Town of Hampden
Regular Meeting of
Parks & Recreation Commission
7:30PM at the Hampden Town Hall
May 8, 2003
Approved: May 22, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. Board members in attendance were Jim Morris, Glennice Flynn, Chris McDonald, Tina Albano and Larry Forrest. Others present were Jay Fenlason, John Flynn, Rick Green and Sue Gorman.
OLD BUSINESS:
Bills: Bills were reviewed and approved.
Minutes: Minutes were approved for the May 1, 2003 meeting. Jim Morris made a motion to accept, seconded by Glennice Flynn. All in favor and so voted.
Minutes were approved for the April 10, 2003 meeting. Glennice made a motion to accept, seconded by Jim. All in favor and so voted.
Board Members: Jim Morris welcomed new board members Tina Albano and Larry Forrest. A nomination was made for Chris McDonald to be the new chairperson. Larry Forrest made the motion to accept Chris as the new Chairperson, seconded by Glennice. All in favor and so voted. Chris appointed Larry Forrest as vice-chair.
The Great Clambake: Jay met with Ann McGregor to see what involvement was needed from the Park and Rec Office. Jay offered equipment (balls, volleyball net etc.) Ann will get back to us with suggestions.
Pool Update: Glennice updated everyone with information on the first step of possibly opening the pool. This step would involve cutting off the pipe leading to the brook. Excess water from the pool would then need to be pumped into the ball field. Chlorine would have to be kept at a minimum. This would cost approximately $675.00. A second step would be to de-chlorinate the pool. Glennice is to get more information on the second step as well as the cost. Concerns from the board were: how quickly could this be completed, what would the cost of supplies be, what capacity of water can this handle? This will be presented to the Selectmen. Chris will go to the meeting. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
Summer Activities Program: Plans are well underway for the program. Registration forms have gone out to those who attended last summer and also through the schools. Staff shirts are to be ordered as well as 300 shirts for the program. It was agreed that a First Aid person is necessary at all times without having the lifeguards. Another suggestion was to raise the pay for CIT’s and to possibly cut down on the number of counselors but it was decided that all should remain the same this summer. The board approved hiring the same amount of staff for this summer. Sue felt that making 4 counselors, head counselors, would be helpful. This would give them a .50 raise and they would be responsible for added responsibility. Chris made a motion to accept a raise for up to 4 counselors, seconded by Tina. Larry voted in favor. Jim and Glennice were not in favor.
The distribution of the Summer Activities Program flyer through the Wilbraham schools has raised an issue within the Superintendent’s Office. A letter is to be addressed to the Superintendent’s Office regarding the policy of distributing of flyers through the school system.
Field Usage: Tabled for next meeting.
Coach Evaluation Form: Chris felt this form would help to give Park and Rec input on performance from the coaches. When this is approved from the office Rick Green thought it would be good for RAH to receive a copy. Still needed to discuss is how to circulate this to all of the parents to obtain the feedback
TWB Gym Floor: A donation came from Gary Mayotte. More money still needs to be raised from outside sources. The golf tournament is in the works for the fall.
NEW BUSINESS:
MYSA: Chris said that the soccer coaches need to be licensed by spring. Park and Rec is going to set up training. This has to be mandatory for all coaches. Glennice made a motion to approve the training, Jim seconded. All in favor and so voted.
Soccer: Signups for soccer will start on May 17(voting day) and continue through May 30,2003. There will be a $25.00 late fee for all of those who have not signed by that day. Larry made a motion to accept the $25.00 late, Tina seconded. All in favor and so voted.
Park Rentals: What are the liability and/or responsibility at the park. Should the rental policy form change? Should there be a waiver on the form? What are people allowed to bring in when they rent? Who is accountable? A previous party brought in an inflatable. John mentioned St. Mary’s Church brings grills for the picnic. This needs to be checked with the Town Attorney. Why does Park and Rec. monitor rentals if Selectmen maintain the fees? This also includes the gyms. Chris is to check with the Selectmen on these issues to have them clarified.
Basketball: Glennice suggested clip on backboards for the basketball season when GM closes. There was concern on safety. There does not seem to be any other choice if the youth basketball program is to continue. Wilbraham does use them. Jay is to check into the cost of removable hoops.
Revolving Fund: Glennice did some research as to the status of the Park and Rec revolving account. It appears that it was set up as 53D for recreation at the beginning of the Summer Activity Program to help pay salaries, purchase equipment etc out of fund. This is not subject to annual renewal. Rick Green also explained what he remembered from the past and that it was clear what the intent was for this account. Chris is going to bring this up with the Selectmen for clarification.
MISC:
-John mentioned that there is a new owner at the property as you enter Memorial. He has had large equipment parked at entrance that makes it difficult to enter. Could this turn into a problem. Larry suggested finding out what kind of a business is opening at the property before deciding how this will be of impact to the Park. Rick Green has maps showing what part of this belongs to the town. It may be necessary to meet with the owner if the problem persists.
Also along the entrance and driveway is sand and overgrown brush, which makes passage down the drive difficult. Check with Dana and homeowner to clear this up.
-Chris brought up non-board member involvement. John felt that much was taken out of context. He feels he has many contacts in town and is always willing to help in any capacity. He would never speak for the board. Chris felt that John does do many good things but feels he should step back and allow the board to do their job. Larry wanted John to clarify his positions, which are Chairman of the Planning Board and Baseball/Softball Coordinator.
_Health Forms: Health forms need to be approved through Park and Rec. Coaches should be informed of any health concern. These should be attached to registration and kept on file.
-HIPA: This will be on agenda for the next meeting. If we collect medical information how should it be handled? Check with Town counsel on this matter
The next meeting is May 22, 2003 at 7:00P.M.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 P.M.
Minutes submitted by Sue Gorman