Raynham Park & Recreation Commission
September 7, 2010 Meeting Minutes
In attendance: Commissioner Chris Shaw, Commissioner Joe Doyle, Commissioner Jim Sullivan, Director Liz Francis
Community Representatives: RYBSA President, John Donahue and RYBSA representative Brian Cox
The meeting was called to order at 6:05pm by Chairman Jim Sullivan. Chris made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 4, 2010 meeting. Joe seconded the motion and Chris and Jim voted unanimously to accept the minutes.
Jim Sullivan gave John Donahue the opportunity to begin the meeting with the details of RYBSA’s facilities project application. John explained to the Commission that RYBSA was requesting to have several projects completed at the Merrill School baseball complex including, adding electrical wiring from the concession stand to the area behind Field 4, renovating the infield of Field 4 and replacing the stone dust on Field 5 with Native Infield mix. John explained that the playing surface on Field 4 is dangerous and at times unplayable due to poor drainage and lips on the infield grass. RYBSA received a proposal from Yukon Landscaping to remove the existing infield, replace the sod and replace the infield mix. Yukon’s proposal included re-grading the infield, repairing the irrigation,
re-setting the bases, 4,000 sq. feet of sod and grading the infield mix. Roger Stolte received a proposal from Sports Turf Specialties, the company that repaired McKenny Field and their proposal included re-grading and sodding the outfield in addition to removing and replacing the infield. Liz stated that according to Roger and STS the way to properly fix the infield would require work on the outfield so the grades on both the infield and outfield allow for proper drainage, and shed the water. Liz and Roger also met with a representative from Read Custom Soils to find out which type of infield mix would work best on the field. Read Custom Soils took a soil sample and will get back to Roger with the results.
John had concerns regarding the price to complete the project and said that RYBSA’s position is that it should not be the sole responsibility of RYBSA to pay for these repairs on Town property. Brian agreed that there were drainage issues on Field 4 but was hoping that there was a way RYBSA could improve the infield without having to repair the entire field. Liz stated that both the Highway Department and the Park and Recreation Department would be willing to help off-set the project costs through labor and materials as long the project is endorsed by both departments. Chris asked if it could be postponed until next fall and John said RYBSA would prefer to get at least one of the field projects completed this year.
There was also a discussion regarding the proposals and the fact that they did not include the same scope of work, which makes it hard to compare the two. John stated that he had contacted another company called Green Acres from Lakeville to look at the project as well. Liz stated that Roger would prefer that we look at an additional proposal and not rush into a repair that will be costly and not necessarily be a permanent fix. Roger’s concern is that the league and Town spend money on a project that will continue to create problems for us in the future. Liz proposed that RYBSA get an additional quote from Green Acres and then John, Roger and Liz could get together to decide what action should be taken on Field 4.
John asked if they could move forward with the electrical wiring and the infield renovation on Field 5. Liz stated that the Highway Dept. had approved the electrical work and they have permission to move forward with that project. Liz didn’t believe there were any significant grading issues with Field 5 and RYBSA should be able to move forward with removing the skin and replacing it with the infield mix. She would check with Roger to verify that information. Chris made a motion to approve the electrical wiring out behind Field 4 and to approve the Field 5 project pending Roger Stolte’s approval. Joe seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
Old Business: Liz reported that the LaLiberte School Before and After School program is up and running. Child Care Administrator Heather Nix was able to get her license approved for the start of the school year and as of right now all the additional slots in the morning program at LaLiberte are full. There currently is a short wait-list for before school care at the Merrill School and LaLiberte but we are hoping we will be able to accommodate everyone on the list. Tom Bullock and the Park and Grounds crew did a fantastic job helping us get the furniture moved from the Merrill School to the LaLiberte School in the two days we had available to complete the move. The custodial staff at both schools also did a great job in helping us coordinate the move.
The Jared C. Monti Memorial Playground ribbon cutting ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, September 25th at 10 am. The project will be complete by then and we will have a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, officially opening the playground.
New Business: Fall programs are in the process of being finalized and the brochures should be available by next week.
The following facility use permits were acted on:
- The Jaguars Soccer Club requested using a full sized soccer field on 4 dates in Sept., Oct. and Nov. on Sunday mornings. The field is only available on 2 of the dates. Joe made a motion to approve the 2 dates with a fee of $100/date. Chris second all approved.
- RYBSA submitted their Fall baseball permit application. Joe made a motion to approve with no fee, Chris seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
- Bridgewater-Raynham Reg. H.S. girls and boys cross-country program submitted a permit to use the Borden Colony Cross Country course for 3 dates. Joe made a motion to approve the permit with no fee, the motion was seconded by Chris and a unanimous vote followed.
- Taunton High School submitted a permit for the use of Borden Colony Cross Country course for Sept. 14 and Oct. 19. Joe made a motion to approve the permit with a $200 fee, the motion was seconded by Chris and a unanimous vote followed.
Commission Reports: Commissioners had nothing to report.
Staff Report: Liz distributed the new Open Meeting Law and noted a few changes that will affect the Commission going forward. Liz distributed the Fiscal Year 2010 year end financial reports. All of the Park and Recreation accounts ended the year in the black. The final numbers on the Summer Programs are not available yet due to the fact that some bills are still filtering in.
Chris made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55pm; the motion was second by Joe.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Francis
Director
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