DRAFT. Call to Order Chairman Douglas Farnham called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

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Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 13, 2015 The Town of Barre Parks and Recreation Commission held its monthly meeting on April 13, 2015, starting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in Conference Room #3 in the Barre Town Municipal Building.

1 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes April 13, 2015 The Town of Barre Parks and Recreation Commission held its monthly meeting on April 13, 2015, starting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in Conference Room #3 in the Barre Town Municipal Building. The following Commission members were present: Douglas Farnham, Dave Rouleau, Tracy Wright, Linda Levesque, Marianne Kotch, Dave Smedy and Shaun Corbett. Members absent: School Board s ex officio member Brent Tewksbury. Also present was: Assistant Town Manager (ATM) Andrew Dorsett. Call to Order Chairman Douglas Farnham called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Changes to the Agenda There were no changes to the agenda. Minutes On a motion by D. Smedy, seconded by L. Levesque the Commission voted unanimously to approve the minutes for the March 2, 2015 Recreation meeting. Facility Use & Reservations Lower & Upper Soccer Fields Barre Amateur Soccer Association Bill Gerber of the Barre Amateur Soccer Association (BASA) informed the Commission of the BASA 2015 season program. Mr. Gerber indicated that BASA would like to start as soon as possible but not before fields have dried. Discussion ensued. On a motion by D. Rouleau, seconded by L. Levesque the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request, allowing BASA to utilize the soccer fields pending submission of their schedule, and a facility improvement plan for review to be in place of field rental expenses. Baseball Field Spaulding Ultimate Frisbee Team Patrick Merriam requested use of a space the Barre Recreation Facility for Spaulding s Ultimate Frisbee team play. He described the space needed as 120 x 330. D. Farnham inquired about the sport. Mr. Merriam explained that it was a flag football like sport that uses a disc instead of a football. D. Farnham suggested that this activity would fit well in the Baseball outfield. Patrick requested to reserve the baseball outfield from 4:00pm to 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 28 th, Monday, May 4 th, Tuesday, May 19 th, and Thursday, May 21 st. On a motion by S. Corbett, seconded by L. Levesque the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request, authorizing Spaulding Athletics to reserve the Barre Town Recreation Area s baseball outfield for Ultimate Frisbee from 4:00pm to 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 28 th, Monday, May 4 th, Tuesday, May 19 th, and Thursday, May 21 st. 1

2 Barre Grand Prix Jean LaCroix of Sparta Synergy gave a history of the Barre Grand Prix event and spoke about previous races in Barre City and Barre Town. Mr. Dorsett explained that he had relayed two concerns of the Recreation Commission to Mr. LaCroix; limited Town staff availability to assist in the event and the lack of municipal funds available to offset the costs associated with the event. Mr. LaCroix indicated that town staff requirements would be minimal besides requests for municipal public safety services. He said that five police officers and one ambulance with a staff of two and loaning of road signs. He explained that the event would cost between $10,000- $13,000 to organize. Costs are associated with hiring of race officials to judge, purse to the racers and insurances. He described that the registration entries would bring in approximately $4,000 and said that the remainder would need to come from event sponsors and donations. In order to reach the event donor goals he indicated that he would like to work with someone local to explore potential contributors. Due to the limited availability of sanctioned races in Vermont, Mr. LaCroix felt that this event would become very popular, bringing large numbers of participants and spectators to the area. He further described the different levels of races with the pro-level race at distance of 70 miles. He informed the Commission that he would like to schedule the race in June but preferred June 6 th. Discussion ensued over timeframe of scheduling such an event. Mr. LaCroix insured that this would allow adequate time to advertise the event and get word out to those who would participate in a sanctioned US Cycling event. Chairman Farnham suggested that Mr. LaCriox bring his request to Town Manager Carl Rogers for consideration by the Selectboard. Softball Field - Men s Over 30 Softball League The Commission reviewed a request from the Men s Over 30 Softball League Schedule and Tournament schedule. D. Farnham described field updates that occurred in the prior year and explained that there are no funds this year to make the needed repairs to the softball fencing and dugouts. Dave Bergeron requested the reservation of the Softball field for Monday s and Wednesday s starting at 6:00pm from May 11 th through July 8 th, with tournaments scheduled for August rd. On a motion by S. Corbett, seconded by T. Wright the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request, authorizing Men s Over 30 Softball League to reserve the Barre Town Recreation Area s Softball Field 6:00pm till closing on Monday s and Wednesday s from May 11 th through July 8 th and for the League s tournament on August 21 st - the 23 rd. Softball Field - Men s Softball League The Commission reviewed the Men s Softball League schedule request for the Barre Town Recreation Facility s Softball field on Tuesday s and Thursday s 6:00 to 11:00pm, and Sunday s 4:00 to 9:00pm, from Monday May 3 rd through September 4 th. Also the reservation request included tournament dates of August 28 th, 6:00 to 9:00pm, August 29 th 9:00am to 6:00pm and August 30 th 9:00am to 3:00pm. On a motion by D. Rouleau, seconded by D. Smedy the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request, authorizing Men s Softball League to reserve the Barre Town Recreation 2

3 Area s Softball Field on Tuesday s and Thursday s 6:00 to 11:00pm, and Sunday s 4:00 to 9:00pm, from Monday May 3 rd through September 4 th. Also the reservation request included tournament dates of August 28 th, 6:00 to 9:00pm, August 29 th 9:00am to 6:00pm and August 30 th 9:00am to 3:00pm. Trow Hill Playground Angela Valentinetti a community volunteer for the Trow Hill Playground project introduced herself to the Commissioners. She expressed her interest in volunteering to revitalize the Trow Hill Playground. She requested permission to sell concessions at the Town Forest Day on May 16 th for the purposes of fund raising for the playground project. The Commission agreed to allow the concessions. Fencing It was noted that the Snowbees take the fence apart every snowmobile season in two places It was the consensus of the Commission that with the fencing repairs this practice should end. A. Dorsett indicated that the cost of installing gates at these locations, $925. L. Levesque stated that when the Snobees requested this crossing that the Recreation Commission established a requirement that the Snowbees would need to install two lockable gates, but that this never happened. She also indicated that the Snowbees were required to have snow fencing installed delineated the crossing through the park. Trees A. Dorset said that trees hanging over the basketball court and in the fence line toward the rear were budgeted for trimming and removal. He said that last year s tree contractor quote was for $2,150. He indicated that he requested several other tree contractors and found one who quoted the work at $500 and expects to have the trees completed by the end of next week. Court Surface A. Dorsett said that the court surface improvements at Trow Hill are being scheduled for this summer. The project is quoted at $2,998. This project can be completed as soon as weather allows. Picnic Shelter The Commission discussed the needed work on the picnic shelter. A. Dorsett informed them of the Eagle Scout Candidate who reached out looking for a project and said that he met with him to explore Trow Hill as a project for him. Some of the items he is submitting in his proposal to the Boy Scouts is: Rip off and replace the shelter roof and making any needed repairs; scrape paint and stain the surfaces; cut vines on playground trees; edge the basketball court; spread woodchips once playground is installed; cut back brush, rototill and reclaim lawn area (seed and mulch). Playground Equipment T. Wright said that she has begun working with Angela Valentinetti to plan for equipment at the site and introduced Ms. Valentinetti. Discussion ensued. 3

4 Town Forest Day - Times Argus Terry Smith inquired about planning a scavenger hunt word search activity in the Town Forest on May 16 th. as part of the open Town Forest Day. The Commissioners agreed to partner with the Times Argus for the geographic word scramble. Barre Town Elementary Grade Three Track and Soccer Field Kyle Dubois of The Barre Town Elementary and Middle School submitted a request to reserve the Barre Recreation Facility s track, soccer field and picnic shelter for June 9 th and 10 th from 9:00am to 3:00pm for a third grade field day and team building. A. Dorsett indicated he would inform Tina Thurston in the Town Manager s office of the request for the picnic shelter. On a motion by S. Corbett, seconded by D. Rouleau the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request, authorizing the request to reserve the Barre Recreation Facility s track, soccer field and picnic shelter for June 9th and 10th from 9:00am to 3:00pm for a third grade field day and team building. Programs Pickleball D. Rouleau indicated that there were more players at the last learn to play pickleball session and that several were new players. He commented on the excellent quality of the instructor. He said that people are enjoying the game and he is looking forward to the sporting growing. Apple Tree Pruning Workshop S. Corbett said that the workshop was well attended and that there was much to learn. He explained that the instructors presented the topic well and that in spite of the cold temperatures those in attendance enjoyed the presentation. Discussion moved to planning this workshop again for next year. Community Garden A. Dorsett presented the results of the recent Community Garden Survey. He reported that 73.3% supported the idea and may participate; no respondents said they were against the idea. 88% of respondents indicated they would be interested in a community garden that was organic natural methods garden free of chemicals and genetically modified organisms. When asked why they would participate in a community garden the respondents indicated: Socializing/recreation/community involvement 54%; Access to fresh veggies/grow my own food 73%; Save money 38 %, Learn about gardening 50%; Enjoy gardening 57%; Would serve on a community garden committee 15%. He then passed around the full results and reported that there were individuals that left their contact information for participation. T. Wright discussed her willingness to work with establishing a community garden group. The Commissioners agreed to have T. Wright take the information and begin a community garden project. Spring, Summer and Fall Recreation Programs 2015 The Commission discussed program budget level and programs completed (Easter Egg Hunt, Apple Tree Pruning, Pickleball, and underway including the Open Town Forest Day, Tennis Camp. A. Dorsett asked that each of the Commissioners bring several ideas for events and programs to the next meeting so that the Commission could explore and prioritize its direction. 4

5 He requested that for each idea to develop a list of potential community partners, intended audience, the ideal time frame, expected cost, and locations. A. Dorsett gave examples of classical music concert/fund raiser in the park; community kite day and dancing lessons. The Commission was in agreement to bring ideas to the next meeting. Town Forest RFP Forestry Consultant A. Dorsett indicated that the he would like the Commission to review and select foresters to interview. He explained that selecting a forester isn t as simple as looking at price and that the selected consultant will be working with the Recreation Commission and Town on multi-year plans, establishing a long-term relationship with the community. The Commission requested that A. Dorsett select three for consideration at the next meeting. Town Forest Open House The Commission discussed the agenda for the upcoming Town Forest Open House event. The Commission agreed to the following schedule of events. Learn to Disc Golf Ongoing Times Argus Word Scrabble/Scavenger Hunt Game Ongoing Onion River Sports Bike Inspection and Maintenance Clinic Ongoing R&L Archery GPS Geo Caching Clinic Ongoing MTA Guided Bike Tours at 11:00am and 1:00pm Spring Awaking Walk led by Samantha Ryan at 11:00am Fairy House building with Story Reading & Bagpipe music by Ian Gauthier at 1:00 pm Food concessions to benefit Trow Hill Playground Refurbishment Project Tables Display by various recreation groups: MTA, Recreation Commission, Thunder chickens, Quarries Disc Golf, Trust for Public Land, Vermont Land Trust. Budget Report The recreation commission discussed the outcomes of the recent budgetary process. Some commissioners expressed disappointment with the constrictions of the budget not allowing for additional staffing or contractors to assist in repair and upkeep of the facilities. The discussion moved to improving what facilities could be addressed with the funds available and current year to date status of expenditures. Facilities Continued Upper Websterville Playground A. Dorsett informed the Commission that all of the equipment for phase two and three has arrived and is awaiting installation. T. Wright said that installation is planned for the end of April or the beginning of May. It was stressed that a date for landscaping work needed to be firmed up to allow for the fencing installation to be planned. A. Dorsett indicated that another remaining item is to stain the picnic shelter and have wood chips delivered and spread following the equipment installation. Other Business 5

6 A. Dorsett indicated that the Town had selected a new Cemetery Sexton/Recreation Maintenance Supervisor and said that more information would be available after the hiring process is complete. Tennis Racquets and Nets A. Dorsett indicated that Racquets for Kids has approved a request for a donation of tennis racquets and conformation of a shipping date is pending. He also said that they would be receiving a donation from the Spaulding athletics to purchase two new tennis nets for the recreation facility. Discussion ensued regarding the Commission s desire to purchase needed items for recreation. On a motion by S. Corbett, seconded by L. Levesque the Commission voted unanimously to purchase 12 new outdoor pickle balls, 4 new tennis nets, 1 outdoor 12 x 12 easy up tent and to pay for these items from the programs budget line item. Adjourn On a motion by D. Smedy, seconded by L. Levesque the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:25 pm. Date 6

MONTVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 17, 2009 CAMP OAKDALE LOWER PAVILION

MONTVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 17, 2009 CAMP OAKDALE LOWER PAVILION Called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chairman Gwudz Roll Call Joe Berardy Absent Eileen Cicchese Absent for