Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 2/10/22
Minutes 2/10/22
Parks Commission
All Commission members were present
In addition Justin Makuc attended
Ice Skating
The season at the ice rink went well. The hockey players maintain the rink. The Commission provides funds if they become necessary (none so far this year). Justin corrected previous minutes which stated that we pay the “fire department” to rent the pavilion for the rink. It is actually the Fire Company that we pay.
Tom Mensi confirmed that the town’s insurance will cover liability for the proposed Lake Buel Hockey Tournament next year. The Commission is willing to support the tournament. We will need to alert the fire and rescue crews when the time comes.
We would like to revive the annual Skating Party at the town rink next year as well.
Town Beach
This spring we will meet with the pollinator gardening group to try to incorporate the historic beach plaque into the planting which they would like to do at the beach. Gerry will investigate possible wrought iron support for the plaque.
Water Vessel Storage
April 15 will be the deadline for the lotteries. ⅓ of the spaces will be allotted to double rack applications. The cost is $50 per vessel. Households must choose which lottery to participate in. When the double spaces are gone, those applications will be put into the single rack lottery.
Playground
The current playground is shabby but functional. It needs more chips.
Melissa has information about a possible grant for construction of a new playground. Tom has done some research. Construction of a new playground would be a one time expense, special article that would have to be voted on at town meeting. Sometimes the price can be cut by the use of a volunteer workforce.
Drainage Problem–softball field
This turns out to be a problem with the whole landscape, impacting Greene Park, the shed and even the parking lot. Moving the shed is something the Parks Commission could take responsibility for.
Rebidding of Contracts
Tom will pursue with Melissa a new bid from Gary O’Brien for maintenance of parks and beach
Chair Yoga
We agreed to continue to fund Connie Wilson’s class at the Community Center at the increased rate of $70 (from $65).Our questions were: What are the attendance numbers for the class? How did this class become an expense of the Parks Commission? Steve will ask.
Bidwell Park
The park needs our attention. We will meet there with the tree warden in the spring to address the fallen trees.
Town Signage
Edith Wilson’s hand painted sign for the town beach has still not been found.
Brewer Pond Park needs a sign once parking challenges there are cleared up with the fire dept, who must have access to pump water from there in an emergency.
Steve will follow up on the possibility of Greenagers working on Brewer Pond trail.
“Round Tables”
Town committees are invited to send members periodically to these general meetings.
We proposed that our next meeting will be on March 24 at Town Hall at 7:00.
Tracey Brennan