Town of Raynham, MA - Recreation Commission Minutes 07-01-04

In Attendance: Chairman Alan McRae, Robert H. Smith, and Scott Murdoch, Director Jennifer Hruniak, and Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary SJ Blanchard.

Following a brief review, a motion was made by Bob, seconded by Scott, to accept as printed the minutes of the June 1, 2004 Raynham Park and Recreation Commission meeting. A unanimous vote followed.

Raynham Youth Soccer (RYS) board president Chris Bodensieck brought his board’s issues with paying a share of the grass catcher before the Commission. He said that at the RYS board meeting, the following issues were expressed:

2. how is it that the Department had $40,000 to donate towards the Merrill School playground, and yet it appeals to the youth sports leagues for funding for equipment for Department employees

3. 8 X 10 inch glossy photos were passed around at the RYS meeting, showing the baseball field filled with large clumps of grass left behind following a mowing.

Commissioners asked Jennifer why this equipment isn’t being used, and she responded that Mitch has explained that a vehicle is needed to transport it, another worker’s assistance is needed with loading, and that the additional time required of its use takes away from other job responsibilities that he needs to perform. Alan stated that the use of this piece of apparatus is department policy and “that’s the bottom line.” Scott stated that the Department needs to address this issue, and that he was personally upset by the tone expressed in the RYS letter, adding that RYS shouldn’t be requiring a town board to come before it and justify its expenditures. “We’re looking for cooperation among the three leagues – is it a matter of money or a matter of justifying?”

Bodensieck responded that RYS is generating approximately $1,000 annually by bringing in user fees, payable to the town. He then asked about the $40,000 donation towards playground equipment. Bob explained that the Department is, by law, only allowed to carry over a specific amount of money in its revolving account, from one fiscal year to the next. Secondly, our earnings, which make up a large percentage of the funds in the revolving account, must go back into the programs from which they were generated. The children enrolled in our childcare programs will directly reap the benefits of this new playground equipment.

Scott asked if there isn’t an issue of empowerment at play – will Bodensieck’s board stand behind him, and will they authorize him to spend up to a certain amount of money without a vote of the board?

Bodensieck asked whether the Commission would be willing to go halfsies on a new set of bleachers for the U10 field. Bob told him that if he can get his board to pony up its share of the grass catcher, the Commission would certainly look favorably upon considering RYS’s request for new bleachers.

In the absence of Joe Arruda, Jen explained that he is interested in installing a 360 degrees surveillance camera to an existing pole at the Arruda Field, in an effort to monitor the on-going vandalism. The Police Dept. has pledged its support to monitor the video. Joe has said that he will assume all costs, with the only cost to the Department being the electricity. Bob asked that Jen have Joe present a written description, annual electric costs, who will install the camera, where it will be monitored, and what the replacement costs of the camera will be if it is vandalized.

Jen reported that the Lions Club lease has been signed by a club representative and is being sent to the Board of Selectmen. Randy suggests inquiring specifically about the kitchen renovations there. Jen will invite a Lions representative to attend our Aug. 3 meeting. The Lions Club has submitted of list of upcoming social and fundraising events, for which they are requesting a one-day liquor license for each. They are as follows:

Bob made a motion to recommend that the Board of Selectmen issue one-day liquor licenses for each of these events. Scott seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.

Jen reported for Katie that the numbers enrolled in the playground programs look good: 135 children in the K-4 program and 60 children in the 5-8 program; 65 children attending the extended-day program and 12 preschoolers attended Session I, with 19 registered for Session II. Fifteen adolescents are working with the K-4 group as volunteer CITs. Bob suggested doing something special with the CITs at the end of the summer. Jen noted that the older playground group definitely seems to be enjoying their separateness from the younger children.

With 65 children enrolled in this fall’s after-school childcare program, and an additional nine on the waiting list, Jen asked Commissioners whether it would be prudent to apply for increased capacity while relicensing the new space (increases are made in increments of thirteen). Following a discussion, Scott made a motion to increase the licensed capacity to another thirteen, with yet another thirteen permissible if Jen deems it necessary. Bob seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.

The Building Inspector has noted that grab bars need to be installed in the restrooms at the childcare center. An outside light and a phone line will be installed as soon as possible. Alan noted the hazardous drop-off at the second emergency exit. Apparently, the School Dept. has run out of funds for the completion of a handicap-accessible ramp at this entrance. Jen was asked to follow-up on this with George Guasconi and Tony Caputo. It was felt that this Department could possibly take care of this if the cost is reasonable.

Bob noted that the outdoor basketball courts and tennis courts look good since the work of each was completed. He said that Aug. 3 meeting’s agenda should include the beginning of preparations for a presentation and slide show to the town promoting our need for a new maintenance building; this would be presented at the Fall Town Meeting.

Scott noted that the condition of the backstop at McKenney Field is getting a great deal worse and has become a safety issue. Jen will touch base with Mike McGrath about this. She will also look into replacement costs and getting the extended backstop area replaced. Bob made a motion that she and Alan go over the costs together. Scott seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.

· The gate at the entrance to the football field and at Merrill’s Burke Field have been damaged. Jen said that the football field gate was damaged by Gorden’s Rubbish Removal, and they have indicated that they will take care of it.

Alan is also proposing that SJ maintain records of childcare staffers, pursuant to the expiration dates of their certifications, health certificates, etc., and send out reminder letters about upcoming expirations and the need to recertify in order to maintain employment within the program. Jen remarked that OCCS gives all new employees six months to align all paperwork within the required standards. Scott made a motion that SJ and Jen discuss together how best to monitor and stay on top of this, and to report back at the August meeting. Bob seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.

Town Hall has pointed out the need for re-lettering the names on the War Veterans’ Memorial Stone, located at Johnson’s Pond. Jen contacted Rex Monument Co. of Taunton and their response was that complete re-lettering is necessary and that she needs to locate the original company to re-do their work. Next Jen called Taunton Monument Co. which said that they would be able to do the work, but that the job would be “quite costly.” Further inquiries will be made of Randy Buckner, who is the town’s veterans agent.

Jen inquired at RF Morse about maintenance training seminars and was provided with the name of Floyd Perry, who does in fact offer such coursework, however, none is scheduled for this time of year in the area.

Jen asked whether she should prepare an article for fencing around the RMS athletic fields. Bob cautioned, “How many times can we go to the well?” referring to the upcoming $30,000 to $40,000 article for the new maintenance garage. In addition, he feels strongly that the Capital Planning Committee will not support this as it is on school property.

Jen reported that in John’s opinion, the Borden Colony irrigation system needs upgrading and possibly, another well. He feels that with the addition of the Arruda Field, the pressure is significantly lowered. Bob said that it’s a matter of setting the timers correctly so that the existing, fairly-new well isn’t stressed, and a management system needs to be put in place. John also asks that the Commission consider putting money into repairs on the 1995 dumptruck. He feels that new seat cushions, rust spots and dents need to be taken care of. Scott requests an itemized list to be prioritized, and Alan concurred. Bob suggested looking for another truck seat at junkyards.

SJ reported that the June 23 “MammaMia!” theatre trip went well, with everyone enjoying a front-row seat. Of the 40 tickets originally reserved, 20 were returned to the box office without penalty due to slow sales. The remaining 20 tickets all sold. John is in the process of installing the new toddler playground equipment. The park bench is in and he is awaiting anchors for the two child-size picnic tables.

Alan cancelled the Aug. 3^rd meeting and rescheduled it for Aug. 24. Subsequent meetings were scheduled for Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7, with each meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Senior Center.

At 7:22 p.m., Bob made a motion to table the regular meeting and enter into Executive Session for a discussion of personnel matters, with no further regular business to be conducted at its conclusion with the exception of adjournment. The regular meeting was reconvened at 7:50 p.m. and was immediately adjourned at that time.