Parks Commission Meeting Minutes 5/3/22
Parks Commission Meeting 5/3/22
Present: Gerry Clarin, Tom Mensi, Tracey Brennan
Steve Snyder was absent
Chris Andrews is running for Parks Commission unopposed in upcoming election, and he joined our meeting. Justin Makuc also attended.
Old Business
Town Beach
Two Members of the Pollinator Garden Group visited the beginning of the meeting to inquire about progress on their garden box at the Town Beach. Gerry informed them that:
We are waiting for the Conservation Commission to inspect the site, to decide about the issues of possible effects of flooding ( in the event of a 100 Year Flood) and to instruct in what way they require that the box be secured. The Fire Department must also give their approval, ensuring that culverts are not blocked by the project. The gardeners stressed that the box and all labor involved is a gift and can actually be considered as a temporary structure.
Roger Tryon will remove the historical plaque from the beach monument, trying to keep it intact (Cost:$800).We agreed on this expense. Roger is then willing to do the further work of removing the crumbling monument and mounting the plaque.We will need Conservation Commission approval for these next steps.
We are waiting to hear from Steve about his follow through concerning this year’s lifeguards. Mr. Andrus will give us an estimate for installing electrical service at the beach via pre-existing pole.
A discussion ensued about the pros and cons for electricity at the beach.
Pros: An outlet locked in the shed would be a convenience for those doing beach maintenance, as there could be a light in there. It would be convenient for the rare town evening event that requires electric light.
Cons: Most maintenance work seems to be done in daylight. Years of once-a-year town events at the beach have been successful without electric wiring.
Along with the possibility of wiring the beach comes the possibility of having wifi there as well.
Pros: Would it make the beach safer due to iphone access?
Cons: There is a free emergency-only phone always in operation at the beach. In addition, many people have phone service at the beach. The lifeguards, for instance, are always on theirs. There is concern about wifi’s impact on the character of the beach, its lowkey, relaxed style and how it is our task to preserve it.
The issue was tabled until our next meeting.
We agreed to buy $700 worth of beach sand from the Canaan company we used last year.
We agreed that the portapotty at the beach needs 2 cleanings per week. We discussed the possibility of a second unit.
We agreed to pay $800 for warning buoys between boat and swim areas at the beach.
The beach needs to be raked daily for goose poop, scatteredbroken debris and toys .Seaweed massing in the children’s area is a problem. With or without lifeguards, do we need extra staff to do this regularly?
Bidwell Park
Justin Makuc researched the property lines, so we are clear about them.John Field says that the destruction there is due to emerald ash borers. We agreed to pay his estimated $8000 to remove the dead trees. We are keeping in mind that we have not been billed for the $700 we owe Jim Hunt for his work at the park. John Fields says that he will do the work of checking with the Conservation Commission about the project.
Signage
Edith Wilson’s painted beach sign will go to the Monterey historical exhibition for the 175 th Anniversary.
We agreed to pay the cost of new signs :
Brewer Pond $435
Town Beach $370
Bidwell Park $400
Greene Park Storage Shed
Jim Hunt is assessing the situation and will go from there.
Kayak Racks
Every applicant got a rack. Justin questioned the clarity of rack assignments. Will people know which rack corresponds to their sticker? We will clarify.
Playground
Gary O’Brien will add chips to the base and will weed around it.
Tom has made a formal request to the Selectboard for ARPA funds for a playground renovation.
He has asked parents of young children in town to get involved with planning and even to meet with Cindy Mace who is a playground equipment rep.
Chris Andrews knows the playground well and spends many happy hours there. He likes the use of metal and wood with minimal plastic. He says that is “serves its purpose adequately” until the septic system is resolved. There is a septic tank under the playground and any future renovation will have to take place after a Title 5 assessment.
We are considering a possible survey or suggestion box for citizens regarding playground renovation.
Lake Fest
Parks commission is willing to get involved with Lake Fest as part of the 175th anniversary celebration this summer–a picnic/barbeque on the beach.
Summer Movie in the Park
Chris will research the cost.
P&R Budget Remaining for this fiscal year
The payments agreed upon at this meeting ($12,150)will use up the balance of these funds ($13,000).
8:30 Closing Next Meeting: June 2, 2022
Tracey Brennan