Kensington Recreation committee Minutes

January 14, 2009

Adjusted and approved February 11, 2009

Meeting began at 7:00 at the Town Hall

In attendance: Kathy Cook, Dave Macek, Donna Carter, Mary Jane Solomon

Guests: Kay Cardoni, Clare Hsieh, Kristy Blundell

Mr. Hsieh attended the meeting to offer to help in anyway to get the plaques placed in the dugouts honoring his son Chris’s Eagle Scout Project. It was explained that there was confusion and we were under the belief Chris had decided he did not want the plaques after the dugouts were altered so during construction. We also explained that at our last meeting we agreed to go ahead and get these made. Dave was unable to get this accomplished yet due to storms, power outages, and holidays, but this will be a priority now. Donna offered to contact Signs of the Times about these plaque as well as one for Doug Merrill’s bridge and one to go on the stone honoring Nancy Roffman’s service to the town.

Kay Cardoni attended to observe and expressed interest in joining the Rec., especially to help oversee the camp program. Kathy will meet with her individually to discuss all this entails.

Minutes to 12-19-08 were adjusted and approved.

Kristy Blundell stated she will be attending both Rec. and KYAA meetings, alternating monthly, to help increase the level of communication between them and the Trust. She reported there had been an attempt by the fire department to flood the multipurpose court for skating, but it was unsuccessful. The court needed to be scraped, which might damage the surface. The how-tos of creating a rink are still being discussed. This lead to a discussion on type of vehicle needed for the park. One that could snow blow, as well as plow, and be strong enough to drag the ball fields at the beginning and end of each season. As well as carting supplies, equipment, trash, or whatever, so larger vehicles would not need to enter the park for this purpose.

Bunker issues: water still pours in along the walls. Such wetness will not be good for equipment stored there. Dave reported Mike Spinosa is working on constructing the locking cage systems this winter. They should be complete in the next few weeks.

Key discussion. Selectmen have not yet ruled on this as there is still concern the Trust runs the concession as a business and does not want others using the space because of what might be stored there. Issues of needing access during events such as camp to use the phone for emergencies, get to the defibrillator, sinks for cleaning up, and refrigeration for special ice cream days or other treats. It would not be used a great deal and no cooking would take place. The facility is there, presumably built for the town, and it should be accessible. Keys to the gate should be given to each Rec. member for convenience of not having to track one down whenever needed for functions and activities.

Kristy reported the trustees were wondering who was responsible for putting sports equipment away. Dave stated it would be up to KYAA. The soccer coordinator would be responsible for getting the nets taken down. He had plans to take the batting cage down, but not the manpower so it didn’t happen this year. This will be discussed at the next KYAA meeting.

No Field Managers as of yet. Bruce did not respond to Rec. and Dave Podalsky said he could not be depended on to be at the start and finish of every game because of work. This is a lot to ask of any volunteer. This issue will be brought to the selectmen with the suggestion things continue as they have in the past with the coaches being responsible for making the calls on playability of fields and making sure things are put away and locked up at the end. The schedule will tell who is responsible so if there are problems, the involved parties can be contacted.

It was asked if the Trust is subject to the right to know law as it deals with town property. If so, it would be helpful and necessary for meeting dates to be posted so public can attend if so desired. Kristy will ask. Donna said the meetings have been posted at the store. The website would be more accessible.

Nancy sent a very nice letter to each Rec. member thanking them for all they do.

Dan Provost had communicated with Kathy regarding the stone for Nancy. He will donate one and have the plaque installed on it, most likely in the spring. Cost for installation is estimated around $200.

Dave reported Mike Spinosa will build the boardwalks at home and bring them to the site to place, rather than wait for spring to begin building on site.

Money from the Disaster Relief Fund is being looked into by the town to help pay for damaged trees. It is still uncertain if this will have any effect on trail clearing Rec. has planned.

A date for the sledding party on Hodges Hill will be determined via e-mail after checking the school calendar for scheduled early releases and any school events.

New recruits desperately needed. Best way is through word of mouth. John is a good one to get people involved. We’ll ask him.

Dave submitted his letter of resignation from the Rec. due to time constraints and family commitments effective immediately. He will help when able. Thank you, Dave, for all you have contributed to this committee in the time you served. You will be missed, but we understand.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting February 11^th.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Jane Solomon