOP SCHOOL’S SPECIAL PERMIT REQUEST FOR THEIR ANNUAL BEAR FAIR ON SATURDAY, MAY 15TH FROM 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM WITH A RAIN DATE OF SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2004. MR. JALBERT, RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL NOTIFY THE ATHLETIC USER GROUPS THAT THEY MAY NOT USE THE FIELD ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
Earth Day Festival: Ms. Amanda Formica, a student at AHS with Students Against Violating the Environment, requested a special permit for Saturday, April 24, 2004 for the Ultimate Frisbee Team to have a Frisbee game, picnic, and various earth day events at Menotomy Rocks Park from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
MOTION (Made by Nancy Campbell, 2nd by Tom Caccavaro)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES THE SPECIAL PERMIT REQUEST BY MS. AMANDA FORMICA OF ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL TO HOLD EARTH DAY EVENTS AS PRESENTED AT MENOTOMY ROCKS PARK ON SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2004, WITH A RAIN DATE OF SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2003 11:00 – 4:00 PM.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
5. Rink Fees Proposal and Volunteer Credit
Postponed until the May 11, 2004 Park and Recreation Commission Meeting.
6. Adult Drinking at the Rink
Based on a report in the Arlington Advocate that Beer Cans were found at the Veteran’s Memorial Skating Rink, Thomas Caccavaro requested that Mr. Jalbert, Recreation Superintendent, discuss the matter of adult user groups violating the zero tolerance policy and no alcohol policy at the Rink. Mr. Jalbert shared with the Commissioners the reports of the 3 adult user groups that were caught violating the no alcohol policy this season. He informed the Commissioners each group was notified of the violation, both verbally and in writing. One user group had repeated violations, and Mr. Jalbert and Patsy Kraemer, Director of Human Services, had a meeting with the contact of that group, to discuss this matter in further detail.
Nancy Campbell and Thomas Caccavaro informed Mr. Jalbert that their own children, who play hockey, reported to them they had found empty beer cans in a barrel or in a locker room upon their arrival to practice at 3:00 pm earlier in the season.
Mr. Caccavaro was adamant that a zero tolerance policy is clear. Zero Tolerance – no warnings, no exceptions. If the adult user groups know the policy, signed the contract and violated the contract they should have their privileges to rent ice rescinded immediately. He further stated his belief that there is no place for any alcohol or drugs in a public facility, especially one that is frequented by children.
MOTION (Made by Tom Caccavaro, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION SHALL INDEFINITELY SUSPEND THE 3 TEAMS THAT VIOLATED THE NO ALCOHOL POLICY AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SKATING RINK.
VOTE: 3-2 IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
affirmative – Caccavaro, Campbell, Carabello
opposed – Mayer, Vitters
(both Commissioners who were opposed to the motion stated they did not have sufficient information to make a ruling on the groups that violated the policy but did not have repeated violations referenced)
Mr. Arthur Ales addressed the Commission and shared his thoughts and experiences of legal liabilities regarding drinking at Rinks around the area. He further advised the Commission that they should be consistent in their policies regarding adult men’s softball programs.
Ms. Campbell asked for a re-vote when she asked for clarification if all groups were given written notification and if they violated the drinking policy since. Mr. Jalbert stated that 1 group was given a written warning and violated the policy again. The other two groups were given verbal warnings and did not violate the drinking policy again. Upon further discussion with the Commission, Nancy Campbell asked for Reconsideration of her vote, which was 2nd by Mr. Carabello.
MOTION (Made by Nancy Campbell, 2nd by Leslie Mayer)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION INDEFINITELY SUSPENDS THE ADULT USER GROUP THAT HAD REPEATED VIOLATIONS DOCUMENTED OF THE NO ALCOHOL POLICY AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SKATING RINK. THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO NOTIFY THE TWO USER GROUPS THAT HAD A REFERENCED VIOLATION OF THE NO ALCOHOL POLICY AT THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SKATING RINK AND THAT IF THERE ARE ANY ADDITIONAL REPORTS OR FURTHER VIOLATIONS THE COMMISSION WILL INDEFINITELY SUSPEND THEIR GROUPS FROM THE VETERANS MEMORIAL SKATING RINK.
VOTE: 3-2 IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
Affirmative – Campbell, Mayer, Vitters
Negative – Caccavaro, Carabello
Both Commissioners who were opposed to the motion stated they believe a zero tolerance policy should be enforced as such, and that the Commission should not tolerate violations of the no alcohol policy.
7. Capital Projects
Mr. Dave Fisher of Larson Associates presented an update to the Commission regarding the status of plans at Waldo Playground and Locke Playground. He submitted a revised time-line for both projects. Larson Associates has met with friends groups or representatives for each project. A Game Time representative evaluated the existing structures for compliance. Several options are being explored, and schematics were displayed and reviewed.
Spy Pond: Mr. Vitters reported on May 4 there will be a Conservation Commission Site Walk 8:30 am; and on May 6 there will be a Conservation Commission Public Hearing at 7:30 pm.
8. Committee Updates
Field Policy Committee. A meeting was held earlier in the evening. When a field is closed for poor conditions an e-mail will be sent to all user groups, the website will be updated, and the Recreation Field/Program Cancellation line will be updated by 1:00 pm. If conditions change by 4:00 pm a field may be re-evaluated if a user group makes the request, or if field conditions change. If all fields are still closed at 4:00 pm they are closed for the day. Warrant Article #20 regarding the enforcement of field closings was approved by the Board of Selectmen, and will go on to Town Meeting. A high school lacrosse team had violated town policy and used cleats on a field when they should not have. Mr. DiLoreto explained it was a new coach, and he spoke with this coach to ensure
that it doesn’t happen again. The Board of Selectmen with a Vote of 3-2 passed the Warrant Article regarding signs. Mr. Caccavaro expressed his concern with this article and recommended tabling it for further review. He stated that only one meeting was held and he does not see support for this article throughout the community.
Mr. Jalbert distributed an update from the Department of Public Works, dated 4/14/04 that showed the major accomplishments of Spring 2004. The Commission was not pleased with the presentation of the information and requested that Ms. DeBenedictis be asked to provide a matrix with all fields, dates, and projects completed be prepared for the Park Commissioners.
Sports Center Improvement Committee. Mr. Jalbert will send another correspondence to the Sports Center Improvement Committee regarding the establishment of a new committee.
Open Space Committee . Ms. Mayer reported that the Open Space Committee does not support the Warrant Article regarding the sponsorship signs.
Friends Groups. No Reports
9. Recreation and Rink Updates.
Ms. Campbell stated that she had read an article in the Arlington Advocate that the Rink was hiring a cleaning service and she inquired if these reports were accurate. Ms. Campbell, Mr. Caccavaro, and Mr. Carabello all stated their opposition to this decision. It was explained that various options were being looked at to improve conditions at the Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. As part of this fact finding mission quotations were obtained to see if there was any cost benefit to hiring a cleaning crew to disinfect both public bathrooms, all locker rooms and showers on a daily basis. A Cleaning Service is currently used to clean the recreation offices 1 time per week and by combining the two cleaning projects could be a cost savings measure, and ensure the disinfection of all necessary areas on a
daily basis. The Commissioners were also informed that the Board of Health supports this idea. An analysis was done regarding the cost of having an additional staff member on during various shifts to assist the shift supervisor with disinfecting certain areas vs. hiring a cleaning crew once per day for disinfecting the facility. The rink staff will still be responsible for all daily cleaning, and the Commissioners were reassured that the current staff cleans the rink several times throughout the day. Mr. Jalbert stated that he is looking into all aspects toward providing a clean and safe facility, and is also researching whether or not acquiring additional equipment to assist in the cleaning of the facility would be feasible. No decision has been made, and all reports were submitted to Mr. Brian Sullivan, Town Manager, for he will be making the final decision. The Commission requested the job descriptions of all rink personnel.
Ms. Campbell stated she had also been informed that Mr. Daniel Brothers, Rink Supervisor, had been hired by Arlington Catholic as a Lacrosse coach and she believes this could appear to be a conflict of interest. She stated there is a belief throughout the community that ice time is not being fairly assigned and this will only give greater cause for concern in the public. Mr. Jalbert informed the Commission that Mr. Brothers was hired as a Lacrosse Coach for Arlington Catholic High School and this is a personnel matter. He further stated that the Town Manager is in receipt of all ice allocation reports for the last several years and is aware that Mr. Jalbert will continue to make all final ice allocation approvals. Mr. Brian Sullivan, Town Manager, had approved the request for Mr. Brothers to use
his own time for this coaching position.
Mr. Carabello inquired if Mr. Jalbert knew of a company called Snap-on-Tools, and if Mr. Jalbert made a purchase of tools in the amount of $9,000, as was reported to him. Mr. Jalbert stated he would look into it and report back to the Commission.
Mr. Ales asked if any money had been spent out of the rink improvement grant and what amount of money was left. Mr. Jalbert stated he did not have the figures in front of him. It was further explained that several improvements had been made and the Park and Recreation Commission set the priority. The fire alarm and smoke detection system is in its final stages of installation. Safety guards have been placed on all the stairs, hot water has been repaired in all the locker rooms. Mr. Ales suggested that an AED (automatic external defibrillator) might be a good investment.
10. Other Business
Determine Charge for alternative transportation fair permit and inform committee and/or representative.
Mr. Moniak Arlington Soccer Club is unhappy with field allocations. Mr. Moniak will be invited to May 11, 2004 meeting. Mr. Jalbert informed the committee that all fields have been scheduled with Clint Schwamb. Soccer has approximately 120 blocks, which is about the same as last year. Game fields are the same. Ms. Campbell inquired if ASC got the same number of fields as last year. Mr Jalbert stated yes, but there have been changes in practice fields due to closing Menotomy Rocks Park to Soccer, Crosby and the front of Ottoson Middle School. Arlington Catholic has offered to share the AC Pit for practices for the Arlington Soccer Club.
11. Dates to Remember
March 30, 2004 Field Users Meeting
April 17, 2004 Clean up day (Friends of Spy Pond) 12 –3 pm
April 20, 2004 Clean up day (AHS Lacrosse) – Hills Hill
April 21, 2004 Information meeting Reservoir Dam Project (7:30 pm - Selectmen’s Hearing Room)
May 22, 2004 Clean up day (Reservoir)
12. Future Agenda Items
Clarissa Rowe, Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park
Steve Moniak, Arlington Soccer Club
Jen Rothenberg, Friends of Robbins Farm
2004-2005 Rink Fees
Rink Volunteer Credit Policy
Clerk of the Works Discussion
Lighted Fields Proposal
Field User Permit Fee Accounting Breakdown
Meeting Adjourned at 10:15 pm
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