MINUTES OF THE RAYNHAM PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
Jan. 3, 2006, 6:00 p.m.
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip Street, Raynham, MA
In Attendance: Chairman Scott Murdoch, Com. Chris Bodensieck, Com. Robert H. Smith, Director Jennifer Hruniak, and Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary SJ Blanchard.
The chairman called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Bob made a motion to accept as printed the minutes of the Dec. 6, 2005 Raynham Park and Recreation Commission meeting. Chris seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
Joe Arruda, Chris Shaw and Dave Shaw, reps from Raynham Youth Football, met with the Commissioners at this meeting. C. Shaw explained that last spring, the football board was disgruntled to observe that RYBSA’s expansion of ball fields was taking place within the area formerly used for football practice. This displacement was of concern because theirs is a growing program with 150 players, a limited lighted area and the existing football field suffering from heavy usage. Other concerns center around the ownership of the property and vandalism occurring on the field. They asked what could be done jointly with the Department to improve the situation without encroaching on RYBSA’s fields.
Scott responded that there is no quick fix to this situation, other than the possibility of using the field at the Raynham Middle School (RMS). He went on to say that RYBSA’s latest expansion was on the drawing board for more than a dozen years, and was funded by the organization seeking out and applying for grants, as well as its own savings. He called it an “oversight” on RYBSA’s part not to have informed football in advance that the area it was using for practice would be developed.
The men did not see RMS as a viable solution because their equipment is on Pleasant Street, there is limited parking, and a lack of lighting. Further, the school district and its related activities would have first dibs on the field, whereas they “control” their area on Pleasant Street.
Arruda stressed the three areas being explored:
1. lighting outside of (softball) Field 5 beyond the t-ball field
2. clearing beyond the Babe Ruth field, towards the backs of Michael Road residences
3. a warm-up area needed for visiting teams
To D. Shaw’s question of property ownership and financing, Scott responded that they needed to check with the schools and the Board of Selectmen; and that the town would expect the group to do its own fund-raising.
C. Shaw added that the condition of the playing field is a big issue and needs to be addressed first. School children using it during recess and gym classes, as well as maintenance workers and vandals driving on the field, hurt the young, non-established grass growth in the springtime. It was acknowledged that it’s difficult to ask the schools to stay off the fields during school hours.
Town funding through a warrant was discussed. Bob recommended targeting a Selectmen to advocate and walk the group through the warrant process and assist with the writing of the article, and also that they obtain this Department’s and the school district’s approvals first. The visitors departed saying that they will look towards obtaining a map of the Pleasant Street athletic complex.
Bob reminded others that the annual Frostbite Run would take place on Jan. 15th with a 9:20 kick-off from the RMS on Titicut Road. Anyone wishing to volunteer is urged to report to the registration table there at 8:30 a.m.
Jen presented the 2006 field-use permit applications and fee schedules to Commissioners for their review. It’s been suggested that out-of-towner soccer players be assessed a fee of $100/day/field, due to the potential for surface damage to the fields. Chris feels that the fees should not be paid directly to RYS, but rather to the Department for field upkeep and the costs of seed, fertilizer, etc. Bob stated that in Easton, 10% of field-use fees are held by the Rec. Dept. as a processing fee and the remaining 90% goes towards the DPW for field maintenance costs. Bob made a motion that the fee schedules remain as stated with the addendum of the above-stated rate for soccer field use. Chris seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
After conferring, Commissioners set the following meeting schedule: Feb. 7, March 7, and April 4; each of these Tuesday meetings will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Senior Center.
Jen reported the following:
· That she has met with Highway Supt. Roger Stolte to go over the list of properties and the maintenance involved for each, as well as the foreman’s and laborer’s job descriptions.
· That the local police are looking for suggestions for a restitution project for the youth who broke into the maintenance garage and got the Department’s vehicle stuck. She will look into the number of hours involved.
· She will meet with Carl Wells to work on the garage demolition bid specs on Jan. 4.
· Tickets are available for a Raynham Recreation Night at the March 22 Boston Celtics game vs. Toronto.
SJ presented the budget figures for the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2005, pointing out that while the Wages line appears sound, this figure reflects 2 ½ months without a program coordinator on board, so care needs to be taken regarding overtime and seasonal help.
SJ will be writing the 2005 annual report this week and it will be available over the weekend for review by the Commissioners, prior to its submission next week for publication. All present brainstormed over what needs to be included.
She also mentioned that she had looked into the upcoming final performances of Les Miserables in Boston. It appears that enthusiasm isn’t high for this long-running show, and that it is scheduled for the dead of winter dates, which leaves many leery of investing in tickets in light of the possibility of poor weather, so the Department won’t be sponsoring a trip for this theatre production.
The meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m.
Sincerely,
SJ Blanchard
Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary
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