Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 3/16/23
Minutes of the meeting of 3/16/2023
Meeting date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
Meeting Opened at: 7:05pm
Parks Commission Members Present: Gerard Clarin, Thomas Mensi, Christopher Andrews, Steve Snyder
Parks Commission Members Present remotely: Tracey Brennan
Also Present: Laurie McArthur (SB secretary), Laurie Shaw, Libby
Call to Order 7:05pm
Agenda items to be discussed:
Pollinator Group presentation for upcoming growing season
Libby discussed the use of native plants in Monterey and described the life cycle of such plants. She reported that they take approximately three years to fully develop, and each plant will bloom at different times throughout the season, which will be essential for pollinators. She discussed painting the box to increase attractiveness, and perhaps putting up an informational bulletin. Libby presented an image of what information a bulletin board regarding native plants should include. The bulletin board she shared was approximately 3ft by 4ft and would be enclosed and maintained. Chris reminded them that the culvert will be replaced, and the Parks Commission agreed that this would have to be taken into consideration. Libby said that in the event the culvert area was going to disturb the planting spot, then the plants would be able to be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. Steve and the Parks Commission discussed aesthetics, and signage. Tracey said that she would have a problem with signage that might block the lake. She suggested having a small sign on the shed to direct individuals to a larger sign that would be out of the view of the lake. Steve said that the placement with respect to the view of the lake and any other aesthetic was the primary concern of the Parks Commission. Laurie suggested that the pollinator group find a spot they would like to utilize and then show it to the Parks Commission.
Steve made a motion that they have that meeting and then decide at that point. Libby said they would have to look at the budget to see if they would have to purchase a box or if they could have one made. Libby said she found one online that was approximately $600.00, and Laurie said they would research this further. Tom asked if they intended to place signage at the Bidwell Park location, and Libby reported that they would like to place signs and information there as well. Tracey suggested checking out the signage at the Riverwalk to gather ideas.
Greene Park ball field status
Gerard said that he has been trying to contact Mark regarding the ball field and has submitted a request with ConCom regarding the permit. Steve said he is concerned that there was not a clear bid for the work. He provided a scenario of a potential issue and said that they must know how they are going to access the area and if modifications need to be made. Steve asked if there was a contractor. Gerard said Mark V. works for foresight and wrote the spec for the GB baseball field. Tom and Gerry met with him and discussed some information, and Gerry said that he has not gotten back regarding the spec. Steve said that they need to still find a contractor. Gerry said they are not on the calendar for ConCom yet. Steve asked about an email from Melissa regarding certain funds that may be able to help with this project. Gerry will attempt to follow up again with Mark from Foresight.
Signage for town beach
Tom discussed the parking signs along the Tyringham Rd side of the beach. He reported that he needs to get the signs made if they are going to be able to utilize them this summer. Tom showed an example of a proposed sign to the Parks Commission. Tom said that additional information will be on the Town Website. Steve suggested offering an option to download additional information if individuals had questions. Tom also created a sign for the pickleball court that outlined expectations. Tracey asked if visitor passes were for visiting friends or for Air b&bs. Tom clarified that the guest pass would be for anyone who is visiting Monterey. Tracey said that she was unsure if the Parks Commission would be able to limit passes to some individuals.
Steve asked if the stickers were dated and said that some individuals in town do not have transfer stickers, which would pose a challenge. Steve suggested having the sticker dated. Tracy said that in other towns individuals would have to show a license or bill in their town to access the beach if they do not have a transfer sticker. Gerry suggested that guests be accompanied by a homeowner. Chris said that when someone is confronted about parking in a restricted spot, then individuals would just be able to move their vehicle. Steve made some suggestions regarding trying to soften the signage.
The Parks Commission discussed two new ladders for the beach with umbrellas. Tom said he would like to add approximately $600 worth of sand to the beach.
Parks Commission website additions
Tom said that he gathered some information from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding kayak safety and created a sign to reflect this. Tom reported that he created a sign to alert individuals about the Pickle Ball area. Gerry asked if they would be able to put up a sign directing individuals to Bidwell Park. Tom said there is going to be signage informing individuals that there is no traffic beyond a certain point.
Playground proposals review
Tom reviewed the information gathered from the Select Board meeting. Tom reported that he created an excel sheet regarding the three vendors they already have, which displayed a comparison of accumulate cost, variation, and installation rates. Tom believed there was room for negotiation. Gerry said that the Select Board will speak with the Finance Committee regarding utilizing the town DPW to help with removal of the material. Tom discussed how playground equipment that attracts children may not be the same as what attracted individuals years ago. Tom discussed codes that would have to be considered to make it safe for all ages and said that the suppliers don’t necessarily supply the same equipment in their quote. Steve said that he like the idea of a diverse playground spread out over the area and agreed that the request from the Select Board to be conservative was reasonable. Steve suggested that there be a variety of safe pieces of equipment that could be utilized by children of a variety of ages. Gerry said that the playground equipment seems to advertise for children up to age 12. Tom said that they could request a substitute piece of equipment if they needed to downsize a bit.
Tom reported that they had been allocated $98,000 in ARPA funds towards the playground, and Ulta play had the lowest quote thus far. Tom said they could do a site visit to check out the playground equipment. The Select Board requested that the Parks Commission get back to them in two months. The Parks Commission discussed the playground in Sheffield, which was designed by Miracle. Chris provided information about the playground in Sheffield, reporting that it was made from recyclable materials. Tom presented the responses from the survey and suggested they make a site visit. Steve said that he is comfortable if whoever among the parks commission is willing to go see the equipment, and then can at that time inform the Select Board. Tom suggested that a representative from the company they choose have a conference call with the Select Board to discuss the equipment and answer questions. Tom and Gerry will organize a site visit. Steve said it would be nice to have some handicap features in the playground. Tom said that one included a special wheelchair ramp to make it accessible.
Lifeguard contract
Steve asked if anyone had a chance to look at the contract Melissa had sent to them. The Parks Commission agreed that a fully CPR certified lifeguard would be the way to go.
Gerard said they are in favor of a lifeguard and an individual trained in CPR. This contract was through Berkshire South. Coverage of the lifeguard will be from June 24th through Monday of Labor Day weekend.
Unanticipated Business
Chris said that on the town clerk voicemail there was someone requesting information on kayak storage permits and applications where they can be found. Tracey will investigate this and will get back to Chris.
Steve said that the Brewer Pond project is still in the works and is awaiting a meeting that needs to occur with ConCom. Melissa is trying to get information from Noel about this and trying to gather funds from ConCom to help with this project. Steve said that he is talking with the Greenagers to see if there will be funding so they can make a project of it.
Tom made a motion to adjourn at 8:21pm. Chris seconded the motion. Tom-yes, Steve-yes, Tracey-yes, Chris-yes, Gerry-yes. Meeting adjourned at 8:21pm
Documents used at the meeting
- The New Town Beach Parking Policy
- A rendering of the Parking Signs to be erected along the Tyringham Road Beach Parking area
- Lake Garfield Beach Rules (These are the rules currently posted in 2 locations at the town beach)
- Kayak Safety (Taken from the state’s “Boat Massachusetts” pamphlet)
- Pickle Ball Court.