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MINUTES OF THE RAYNHAM PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Monthly Meeting, June 3, 2010, 4:00 p.m.*
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip Street, Raynham, MA
*This meeting was rescheduled from June 1, 2010, due to a lack of a quorum for that meeting.
In Attendance: Chairman Jim Sullivan, Commissioner Joe Doyle, Commissioner Chris Shaw, Director Elizabeth Francis, and Administrative Assistant/Recording Secretary SJ Blanchard.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 4:12 p.m. and asked for a motion to approve the regular minutes of the May 11, 2010 Commission meeting. Chris made a motion to accept the minutes as printed. Joe seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
Raynham Youth Soccer (RYS) president Everett Clarke was present to request that the Board reconsider the $875 field-use fee assessed for RYS’ August camp request made at the May meeting. He said that admittance to the camp would offer priority to Raynham residents, and that its venue is strictly as a convenience for local parents. Clarke proposed having a $15 surcharge for non-resident sign-ups, which could go directly to the Park & Rec. Dept. The Chairman pointed out that we charge field-use fees for camps and clinics, regardless of the residency numbers. Chris said that he would be uncomfortable with adjusting the fee based on residency and attendance. He suggested that the organization take a hit the first year or two while establishing the camp as an annual event. He
went on to say that if we make the adjustment for one, word will spread and others will also be coming before the Board to request reductions, adding, “We can’t take a step back.”
It was noted that no fee was set at the May meeting for the RYS district program, pending the receipt of rosters. The issue remains and the matter was tabled for another month.
Liz reported the following:
- To date, two estimates have been received for the vinyl-siding the exterior of the Gymkhana building, as well as replacing the fascias, windows, and doors there; and both reflect more than the funds available. Commissioners discussed the possibility of doing the windows and doors this year and the vinyl siding next year; Liz will look into obtaining separated costs for these projects.
- A $2,000 estimate for mowing the Borden Colony fields was submitted by Bumila.
- The Borden Colony account is currently at approximately $13,000, of which Liz is earmarking $4,000 for the Monti playground project. Work there is slated to take place in late July or early August. The cost of replacement of the playground’s rubber matting and adhesive, including shipping, is $4,863. Chris made a motion to make this purchase at its stipulated cost; Joe seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed. Bristol County Savings Bank has awarded $5,000 in community grant funds towards this project, and it is estimated that another $5,000 needs to be raised.
- Bettencourt Field will be reseeded next Monday. A quote for $1,342 for installing split-rail fencing at the football field has been received but not acted on.
- The fencing at the Reid Field dugouts is in. The fence at the Merrill School batting cages has been moved. RYBSA has put up a fence behind Field #7.
- New bleachers for the Griffith soccer field, McKenney Babe Ruth field and at the Borden Colony softball field have been purchased but not installed.
- The Department has received a request for financial assistance for one child to attend the playground program. This single-parent household of four has an annual income of $32,000. Liz recommended offering assistance on par with the financial assistance scale set by PACE, and she said that she will also suggest that the family also look into applying for a PACE voucher for the summer. Chris made a motion to reduce the $560 per session cost to $200 per session in an effort to accommodate the child’s family. Joe seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
- May 28 was the deadline to sign-up for Session One of the playground program. To date, 52 have enrolled; usually enrollment is at 70 at this point.
Joe voiced concerns about mosquito season. It was pointed out that the construction of bat and swallow houses would make an excellent project for an Eagle Scout candidate.
Jim noted that he has been getting questions relative to when the dug-out benches and bleachers will be installed.
Chris stated that the Sunday Morning Softball group has complained that the Reid Field fencing is too short.
The following summer field-use permit applications were acted on:
- The Colonial Roadrunners requested the use of the RMS track from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Sundays from July 18 to Aug. 8 for a kids track series. A unanimous vote of approval followed a motion to approve with no fee made by CS and a second from JD.
- The Old Colony YMCA (Taunton) requested the use of the RMS track from 5 – 8 p.m. on Wednesdays from July 7 to Aug. 11. This will be a fee-generating program which will be marketed to Raynham youth. CS made a motion to approve with a fee of $500. JD seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
- The Raynham Renegades is looking for practice time for two teams. Liz said that field space is available and that she has advised them that there will be a $500 fee. A motion was made by CS to approve with a fee of $500. JD seconded the motion and a unanimous vote followed.
Liz reported that the School Committee and the LaLiberte School principal Dennis Bray are both on board with the idea of expanding our Before-School program with a second site at the LaLiberte. However at this point, no decisions are being made, pending the outcomes of the over-ride votes in Bridgewater and Raynham. Liz stated that she will outline the proposal in a letter to School Supt. Jacqueline Forbes next week.
At 5:40 p.m., the regular meeting was tabled in order to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of approving the Executive Session minutes of the May 11, 2010 meeting. All three Commissioners indicated their approval of the minutes by roll-call vote. Executive Session was adjourned and the regular meeting was reconvened for the purpose of adjournment at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
SJ Blanchard
Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary
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