Kensington Recreation Committee Minutes

April 9, 2008

Approved May 14, 2008

Meeting began at 7:00 at the Town Hall

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

Guests: Doug and Peter Merrill, Bruce Cilley, Rich Powers

Doug Merrill presented the work he has done so far in regards to his bridge building for his Eagle Scout Project. He has done a thorough evaluation of the area we had discussed and proposed two bridges. Doug asked our preference for style and materials. Rec. would prefer a more natural style. He will consult with Mike Spinosa and John Ronan for building specs and design. He will also present his plans to the Conservation Commission and the park Trustees at their next meeting.

Minutes to the March 12, 2008 meeting approved.

Discussion of bids for maintenance of the park. Bids were received from Down to Earth Landscaping and DDM Landscaping. Bruce reported Liberty Gardens Landscaping had also been contacted but did not supply all the necessary info so the bid was not considered. Both DTE and DDM were given the same job sheet to base their bids on as well as a site walk. Following a lengthy discussion, Rec. voted unanimously to recommend DDM be awarded the contract. We have been pleased with the work both companies have done work for the park in the past and feel both are qualified. DDM’s bid was considerably lower than DTE’s. Being responsible to the taxpayers, this is the reason DDM gets the recommendation.

It was implied the Trust had control over maintenance of the park. When asked who gave this power to the Trust and when, Rec. was informed the agreement had been amended in October and stated the Trust had control, not simply the power to monitor and make recommendations as stated in the agreement Rec. had read. Denise will be asked for a copy of the amended version.

Kathy voiced her concern over the direction the trust is taking in overseeing a town property while not being a town governing body.

Mike Scott has been contacted regarding having the boy scouts build picnic tables. He was given Mike DelSesto’s number to get the specifics.

 John has the completed baseball/softball schedule. It needs to be put online. Lynne Bonitatibus will be contacted to help with this. The path as of now to reserve the park is 1. check the website or ask Denise for availability 2. submit a request to the Rec. 3. submit a request to the Trust 4. get approval from selectmen.  While all these steps may be necessary for a large event such as a tournament, it may discourage smaller groups from wanting to schedule events. Policies and fees still need to be established either by Rec. or the Trust. Roles are still unclear.

Camp update. Kathy reported enrollment is coming in steadily. Three weeks are more than half full at this point. Approximately 1/3 of the enrollment is for extended care. Discussion on allowing children with allergies requiring use of an epi-pen. Other towns have a policy the child must be able to self-administer. Rec. members agreed this was important. A vote was taken on denying any child who needs to carry an epi-pen and cannot self administer acceptance to camp. 5 voted in favor of denying acceptance, 1 vote opposed. The majority felt staffing was not adequate to deal with an emergency especially given the location of the camp.

Date for CPR training has not been set. Julie Noyes also offered to instruct on administering an epi-pen  during this training.

MJ spoke with Fire Chief LeBlanc about where to house the defibrillator. He felt strongly it should be kept inside. If left outside the buildings it was subject to vandalism and being stolen.

MJ reported S.A.L.T. was excited about having their annual picnic at the park on June 2^nd. Rec. was told grills will not be allowed in the park. MJ will see if the concession can be opened so they can do their cooking. Also will check to see if usage fee applies.

A handout will be sent through playgroups and story hours inviting parents and young ones to the new play area some time near the end of May.

Trail work discussion regarding the surface. Crushed stone would create a more stable surface but less natural look. Bruce offered to lead a walk on Alan Lewis’s property to see and feel how bark mulch works as a trail surface. Date to be determined.

By-laws briefly reviewed. Will work on them more next month.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting May 14, 2008

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Solomon