Park and Recreation Commission
Minutes
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Approved 9/11/07
The Park and Recreation Commission came to order at 7:00 PM on the first floor of the Arlington Senior Center on Tuesday, July 25, 2007.
Members in attendance included: Leslie Mayer, Don Vitters, Joe Carabello and Nancy Campbell. Also in attendance was Director of Recreation Joseph Connelly.
Members of the public included Chuck Carney, Justine Bloch, David Hajian, Margie Scott, Rick Henke and Jeanne Leary.
Approval of Minutes
The Commission reviewed the May 16, 2007 and June 12, 2007 minutes. Ms. Mayer motioned to approve the May 16, 2007 minutes, seconded by Don Vitters and the minutes were approved 3-0-1. Ms. Mayer motioned to approve the June 12, 2007 minutes, seconded by Ms. Campbell and approved 3-0-1.
Bishop School Playground Design Final Review
Mr. Carney made the presentation to the Commission detailing the complete playground renovation during phase one of the project. Mr. Carney and Ms. Bloche stated the their organization (BPIC) has raised nearly $80,000 for phase one of the playground renovation project. Mr. Carney reviewed with Commission the area covered by phase one. Mr. Carney described the area as the portion of the playground known as the “Tire Playground”. Mr. Carney did state that if funds allowed there would be an install of another piece of equipment known as the “fireball” at a later date. Mr. Carney and Ms. Bloch reviewed the current color scheme with the Commission at the request of Mr. Vitters. Mr. Henke stated that the colors would be red, black and silver. Mr. Vitters asked for a color scheme to be provided to the Commission upon final
approval.
Mr. Henke reviewed the structural components of the equipment. Ms. Bloch reviewed the edging element and the future planting of a maple street tree. Ms. Mayer suggested that the tree come with a one-year warranty. Mr. Carney stated that the type of edging is still up for discussion and it is between plastic and/or recycled timbers. The Commission asked Mr. Connelly to send a memo to the BOS, Principal of Bishop, School Department Admin and Town Manager detailing the project.
Mr. Carney indicated that it was his group’s intention to order the equipment by August 3rd. Mr. Connelly asked representatives from GORIC their cancellation policy. Mr. Henke indicated it would be a retainage of 25-30% of the total order.
Mr. Vitters indicated that a construction fence should be provided for the project. Mr. Connelly will talk to DPW about this issue. The Commission asked Mr. Connelly to retain the services of Leonard Design for construction oversight of the project.
Ms. Mayer motioned to accept the Bishop Playground Design and plan with the condition that the specific edging material and color chart be provided to the Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vitters and approved 4-0.
Ms. Mayer motioned to accept the proposal to have the project take place as a community build and have the completed project accepted by the town upon completion and final inspection. Motion was seconded by Mr. Vitters and approved 4-0.
FY 2008 Capital Project Planning
Mr. Connelly reviewed the proposal from Leonard Design Associates for design services for the Pheasant Avenue playground. The Commission agreed that the proposal seemed fair. Mr. Connelly will review the proposal with representatives from the Stratton School.
Ms. Mayer stated that she and Mr. Connelly would be meeting with members of the Transportation Advisory Committee to look at the site for improvements to Thorndike parking. Mr. Connelly stated that once TAC makes their recommendation the public input process would begin.
Rink Update
Mr. Connelly updated the Committee on the chiller installation and stated the current rink opening date was September 29, 2007.
Recreation Update
Mr. Connelly stated that current programs were going very well and that current end of year financial statements were looking very positive.
Special Event Approvals
N/A
Project Review
Mr. Connelly reviewed the current projects including Bishop, Menotomy, Buzzell and Wellington Park.
Mr. Connelly explained that the Bishop Project was nearing completion and was awaiting a final punch list meeting.
Mr. Connelly stated that the Menotomy Rocks Park project was moving forward and the project was currently on schedule.
Mr. Connelly and Mr. Vitters stated that the Buzzell Field project has begun and an initial construction meeting was held.
Mr. Mayer stated that the Wellington Park Adventure Course project is currently out to bid.
Ms. Mayer and the Commission discussed the placement on the field signs that are currently in the parks. Ms. Mayer suggested that the Magnolia and Thorndike sign placements be reviewed and that a second sign should be considered for installation at Thorndike.
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Ms. Mayer reviewed the need for the Park Commission to review and approve the amendments to the 2007-2012 Open Space and Recreation plan. The Commission reviewed and discussed the changes. Ms. Mayer read the Commission the approval letter that was sent in previous years. The Commission asked Ms. Mayer to update the wording in the letter.
Ms. Campbell motioned to accept the updated 2007-2012 Open Space and Recreation Plan. Motion was seconded by Mr. Vitters and approved 4-0.
Other Business
Ms. Leary, President of the Summer Street Neighborhood Association reviewed some concerns and outstanding business with the Commission, but asked to be placed formally on the September 2007 Agenda. Ms. Leary complimented the Recreation Department Staff for the cleanliness of the Summer Street area.
Ms. Campbell motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr.Vitters, and approved 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9 PM
Respectively Submitted by:
Joseph J. Connelly
Director of Recreation
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