Kensington Recreation Committee Minutes

November 14, 2007

Approved Dec. 12, 2007

Meeting began at 7:00 at the Town Hall

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

John Clark, the Ski Program coordinator, sent info and forms for the upcoming learn to ski program at Bradford through KES today. It continues to be a popular and successful program

Discussion regarding payment for tree clearing at the park. Rec. had budgeted $5,000 to clear trees creating a nature trail system. At a recent park meeting, Rec. members agreed to contribute an additional $3,000 for this work as it remains a priority. Selectmen approved this expenditure. Rec. was instead given the invoice totaling $8,000 for tree work already done. Mary Jane did end up signing an approval under the condition the general park fund would complete and pay for trail work as planned by Rec. at a minimum of $5,000.  The trail has been cleared though much remains surrounding it to be cleaned out and made attractive. A copy of the invoice for this work has been requested but not yet honored. The trails themselves would benefit from a base layer to reduce mud and new growth rather than simply spreading wood chips over them. This may have to be done next year.

Still no progress on the play area.

John did receive a copy of the maintenance agreement. It states the trustees have the power to recommend certain actions, but not enforce them.

KYAA has requested clarification regarding availability of fields in the spring. The first weekend in May is the planned Opening Day. It would be desirable to host this event at Sawyer Park. Plans for this, as well as soliciting businesses for signs and sponsorships need to be happening now. Also the status of the concession stand and how it will be run needs to be determined.

John reported East Kingston does not have active by-laws. He will see if Newfields does.

It was reported there was a hayride and Halloween Party at the Pinnacle Center. No one had any info as to its success or attendance. It seems to no longer be affiliated with the Rec.

A defibrillator can be purchased for around $700. It was agreed two should be purchased, one to keep at KES and one to keep at the park. Julie Noyes will be able to order these for us. A purchase order will need to be submitted first.

The old salt shed will be coming down any day now so construction of the adult softball field may begin. Everyone who may be housing equipment there has been notified to remove it.

There will be a special edition of the Carriage Town News. It has been asked if someone would speak about recreation and the park then and now. Nancy agreed to do that as she knows the most about the history.

Dawn Thurlow contacted Mary Jane to tell about the Mothers Club she is organizing in town. It will not be affiliated with the Rec. but it’s nice to know about for reference.

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting December 12, 2007.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Solomon