Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 3/24/22
Minutes 3/24/22 Parks Commission
All members were present
There were also 5 people from the community attending.
Alex Reger came to introduce himself and to share his enthusiasm and vision for an ice hockey tournament on Lake Buel next year. He has already done groundwork and has plans to get sponsors for the event and to engage the whole community. The proposed date is the last weekend in January (28/29). The committee supports the idea and would like to see the budget.
Karen Slater discussed the condition of Bidwell Park. Jim Hunt has removed fallen trees from the land and has cleaned up debris from National Grid’s work there. The cost for removal is $325 per truckload. It will probably take two truckloads.
Karen reported that fallen trees still block the trail, cover part of a historic foundation, and block a little wading area in the river. The work to clean this up will require machinery that Jim Hunt does not have. John Fields is on a town contract ($4000 per day). It is possible that he could do the job, but we are also interested in seeing if it can be done with smaller equipment.
Mickey Gervais stressed that we should keep the ”lowkey,” natural, modest character of the park. The committee agreed. Signs for a historical marker as well as a sign discouraging unnecessary vehicles were suggested.
Actions:
- Steve will research the property lines for the park’s boundaries
- Tom will ask Jim Hunt whom he would recommend for the job and whether the tree warden’s budget will cover any part of the work.
- Karen Slater will contact Chris Blair from the Conservation Commission and set up a meeting with him and the committee at the park.
Signage
Tom reported that GHI signs of Canaan will make signs to replace the town beach sign, to mark Brewer Pond, and a no parking sign for the driveway there.
Landscape Bids
Gary O’Brien is increasing his charge ($500) for mowing 4 park sites by 10%. We accepted his bid.
Town Beach
Steve will talk to Berkshire South about lifeguards for this summer. We discussed the possibility of hiring guards independently but hope to hear something positive from Berkshire South.
Libby Wolf reported the pollinator gardening group’s plan to make a 3x10 bed at the beach this spring. Committee members will meet with the gardening group on Saturday at the beach to plan the bed’s location. Gerry is pursuing the idea of embedding and preserving the historical beach plaque in a boulder at the beach.
Gerry is researching wiring the beach for internet service, a power outlet, and phone service now that Fiberconnect has offered to connect the beach to internet for $6000. We are considering whether this is necessary and whether the costs of replacing the verizon phone service would save money. We need estimates.
Greene Park
Steve will ask Jim Hunt where he thinks the shed should be moved.
Kayaks
Since Melissa will be on vacation, we will not hold the lottery until April 25th. Monterey residents would like more kayak racks! The first step in researching that will be to talk to the Conservation Commission. Next would be considerations about budgeting and contractors.
Playground Grants
Tom has involved Dennis Lynch in helping the town to get a grant for a new playground. We would like input from the parents of young children in Monterey. The project would not begin until next summer. Tom will make a written proposal to the Selectboard, requesting American Rescue Act funds for the playground. Karen Slater will research the design of the Tyringham playground. Tom will pursue ordering new wood chips for the base of the playground for this summer.
Parks Commission Budget
Gerry will ask Melissa for clarity on our budget.
Proposed Next Meeting: April 21, 2022
Tracey Brennan