Open Space & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 03/12/24

Meeting date: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Date: 3/12/24

Members present: Margy Abbott, Susan Cooper, Gerry Clarin, Dennis Lynch, Mark Andrews

Members Absent: Jim Hunt, Melissa Noe

Others Present: Seth Jenkins, BRPC; Michael Germaine, Jim Debrowski

Agenda:

  • Discussion of survey results
  • Discuss format of Public Forum on April 27th
  • Possible Stakeholder interviews TBD
  • Approve minutes from 2/13
  • Unanticipated business

The meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm

  • Michael Germaine described a proposal to install a cooled skating rink at the Fire Department Pavilion.  The rink has been extremely popular over the years, including hockey, open skating and parties, but the warming winters have made for poor ice.  The portable refrigeration unit is on a trailer with a series of mats which can be rolled up in spring, and the package includes a mini-zambone, at a total cost of approximately $150,000.  It has an estimated 20 year life span.  Mr. Germaine believes he could raise most of the money through private donations, private foundations, and grants.  Mr. Germaine says the unit can maintain ice up to an outdoor temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  In the colder weather of December to March they estimate operating costs to be about $1,500/month.  Should the unit be turned off, the water will not leak out.  He also noted that the only rink available in South County is at Berkshire School, and Dennis noted that that would make this a regional project, particularly if it would not charge for admission.  Jim Debrowski also noted that this is an additional activity for young people.
  • Seth gave a summary of survey results. 
    1. 226 survey respondents, with estimate of 524 households
    2. 34% of respondents over 70 years of age
    3. Overview in an Excel sheet
    4. Many many comments urging restrictions on jet skis and wake boats in Lake Garfield.
  • Susan commented that those rules are set by the state since it is a Great Pond, and Seth agreed.  Gerry noted that with the beach and boat ramp separated the state might be more supportive of such limitations.  Jim D. asked if erosion from could support the limit and Dennis added that we should use a broader definition of health of the lake including water quality, erosion and suspended particulates.  Margy asked if we should create a subcommittee or just bring it up at the public forum?  Gerry suggested we meet with the Lake Garfield Working Group. 
  • Seth suggested we each pick a few good quotes from the survey responses to go into the report and to use at the open forum.  He plans to present the survey results at the forum.  We could add some additional items like the skating rink, boat speed limits, and mobile farmer’s market this summer.  Jim D. added that there was strong support for volunteering for trail management, and wondered if Berkshire Natural Resources Council might help arrange that.  Seth noted that that would dovetail nicely with the Monterey Trail Guide.
  • Seth said we could also use the survey to target specific groups, like those respondents who might be willing to grant an easement for a trail.  He suggested we think about how we might wish to use the data and how it might be filtered to aid decision making.
  • Seth noted that only 18% support for increased accommodation of disabilities in parks seemed low.  Versus high support for senior exercise equipment, with 48% preferring the Monterey Community Center and 24% preferring Green Park. (see the report for further details).  Also strong support for green corridors.
  • Many people supported higher taxes to get a pedestrian/bike path, with 24% supporting a 3% tax increase, 15% supporting a 2% increase, and 34% supporting 1% with 27% against a tax.  Margy reported that the Planning Board met with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission regarding complete streets, and that there is money for this sort of project, but it will require due diligence.  There is also possible OSRP money.
  • Strong survey support of the pavilion and bathroom at the Monterey Community Center, less support for additional indoor space.
  • OSRP committee members will be choosing survey quotes for next meeting.  Seth will produce a flyer for the open forum.  Dennis will write and submit a blurb for the Monterey News.
  • Suggestion to create list of respondents who provided emails, and Seth will create this.
  • Dennis motioned to approve the minutes of 2/13/24, Mark seconded.  Unanimously approved.

Next meetings:

  • 4/9 at 3pm
  • 4/23 at 3 pm
  • 4/27 Open Forum at 10 am in Library

Meeting adjourned at 4:15 pm.