Kensington Recreation Committee Minutes
January 11, 2006
Draft subject to change prior to approval
Meeting began at 7:00 at the Town Hall
In attendance: Nancy Roffman, Lorraine Petzy, Donna Carter, John Andreasse, Lili Spinosa, Mary Jane Solomon KYAA member: Peter Stackhouse
Minutes of the 12-14-05, 11-21-05, and 10-12-05 meetings were approved.
Peter Stackhouse reported on evolution of Kensington’s youth baseball program leading to KYAA’s decision to incorporate into the Exeter Junior Baseball League completely for the upcoming 2006 season. Other SAU 16 towns including Newfields, Brentwood, and possibly East Kingston will also incorporate. All Kensington youth from ages 7 – 12 will be guaranteed a spot on a team. Teams will be organized as follows: Rookie: ages 7-9 (at this age there is a strong likelihood of Kensington team(s) keeping the players with their current friends) Minors: ages 9-11 (all 9 year olds must try out – players from all towns will be intermixed) Majors: ages 10-12 (all 10 year olds must try out). Registration forms will be distributed through school but handled by Exeter. Registration fee is $100 for the first child/$75 for each additional sibling. Fee covers all league expenses and field prep. Individual towns will continue to be responsible for mowing and general maintenance. Trash removal continues to operate under the carry in/carry out policy with each team being responsible for the removal of all trash after each game or practice. Any concession stand money generated will remain with the town it was made in. A Kensington resident will be on the board of the EJBB for continued representation. Peter Stackhouse is currently the board member. KYAA will set up an information night prior to registration with Exeter board members present to explain the operation of the program and answer any questions. This will not be an opportunity to debate pros and cons of joining Exeter but merely an information session now that Kensington has joined.
KYAA will continue to sponsor softball and instructional baseball for 5 and 6 year olds.
Chris Shieh approached the committee with a proposal for an Eagle Scout Project for Troop #189 consisting of putting a roof over both dugouts at Sawyer Field. Eagle Scout Projects require the scout to do all necessary fundraising and contribute 100 hours of work. Chris presented sketches of his proposed design. It was suggested he take a look at the ones in Newfields as they look very similar to his design. It was also suggested he attend the next selectmen’s meeting with his proposal, photos of the Newfields dugouts, a list of materials he plans to use, and any insurance information if scouts are covered under their troop for such projects. If this project isn’t an option, Rec discussed other needs such as constructing a batting cage, raising the nets along Trundlebed Rd., or increasing the height of the backstop on Sawyer. Need for storage at field discussed. Bill Grant has been contacted and money placed in the proposed 2006 budget for improvements to the old salt shed.
Use of Rec. $ in the amount of $200 was discussed and approved to sponsor a storytelling workshop with Michael Caduto the afternoon of April 19th, an early release day.
Meeting adjourned. Next meeting February 8th.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jane Solomon