Chatham Park and Recreation Commission
September 22, 2009
Chatham Community Center Meeting Room
Members present: Michael Seidewand, Chairman; Joyce Reynolds, Vice Chair; Commissioners: Robert Dow, Meredith Fry and Ira Seldin.
Town Officials: Dan Tobin, Director of Parks & Recreation
Public attendees: Anne O’Brien, Friends of Trees and Frank Messina, Historical Commission
Open meeting: Michael Seidewand called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Minutes: Commission approved the minutes from September 8th, 2009 meeting.
Blue Devil’s sign: Commission discussed after several request Chatham A’s has still not put up the Blue Devil’s sign.
Robert Dow motioned to never let the sign out of our possession again. Therefore, the sign is to be removed by the Park Dept. in the Spring and stored at the Park Dept. and put back up on August 15th each year by the Park Dept.
Meredith Fry second the motion. Commission approved 5-0.
Adult programming: Commission discussed adult programs needing more publicity. Dan Tobin told Commission we are working on TV ads and flyers. Dan Tobin also told Commission Georgia Farrell is on vacation this week and would need to reschedule to a future meeting to discuss adult programming.
Robert Dow motioned to send the Chronicle and the Cape Codder monthly updates on adult programs even if it is repeat programs.
Joyce Reynolds second. Commission approved 5-0.
Ira Seldin motioned to have announcements of events posted 10 days prior to event on the Town website under Community News.
Robert Dow second the motion. Commission approved 5-0.
Chase Park Windmill restoration: Frank Messina discussed his tour of the Nantucket windmill which is in running order. Frank told Commission the Historical Commission is interested in restoring the Chase Park Windmill. The Historical Commission is recommending a joint CPA application with Park & Recreation. The Historical Commission feels this is a worthwhile project. Dan Tobin told Commission that they looked at the windmill and it is in pretty good shape. Frank told Commission Andrew Shrake from Brewster is a preservationist of windmills and they would work together with Dan.
Joyce Reynolds motioned that Dan Tobin work in collaboration with Park and Recreation Commission to propose CPA funds for windmill restoration.
Ira Seldin second the motion. Commission approved 5-0.
Commission discussed volunteer attendants for the windmill. Dan Tobin stated in the past we had monies in the budget to pay for an attendant which we lost due to budget cuts. Commission had suggestions of Retired Men’s Group and Women’s group volunteering time thru the summer months.
Robert Dow motioned the Retired Men’s Club being contacted to organize a group of volunteers during summer hours.
Meredith Fry second the motion. Commission agreed 5-0.
Oyster Pond landscape: Anne O’Brien requested the Park Dept. dig a small S shape extension near benches facing out for more rose bushes. Commission discussed trees presently there stating they are too
tall. Commission had originally requested nothing over 4 feet. Joyce Reynolds stated ConsCom has plant requirements and are limited to what can be used. Robert Dow stated this is a Veterans’ memorial and he objects that it is being treated as a private memorial. Meredith Fry stated she was under the impression new trees were to be planted to replace existing trees. Joyce Reynolds said there is a miscommunication regarding the plantings and need to compromise.
Robert Dow motioned for a substitute list of acceptable plants be presented to the Commission with the understanding trees not grow more than 48 inches tall, than transplant original trees with replacements.
Joyce Reynolds second the motion. Commission voted 2-2-1. Commission will revisit at next meeting.
Chatham Angler’s: Commission discussed meeting with the Chatham A’s at the next meeting to discuss upcoming season. Mike Seidewand suggested to review RFP paper work. Dan Tobin will discuss the RFP process with Bill Hinchey and Jennifer Petite and ask for their suggestions. He will send copies of the RFP to the Commission with Bill and Jennifer’s suggestions. Joyce Reynolds asked Dan if he has received the invoices from the A’s for the field project. Dan has not received any as of yet. Mike Seidewand will write letter to the A’s requesting the invoices by October 10th informing them any Permission To Use will not be approved until invoices have been provided to the Commission. Mike will also send copies to the Selectmen and Finance Committee. Commission agreed to have Permission To Use
submitted by Dec. 1 and the Chatham A’s attend the October 20th meeting. Ira Seldin distributed the A’s financial documents to the Commission.
Lighthouse Beach review dates: Dan Tobin told Commission they will be meeting on Oct. 6th with the Selectmen to review Lighthouse Beach plan.
Other Business: Lighthouse Beach off season: Meredith Fry discussed no patrol at Lighthouse Beach during the off season and people are crossing the sand bar. Mike Seidewand suggested more signage reading no wading and no swimming beyond this point.
Meredith Fry motioned sign be posted at point at South Beach at sand bar reading absolutely no swimming or wading beyond this point.
Ira Seldin second the motion. Commission approved 5-0.
Dog rules and regs: Meredith Fry requested to change dates on dogs being allowed on beaches from April to May. Michael Seidewand stated Commission will look at this in the future.
Lighthouse Beach restrooms: Meredith Fry suggested having restrooms at Lighthouse Beach extended for another month. Dan Tobin told Commission he would get a projection on cost from Memorial Day to Columbus Day and cleaning 7 days a week.
CPA meeting: Ira Seldin discussed upcoming applications with the Commission.
Staff directives: Joyce Reynolds asked if letter from Commission to Selectmen and Town Manager has been written yet regarding directives to staff. Michael Seidewand has written the letter and asked Commission to review.
Rec Sports: Mike Seidewand told Commission the 5th & 6th grade girls has 17 sign ups. They have two teams and this makes travel impossible. The girls are in the process of trying to recruit others.
Harbormaster’s report: Mike Seidewand handed out a copy of the letter he would be presenting to the Selectmen and the Town Manager for Commissioner’s comments and suggestions. Joyce Reynolds stressed the importance of communications improving for next year. Everyone needs to share in the process. Robert Dow stated it is the Harbormaster’s job to notify the Commission regarding Lighthouse Beach status. Meredith Fry stated we need to focus on communications.
2009 Beach receipts: Commission was provided the beach receipt sales for 2009. Commission will discuss at future meeting.
Hardings’ Beach: Robert Dow mentioned at the 2nd parking lot the bike rack is too close to the dumpster making for a tight corner we need to find a better location.
Ridgevale Beach: Mike Seidewand asked if there is an alternate way to get onto Ridgevale to rake the beach. Dan stated this would entail a lot of permitting to be done.
Permission To Use: Chamber of Commerce: Commission revisited the request from the Chamber for use of the gym for an antique show in August. Dan Tobin explained to the Commission we could move grades 1 thru 4 to the elementary school, at the Chamber’s expense, and plan day trips for the older kids. This would not be convenient but doable. Robert Dow stated there is major income coming in to the vendors and our staff shouldn’t jump thru hoops for profit. Joyce Reynolds is not in favor of the event at Community Center. Ira Seldin questioned if a tent could be put on grounds for the show. Michael Seidewand stated this would not work for the booths need to be locked at night. Commission denied request.
Goosefire Antiques: Dan told Commission they have cancelled their antique show in October and looking at a possible week end date in June or July.
Lighthouse Beach Yoga: Dan Tobin told Commission Valerie Twomey submitted a Permission To Use form and a check for $1000.00 for next year’s yoga class at Lighthouse Beach. Robert Dow stated the Town Council suggested Lighthouse Beach yoga have an RFP process. Michael Seidewand stated Valerie’s selling merchandise at the beach is a violation of zoning.
First Night Chatham: Dan has received a Permission To Use for the use of the gym and large meeting room for the First Night event. Added supervision will be needed which will be at the First Night’s expense. Joyce Reynolds requested teen event also and to have the First Night group come to the meeting on October 20th.
Minutes: Commission approved September 8th minutes.
The date for the next meeting is October 6th and October 20, 2009
Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Helene Borges
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