Chatham Park and Recreation Commission
July 14, 2009
Chatham Community Center Meeting Room
Members present: Acting Chair, Joyce Reynolds, Robert Dow, Meredith Fry and Ira Seldin.
Town Officials: Lte. Mike Anderson, Chatham Police Dept.
Public Attendees: Barbara and Gary Hansen, Brad Klaukie, Chatham Anglers Assoc.
Open meeting: Joyce Reynolds called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Commission reorganization: Commission agreed to table vote until a full commission was present.
Chatham Athletic Assoc.: Commission discussed possible Police detail at the Chatham Angler’s games. Lt. Anderson told Commission he is the supervisor for shifts and coordinator for event police detail and then reviewed the incidents at Veterans’ Field in the last month telling Commission they did involve juveniles. The alleged incidents were reported by a third party and could not provide details except suspect had a knife. The second incident was reported to the Park and Walk detail officer in which a juvenile was slashing a bike seat with a knife and the knife turned out to be a leather man’s tool. Lt. Anderson explained the Park and Walk detail as being an officer that parks his vehicle and walks around town. These monies are taken from the Community Policing grant and the monies have been cut by 23% and all
cases must be documented. Robert Dow questioned if there was two officers on Friday night shift and Lt. Anderson said possibly. Robert Dow then asked area of responsibility and Lt. Anderson stated the entire compound. Robert Dow then asked if he felt there should be police detail at all A’s games and Lt. Anderson said yes but he does not make the final decision plus they would not have enough monies to cover this expense. Lt. Anderson stated events such as July 4 and First Night are required to have detail for traffic issues and large crowd attendance. Ira Seldin requested a written report from Lt. Anderson regarding the incidents. Commission then discussed the volunteer security staff stating the vests aren’t labeled and they do not feel it is working. Joyce Reynolds stated she feels there is a need for police presence and has discussed this with Chief Pawlina. Barbara Hansen stated the A’s do not have this expense in the budget to cover police detail and
Joyce stated Commission shouldn’t need to worry about the A’s finances.
Ira Seldin made a motion for Police presence at future Chatham A’s games. Meredith Fry second the motion. Joyce Reynolds opened the floor for discussion.
Brad Klaucke stated the A’s should not be responsible for surrounding areas and the incidents are being generalized as Vet’s Field. Joyce Reynolds stated it is an event and there is parking overflow and crowds. Meredith Fry stated there is a crowd that overspills into the Community Center area, Little League Field and playground. Robert Dow stated we cannot tell the Police they have to detail the games but can tell the A’s they need to get police detail. Brad Klaukie stated they should not have to be responsible for every game plus police detail is a minimum of 4 hours and games last about 2 ½ hours.
Commission approved Ira’s motion to have police presence at all A’s games 3-1 in favor.
Meredith Fry made a second motion the Chatham Anglers provide police detail for every game for the rest of the 09 season. Robert Dow second the motion. Commission approved 4-0.
Lighthouse Beach: Dan Tobin told Commission the LHB plan is up and running and passed out daily reports to Commission. Dan told them the Beach Supervisor on duty is filling out the daily reports and then report is distributed to the Town Manager and to Park & Rec. Dept. Joyce Reynolds asked if there had been any incidents and Dan stated one girl needed assistance and one person on floatation device was waved back in. Robert Dow suggested the Beach Supervisors sign the reports. Meredith Fry asked if the pamphlets have been posted at the beach yet and how often are the restrooms cleaned. Dan told her the pamphlets are being laminated and the restrooms are cleaned five times a week. Dan told Commission the Board of Health will be meeting with them to have a mid season update.
Beach yoga: Valerie has submitted a written request to extend the balance of $500.00 due July 15 until August. Joyce Reynolds requested Valerie to attend the next Park & Recreation Commission meeting and have her bring her daily numbers.
Craft Fair: Joyce Reynolds discussed the request from Linda Rogers to expand the August Craft Fair to the front and back lawn of the Community Center. Dan Tobin told the Commission she no longer needs the entire back lawn but the area near the Center’s main entrance. Commission had no problem with that and questioned security in the evening when Fair is closed. Dan stated Linda Rogers takes care of the nighttime security.
Minutes: Commission approved June 30th minutes and amended the June 16th, 2009 minutes.
Permission To Use: Commission approved the following:
Community Center: Chatham PTO, club room, August 10, 2009, meeting; Cape Cod Hospital Donor Room, aerobic room, August 26, 2009, blood drive.
Parks & Beaches: Cape Cod classic, Veterans’ Field, Sept 4 thru Sept 7, 2009, annual labor day baseball tournament; Robert Cain, Lighthouse Beach, Sept. 19, 2009, wedding ceremony; Emilee Fallo, Harding’s Beach, Sept. 12, 2009, wedding ceremony; Nick Chalupa, Harding’s Beach, August 8, 2009, wedding ceremony, Barbara Baum, Forest Rd. Beach, Sept. 26, 2009, wedding ceremony.
Other Business: Meetings: Robert Dow suggested to change meeting times to 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:30 p.m. Meredith Fry stated this could be a problem during sport season. Commission agreed to discuss when there is a full Commission present.
Oyster Pond & Community Center: Robert Dow requested the Friends of Trees trim the trees and if they don’t, have the Park Dept trim them. Dan suggested transplanting the trees and plant other trees that are appropriate for that area. Commission requested to have the Friends of Trees attend a meeting to discuss plantings and to discuss the Community Center project. Meredith Fry requested to have them bring in the plans for the Center to the next meeting.
Chase Park: Joyce Reynolds inquired about the Cherry Trees that have been cut down because of disease and Dan Tobin stated he will be meeting with the Friends of Trees to discuss the site.
Surf Rake: Dan told Commission they had a training session last week and raking will start tomorrow. The scheduling for raking will be Tuesday Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Military Beach passes: Robert Dow inquired what the decision was on letting Military personnel enter the beach with no fee. Dan Tobin stated it was Otis Air Base that made the request for the no fee for their facility. Robert Dow stated it should be for all military personnel and they will not drive to Sandwich to pick up a pass.
Robert Dow motioned to allow active and retired U.S. Military personnel to attend Hardings, Ridgevale and Cockle Cove beach with no fee. Meredith Fry second the motion. Commission approved 3-1.
CPC: Joyce Reynolds reminded the Commission the CPC needs a representative from Parks & Recreation.
Gym Anchor system: Dan explained to the Commission the current system does not hold the tennis nets very well and we have the opportunity to purchase a secure system for $3000.00 which is a $800.00 savings. Commission will discuss when full Commission is in attendance.
The date for the next meeting is August 4, 2009
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Helene Borges
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