Recreation Committee Minutes

October 10, 2007

Approved Dec. 12, 2007

                 Meeting began at 7:00 at the Town Hall

  In attendance: Nancy Roffman, John Andreasse, Dave Macek, Kathy Cook, Mary Jane Solomon

Minutes of the Sept. 13^th meeting approved.

   Discussion of Fall Festival. Power was not available for a slide show so posters were created showing various Rec. activities as well as plans and visions for the new park, especially the nature trails. There was some interest from festival goers.  Pumpkin bowling was fun and went well. We were unable to hire anyone to help that day. It was decided in the future there is a definite need for more workers at the booth to not only provide entertainment for the children but to also be more available to talk with and provide information to adults regarding Rec. activities, needs, membership, and upcoming events. Leftover info sheets will be distributed at the town hall if that is o.k. as well as during teacher/parent conferences at KES.

Reviewed appointments of Rec. members. John and Dave appointed till April ’08, Kathy and MJ till April ’09, and Nancy and Donna till April ’10. This shows an even number of members where boards require an odd number. Donna does not attend meetings therefore does not vote, but needs to be contacted to determine her level of commitment at this time. Because of her contact with a wide cross section of residents, her input is valuable, but regular communication is necessary.  If she is able to attend meetings regularly, we will need an additional member to create the odd number needed for voting. It is strongly felt, especially at this time of growth, all members need to be committed to attending meetings regularly thus enabling them to accurately represent the Rec.’s standing on all issues.

We still need by-laws. John will check with East Kingston to see if they have any we could model from.

               At a park meeting, Mike DelSesto stated he was confident he could get someone to donate a maintenance type vehicle for the park so Rec. would not need to use funds for purchasing one. It was then agreed upon unspent money would go towards continued clearing of the trails if that is not covered in the big park budget. Also improving the surface of the trails and purchasing materials to build bridges. Also, Lili Spinosa feels it is necessary to purchase a defibrillator to be available at KES during the Rec. sponsored programs. Julie Noyes may be able to order one through the fire department. It was agreed by all to purchase one.

               2008 budget proposal ready to be submitted, though it is not at all certain what maintence costs will be required of the Rec. for the new park. All agreed we need a copy of the agreement and more communication with the park trustees to understand the Rec.’s role now and in the future.

               A meeting with John LaRue of Big Toys to work on design of the play area and to finalize equipment has still not been scheduled. We continue to wait for a response to this matter.

               It was agreed by all the softball field to be constructed on the old Sawyer Field needs to meet requirements of an adult league. Preferred field length would be 300’ but a minimum of 280’with a higher fence would be adequate.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting November 14, 2007.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Solomon