Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 4/7/21

Parks Commission Meeting

April 7, 2021

Attending: Steve Snyder (Chair), Ilene Marcus, Peter Poirier, Wendy Benjamin, Tracey Brennan, one member of the public

Held Remote at 4:30

Agenda:

Kayaks

Lines for Basketball Court

Purview and Liability of the Parks Commission

Brewer Pond Signage (if time allows)

Purview and Liability

The Parks Commission’s questions about this were spelled out in the minutes of our March 17 meeting. Melissa Noe has sent us an email defining the Commission’s purview according to Ma. general laws.

We would still like clarity on how our decisions are implemented by the town and what exactly is our liability. Without a clear understanding it is difficult to know how to proceed with “opening” parks, beach etc.

It was agreed that individual members may answer ,on behalf of the Commission, emails forwarded to them regarding Parks business.

The Beach

Our next step is to meet with the health agent in order to form this year’s beach protocol. There is still a possibility that we may try to hire “beach support” people for the weekends.

This year’s budget allows for a 5% increase in the lifeguard salary.

Greene Park

The Commission agreed that the park (and the beach) will open once we understand the liability issues.

Wendy will research “Movie Night” for this summer

We will go ahead and have the lines on the basketball court painted this spring

Kayaks 

With 2 more stands to come, there will be storage space for 60 kayaks. 

Decision:

Steve and Ilene will post kayak application info and form to our website by April 15.

Monterey residents must send $50 with their application in order to enter the lottery

If desired, 2 adults in a household may each submit an application to the lottery. The committee    feels that this is the fairest way to meet the demand for multiple slots.

Payment, of course, will be returned to anyone who does not win a slot.

Steve and Ilene will decide and post the date and deadline for the lottery.

Offers by citizens to donate racks to the town would have to be approved by the Selectboard, and the installation and maintenance of such gifts would need to be considered.

Ice Rink

We thank Peter for his work on the ice rink this year.  It was a great season. The rink must be taken down by May 1, and Peter is currently looking for 5 or 6 volunteers.

The meeting ended at 5:20

Submitted by Tracey Brennan