Park and Recreation Commission Minutes
Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 7:00 p.m.
APPROVED - Meeting Minutes
Present: Mr. Joseph Carabello, Mr. Thomas Caccavaro, Ms. Nancy Campbell,
Ms. Leslie Mayer, Mr. Don Vitters (arrived at 7:15 pm)
Staff Present: Mr. Jonathan Jalbert, Recreation Superintendent
Recording Secretary: Laura Munsey
1. Welcome and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Carabello welcomed the Commissioners and Guests to the December 13th meeting.
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVES THE NOVEMBER 8, 2005 MEETING
MINUTES.
MOTION: (Made by Ms. Campbell, 2nd by Ms. Mayer)
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (4-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION (Mr. Vitters Absent)
2. Vote for Chairperson Vice-Chairperson
NOMINATION: Mr. Joseph Carabello as Chairman
MOTION: (Made by Ms. Mayer, 2nd by Mr. Caccavaro)
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF MOTION
3. Vote for Vice-Chairperson
NOMINATION: Ms. Leslie Mayer as Vice-Chairman
MOTION: (Made by Ms. Campbell, 2nd by Mr. Vitters)
VOTE: (4-1) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION (Mr. Caccavaro opposed)
Mr. Carabello informed all the Commissioners that the appointments to the P&RC Sub-Committees are currently open (solicited volunteers for sub-committee chairs) and the Chairman will appoint Commissioners to appropriate sub-committees.
4. Friends of Spy Pond Request
Ms. Ellen Robertson and Ms. Sarah Conn of the Friends of Spy Pond presented a recommendation for a sign to be installed at the entrance to Spy Pond Park, which will be placed at the Linwood Street Island. The recommendation is for a sign that is 12” high and 5’ long. It will be Dark Green Mahogany with 23 carrot gold in-lay. The sign will be installed in April (exact location to be reviewed and approved at that time). The recommended contractor of the sign will be Garrity of Belmont. The Friends group will be working with the Contractors from Heimlich, who will be maintaining the Linwood Street Island.
MOTION: Made by Leslie Mayer, 2nd by Nancy Campbell
THE PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION APPROVED THE PLANS PRESENTED BY THE
FRIENDS OF SPY POND FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SIGN AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE
SPY-POND PARK AT LINWOOD CIRCLE.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS (5-0) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
5. Capital Project Updates
Mr. Vitters distributed documents to the Commissioners regarding funding requirements for various upcoming park renovation projects. Increased funding will be needed for Menotomy Rocks Park, Bishop School, and 2 options were presented for Buzzell which include the renovation of the site, or a complete overhaul. Funding for Buzzell does not include renovation of the Basketball Court. Discussions were held regarding a possible previous agreement for the renovation of the Basketball Courts to be funded by a third party. Mr. Carabello will investigate this issue with appropriate parties in further detail.
(Commission agreed to move forward with design for Menotomy Rocks Park and Bishop playing field. The following architects should be solicited for quotes: Carol R. Johnson Associates, Andrew Leonard, Larson Associates, Copley Wolfe and Paula Cortes.)
6. Committee Updates
Field Policy Committee – Nothing to report – P&RC Representative needed
Sports Center Improvement Committee – 2006 Committee Members include: Mr. Thomas Caccavaro (P&RC), Cindy Sheridan (Community Rep. Appointed by Town Manager, Mr. James Carney, Appointed by Town Manager, 1 Arlington High School Representative, 1 Arlington Catholic High School Representative, and 1 Arlington Hockey and Figure Skating Club Representative.
Open Space Committee – No report – P&RC Representative Leslie Mayer
Mr. Carabello asked that each sub-committee establish a mission for their committee and present the mission at the next Park and Recreation Commission meeting for discussion.
7. Recreation and Rink Update
Fall Participant numbers increased in 2005. Winter Registration is underway.
A special Permit request for a wedding ceremony at Robbins Farm for July 15, 2005 was received. The ceremony would include approximately 180 guests, and tents and chairs will be set up.
MOTION: (Made by Don Vitters, 2nd by Nancy Campbell)
THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION DENIES THE PERMIT REQUEST FOR A WEDDING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT ROBBINS FARM. HE FOLLOWING CONCERNS WERE REFERENCED: NUMBER OF GUESTS, TENTS & CHAIRS REQUIRED, PORT-A-POTTIES, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC.
VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS) IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION
8. Other
Discussion re. Crosby Tennis Court Plaque, Mr. Jalbert will investigate and report back to Commission.
Discussion of closing signs at Robbins Farm- Ms. Mayer brought several photos of sign posted at Robbins Farm Park. The Commission did not request these signs. Commission requested Mr. Jalbert investigate the signs and ask to have thesign attached to the granite post to be removed. The Commission agreed to work with the Friends of Robbins Farm to design a more user friendly sign at the entrance of the park.
Correspondence Received: Lori Talanian – re: Stratton Playground
Mr. Jalbert reported that DPW and School Dept. plan to take corrective action to address safety issues.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
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