MINUTES OF THE RAYNHAM PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
April 6, 2004, 6:00 p.m.
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip Street, Raynham, MA
In Attendance: Chairman Robert H. Smith, Commissioners Scott Murdoch and Alan McRae, Director Jennifer Hruniak, Program Coordinator Katie Berry, Childcare Supervisor Bonnie Brady, and Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary SJ Blanchard.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Following a brief review, a motion was made by Scott, seconded by Alan, to accept as printed the minutes of the March 9, 2004 Raynham Park and Recreation Commission meeting. A unanimous vote followed.
RYS president Chris Bodensieck presented a letter dated March 29, 2004 from Bridge Street resident Roger Griffiths. In his letter, Griffiths is seeking the use of any soccer field for the Over the Hill Veteran’s Division on Sunday, April 18, 25, May 9, 16 and June 6. While Chris’ board hasn’t yet met to vote on this, he indicated that he would be recommending its approval as there will be a field available for this group. Jen is also in favor, and the Commission concurred. The expansion of Griffiths Field was discussed, with Chris noting that the field also needs work, and that RYS’s priority is replacing the fence. In addition, a gate is needed on the Arruda Field and a pipe has burst in the concession stand. Jen reminded Chris that the 2004 field use schedule
has not yet been received from RYS and that the following bills remain outstanding: $288 to RF Morse for grass seed purchased in the fall of 2003, the $400+ cost of the concession stands pressure-reducing valve, and one-third of the cost of the Trac-Vac. Chris requested that the vegetation be cut back on the far side of the U-10 field, and bleachers placed there.
The Chairman recommends holding all registration checks for summer programs until July 2nd, and making certain that there isn’t more than $9,000 in the Park Revolving account on June 30th. Currently, $7,000 has been earmarked for upcoming expenses, and another $40,000 is slated to go towards the new Merrill School playground equipment.
Scott has spoken with the B-R maintenance head regarding the RMS fields. Approximately $3,500 is needed for loam, etc., but initially, fencing needs to be installed to prevent further vandalism and damage to the fields and tracks. Cost of this fencing is estimated to be $19,000. Bob McCabe noted that RYBSA is anticipating a $4,500 grant which may be put towards field preparations. It was again noted that a booster group needs to come forward and champion this cause and project.
Jen recommended the purchase of a new John Deere walk-behind mower for the maintenance crew. Alan made the motion to approve this $4,275 expenditure, and Scott seconded the motion. A unanimous vote followed.
Deliveries of new equipment and furnishings are arriving daily for the new Merrill School daycare space, and appointments for occupancy and licensing inspections are being requested. It is anticipated that the space will be ready for use for the preschool playground program and summer extended hours at the end of June.
Commissioners signed the April 6 letter being sent to town accountant Nicole Riel, informing her of their unanimous vote to support the Raynham Citizens’ Petition which requests that $40,000 from the Park and Rec. Revolving Account be used to purchase new early childhood playground equipment for the Merrill School. It was noted that ECPO is donating $12,000 to $15,000 towards the total playground project.
Consideration had been given to upping Mass. Premier Soccer organization’s field-use fee from $250 to $1,000 for the 2004 season. A representative of the group counter-proposed a fee of $50 per game, which would result in $750 for the season, and this was agreeable to Jen and the Commissioners.
The Pocksha Canine Club has again requested the use of the tennis courts for its annual dog show, scheduled for July 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Alan approved the date, usage and assessment of a $35 fee, with Scott seconding his motion. A unanimous vote followed.
Jen reported that about half of last summer’s playground staff will be returning for this summer, and that 10 to 12 new workers will be needed, with interviews starting tomorrow. All of the part-time summer maintenance workers are returning with the exception of John Byron, who will be replaced by Mike Champagne. Jen provided Commissioners with a survey of the hourly rates of pay for summer workers in other Massachusetts communities. She recommends upping new summer preschool and playground counselors’ and seasonal maintenance workers’ pay by 25 cents per hour, and existing counselors and maintenance workers will receive an increase of 50 cents per hour, up to maximum rates of $8.75/$9.50 per hour respectively. Preschool and playground supervisors will start at $10/hr., and the
extended day supervisor would be Bonnie at her regular rate of pay, funded through user fees. All summer wage increase recommendations met with the unanimous approval of the Commissioners.
RYBSA president Bob McCabe reported that the 2004 season opening day will kick of with the annual parade, starting at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 25th. Eight new teams have been added: three softball, one farm and four t-ball teams. McCabe added that RYBSA will hire an outside firm to maintain its sprinkler system
The Chairman reported that Jen and Commissioners met recently with the Finance Committee, where the shortfall in the expenses account was explained and an emergency transfer request in the amount of $3,935 was approved. In addition, the FinCom approved the replacement of the office heating system, and a new furnace estimate of $4,200 has been received from Dyer Oil Company.
Alan pointed out that the exterior lighting at the Merrill daycare entrance needs to be looked at with an eye towards improvement. He also noted that the outdoor basketball courts need resurfacing and asked about the new signs posted there, disallowing playing on the courts during school hours. All three Commissioners offered praise for the staff’s efforts at the recent annual Easter Egg Hunt, and both Alan and Scott thanked outgoing Chairman Bob Smith for his efforts and leadership during the past year.
Bob presented the three-page narrative, explaining the Department and its responsibilities, to be copied and distributed at May’s annual town meeting. He added that the Department needs to be pro-active, justifying what it does and letting people know what its all about.
The Chairman also explained the estimate and drawing received from SPACE Metal Buildings for a new maintenance building, measuring 30’ X 40’ X 16’ with foundation and slab and two doors at a cost of $32,671. An additional 30% of the overall cost needs to be added for heat and water hookups. This information will be forwarded to Capital Planning Chairman John Donahue; it is felt that for $40,000, we can get a new building with 30’ X 50’ dimensions that will match our old building.
Jen gave an update on the broken pipes in the upstairs bath at the office. If additional work is found to be necessary within the walls, the adjuster will add these to the estimate. Jen also noted that at a recent MRPA meeting, she learned of a new law which requires that the sponsoring organizations of all youth sports played on town-owned fields submit CORI checks for ALL coaches. The Park and Recreation Department will oversee this for ALL leagues.
Mr. Caputo is not in favor of having the new floors on the Merrill School gym lined for basketball games. Bob suggested looking into removable tape.
Katie reported that April vacation registrations are coming in and that spring programs are up and running. She is currently focusing on summer programs.
Bonnie reported that all is going well at the childcare programs.
SJ gave an update on the toddler playground improvements: assembly instructions were not packed with the equipment shipments and have been secured from the vendor. New measurements for the shade shelter will be taken and an order placed. A meeting will be scheduled with the maintenance crew, SJ and Jen to go over the placements of this new equipment and any additional supplies that need to be on hand prior to starting the job.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Sincerely,
SJ Blanchard
Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary
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