MINUTES OF THE RAYNHAM PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
November 2, 2004, 6:00 p.m.
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip Street, Raynham, MA
In Attendance: Chairman Alan McRae, Robert H. Smith, and Scott Murdoch, Director Jennifer Hruniak, and Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary SJ Blanchard.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Following a brief review, a motion was made by Bob, seconded by Scott, to accept as printed the minutes of the October 5, 2004 Raynham Park and Recreation Commission meeting. A unanimous vote followed.
Jim Ross, chairman of the Raynham Conservation Commission, spoke in support of seeking Congress’ “National Wild and Scenic” designation for the Taunton River. This process requires favorable votes from the citizens of the Taunton Riverside communities for the following:
“To see if the Town will endorse the Taunton River Stewardship Plan developed by the
Taunton Wild and Scenic River Study Committee, together with its recommendation to
seek Wild and Scenic River designation through act of the United States Congress.”
In appearing before this Commission, Jim sought the Commission’s support of Article #33 at the upcoming Nov. 15th town meeting. He pointed out that its passage would be a key value to local recreation.
Bob stated that this has his complete support, and Alan and Scott concurred. Bob made a motion that the Park and Recreation Commission support the Wild and Scenic designation for the Taunton River. Scott seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
Mike and Barbara Perry and Dave Young of the Mass. Mini-Tractor Pullers Association appeared before the Commission to discuss the complaints lodged against their group regarding safety issues. According to Mike, a police detail officer and an EMT is hired for each tractor pulling event. Bob stated that he had attended a recent meet and came away satisfied that reasonable safety measures were in place but that he would recommend that the police officer be relocated from the event to the roadway near the U10 soccer field were people tend to congregate. Mr. Young was extremely cooperative and expressed a willingness to rearrange his group’s schedule and meet hours. He also suggested that the U10 field be moved back away from the road approximately 20 feet, with a new field fence installed and
the old fence remaining as a precautionary measure to keep spectators out of the road. He expressed a willingness to work with the Department and RYS and Bob suggested that a January meeting be set with him and representatives of RYS and the Department.
Bob reported that the Department is on this Thursday’s Conservation Commission agenda where a public meeting will be held on the Department’s Request for Determination of Applicability. The open house and recognition night for the new childcare space will be held tomorrow evening.
Alan asked whether the Halloween dance was overcrowded, but Jen explained that the detail officer allowed attendees to “cool off” on the porch outside as the clubrooms became extremely warm. Alan also extended kudos to those who worked at the Halloween party.
Jen reported on the following:
Ø That Bob Davis will get back to her about the proposed Scout project on the Dora Pine Trail.
Ø Tree warden Brian Glavin will remove the tree from near the U10 soccer field next month and he has suggested that departments put tree maintenance into their 2006 budgets.
Ø Bud, our seasonal worker, painted the new window trim on the Westcoat property, as we never heard back from Mike Lalli regarding a senior volunteer in the tax abatement program.
Ø Bonnie would like permission to contract for a water cooler to be installed in the daycare space, as bubblers are located some distance from there. This was met with approval, however, Bob cautioned that it not become “everyone’s” water.
Ø George Pacheco says that the police know who damaged the riding ring and that he would like official action taken before he puts additional work into the ring. John is currently digging out three inches of top soil from the ring.
Ø The new oil company has recommended replacing the second tank at the maintenance garage. The first tank there has leaks and cannot be used. The consensus was to try and get by with the remaining tank for the little time we have left in this structure.
Ø Jen will begin working out the details on the proposed wrap-around kindergarten pilot program for the 2005-06 school year. Raynham classroom aides Teresa Mastria and Karen Clarke have expressed interest in working at the pilot program.
Ø Jen presented outlines and costs for trips to Red Sox spring training games.
Bob made a motion to approve a one-day liquor license request from the Lions Club for a “Save Our Sports” poker night fundraiser, to be held on Nov. 27, 2004. Scott seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
The following time-off requests were approved unanimously, following individual motions made by Bob and seconds made by Scott:
Ø Jen – Nov. 29, Feb. 14-18
Ø Katie – Nov. 5, 10, 12, 15
Ø John – Dec. 27-30, Jan. 25-28
SJ presented a bid proposal submitted by Great Country Garages of Windsor Locks, CT for a 30’ x 60’ x 16’ pole-style building built on our foundation: $58,980.00.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Sincerely,
SJ Blanchard
Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary
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