MINUTES OF THE RAYNHAM PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
December 7, 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, Program Coordinator Katie Berry, Childcare Administrator Bonnie Brady, and Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary SJ Blanchard.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Following a brief review, a motion was made by Bob, seconded by Scott, to accept as printed the minutes of the November 2, 2004 Raynham Park and Recreation Commission meeting. A unanimous vote followed.
Commissioners set the following meeting schedule for the next quarter:
Ø Wed., Jan. 5, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
Ø Wed., Feb. 2, 2005 at 6 p.m.
Ø Tues., March 1, 2005 at 6 p.m.
Ø Tues., April 5, 2005 at 6 p.m.
Scott made a motion that SJ author the Department’s 2004 annual report to the Selectmen; Bob seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
On the one-day liquor license request submitted by the King Philip Lions Club for the Dec. 11 ham and bean supper, to be followed by a meat raffle, Scott made a motion to recommend its approval by the Board of Selectmen. Bob seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
All three Commissioners extended kudos to Katie and those who assisted her with the Dec. 6 annual tree lighting.
Bob reported that he is awaiting information on the bidding process from Randy, as well as a quote on the site-plan approval process from Hayward-Boynton and Williams, Inc.
Alan had observed that the field near the gazebo was being torn up by vehicles and asked that additional police presence be requested in the neighborhood.
Re: the Lions Club hook-up to municipal sewer, the Sewer Dept. has provided an $8,000 quote and is awaiting an additional quote. Club members are looking towards a joint partnership with the Department in regards to the hook-up. This will be discussed further at the January meeting, with the intent to try and put it on the spring warrant.
Jen reported that:
Ø the Bridgewater Youth Center hasn’t opened and staffers there will call with more info when and if it opens.
Ø Jeff Whitty’s men’s over 40 basketball program is willing to play at the Merrill School gym, which will be available after December. Jen will ask Tony Caputo whether the new flooring there will be able to sustain heavy usage.
Ø The topsoil in the horse ring has been dug up and no nails were found. George Pacheco has said that he will put down a new surface in the spring.
Ø John said that the U-10 field cannot be moved back due to drainage problems and he suggested moving the road after the tree is removed. With the Senior Center expanding, moving the road may be required for additional parking. Following a discussion, the consensus was to continue with a police presence at games until the garage is razed, then move the U-10 field over with the area beyond the field becoming the new roadway.
Ø A letter has been received from Doug Dondero, former sales rep with RF Morse, now with Valley Green. Jen recommends continuing to do business with Doug, as he has been very helpful to this Department. Bob made a motion that $1800 be allocated for slice-seeding the Arruda and football fields. This was seconded by Alan and a unanimous vote followed. Scott noted that the McKenney Field also needs work.
Ø Department-sponsored trips to Red Sox spring training trips have been planned.
Ø RMS principal Greuter has said that there is absolutely no availability at all there for men’s and women’s open basketball groups. Commissioners advised Jen to speak with Mr. Guasconi about “rumors” that there is gym time available at RMS.
Ø Last spring a company solicited the Department, offering two months of free website service. Now they are insisting that they fulfilled their part and that the Department owes two months’ fees ($49.95 per month X 2), which is now appearing on the town’s monthly phone bills. The Commissioners advised Jen to let the company know that the Commission is requiring that they show documentation prior to any payment, with the possibility of the case being referred to Town Counsel.
Ø The Highway Dept. has a bidding package and is going out to bid in January and would like this Department to go along. The cost for the bidding package, with utilities and the building, would be $10,000 to $12,000. Bob asked that Jen ask Rod Palmer, Randy and Hayward-Boynton and Williams if this cost seems reasonable.
Katie reported that 39 youth teams are set to play basketball in the LaLiberte and Merrill Schools, starting in January.
Bonnie said that one of the used computers is not working out at the daycare program and they are down to one computer for the 78 enrolled children. Alan suggested that two new computers be purchased for the program, as the money is available and the kids need them. Scott said to consider buying an X-Box system for the children to play computer games on. Bonnie also said that a TV is needed, along with a security system (such as a locking media cart) for it and the X-Box system. Bob proposed giving the childcare staff a media budget which would allow them to purchase products as needed. He made a motion to set aside $3,000 for childcare media and technology purchases. Scott seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
SJ provided Commissioners with a fax received from Ulti-Play, where the toddler playground shade shelter was purchased. In removing the shade for the winter months, Ulti-Play personnel noticed a large rip in it. The fax states that it would cost $590 plus shipping to replace it or approximately $110 to repair it, noting that the large, +-24” rip’s repair would be visible. Bob made a motion to have the original repaired and see how long it lasts. Scott seconded it and a unanimous vote followed. Alan suggested looking into a permanent structure as an alternative, if future vandalism occurs.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Sincerely,
SJ Blanchard
Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary
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