MINUTES OF THE RAYNHAM PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Monthly Meeting, January 11, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip Street, Raynham, MA
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 6:02 p.m. and asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Dec. 7, 2010 Commission meeting. Joe made a motion to accept the minutes as printed. Chris seconded the motion, and all three voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
Raynham Police Chief Jim Donovan was in attendance to alert the Commissioners about safety concerns for sledders at Borden Colony, and to brainstorm with them about possible solutions to the problems, both presently and for the future. Although there are “No Parking” signs posted along Thrasher Street, that hasn’t stopped motorists from parking there and allowing children to walk with their sleds in the narrow and winding roadway which is heavily travelled by large trucks. Liz pointed out that the land there is protected by the state through an Agricultural Preservation Restriction and that it cannot be used for recreational purposes; sledding here is not endorsed by either the department or the town.
Additional signage and fencing was discussed as possible solutions, as well as having the RPD strictly enforce no parking. Additional signs should specify “No Sledding,” and not just “No Trespassing.” Chief Donovan also noted that there are also problems with serious injuries resulting from sledding behind the Raynham Middle School. RPD is working with the School Committee and school principals to restrict that area.
SJ distributed copies of the Department’s 2010 annual report to the town to the Commissioners for their review. By unanimous vote it was approved for publication, following a motion made by Chris and seconded by Joe.
Liz reported on the following:
- To date, Raynham Youth Soccer spring field-use permit applications have been received. She said that she will coordinate the fertilizing schedules now for April and July to avoid field-use conflicts.
- The department’s childcare space and programs in the Merrill School passed the state’s site inspection last week and a new license has been issued and received.
- This year’s youth basketball league has 438 registrants, and it is going well so far. The Raynham Middle School wants the bleachers to remain extended out from the walls, and this prevents the use of the lower hoops for the K-1 program. Chris suggested looking into what it would take to fix the problem with the bleachers.
- The program coordinator job opening will be posted internally for two weeks prior to public advertising, per Randy Buckner. Liz will distribute the listings to each department as soon as possible.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
SJ Blanchard
Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary
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