Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 1/19/23
Minutes Parks Commission 1/19/23
Attending the meeting at Town Hall: Tom Mensi, Gerry Clarin, Chris Andrews, Steve Snyder, Tracey Brennan
Officer Brian Fahey attended the beginning of the meeting to answer our questions about new beach parking regulations which we plan to initiate this summer. He is willing to provide police presence and support at the beach, especially on weekends when officers will be assigned to check in frequently. We will provide new signage regarding the parking as well as an attendant to check stickers when possible. We also discussed the position of Harbormaster with him. The need for a boat would be primary if the police department took on these duties in some way. Officer Fahey pointed out that there are new training requirements for the position. He is interested to work with us in the future, if this is even something that the Parks Commission is responsible for. In the meantime, he will make a request to DEP to visit the lake twice during the season to check on boats and safety issues. Gerry brought up the possibility of a motion sensor light for increased security at the kayak racks. We would want to check with neighbors and also address any “dark sky” concerns.
Officer Fahey is aware of the possible Pond Hockey Tournament and is going to check the ice with an auger. We know that so far the depth is only 3 inches. The coordinators, Alex and Jim, are also looking into the possibility of Benedict Pond.
It is time to begin the kayak lottery. Tracey will initiate that with Melissa.
Tom recommends posting Massachusetts paddle vessel safety guidelines on the Parks Website along with other kayak etc information.
Michael Germain spoke to Steve regarding the ballfield. Steve reiterated that everyone including the SelectBoard is in favor of renovations, but we do not have a firm quote and cannot go forward. Mr. Germain will pursue the contractor who does not respond to us.
We are looking for a summer event/special activity for children in town, as we realize that the movie night is too late for the young children. Chris will research.
Melissa is putting the parks mowing/maintenance work out to bid, so we reviewed the list Gerry made detailing the jobs at each park.
Tom will have beach parking signs made, stating that parking is for stickered residents only. We have more work to do on what the stickers and temporary stickers should be, as well as on publicizing the changes on our website etc.
Steve and Justin Makuc had a very productive walk around Brewer Pond with a knowledgeable representative from Greenagers, Elias. He was very positive about the potential for a good trail there with 2 bridges. Elias has suggestions for grant sources. He would work with the Conservation Committee and also contact and inform neighbors. Justin is interested in the history and property lines of an old well in the area. He will research that and also the possibility of some unused Conservation Committee money ($40,000) that might be available for the trail project.
We agreed to give $100 to Winterfest 2023.
Next meeting: February 16