Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission
April 27, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
Community Center Conference Room
Members Present: Michael Seidewand, Chairman; Joyce Reynolds, Vice Chair; Mike Ryder and Ira Seldin
Staff: Dan Tobin
Others: Anne O’Brien, Friends of Trees
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Item 1: New Member
Mike Seidewand welcomed Mike Ryder as a new member of the Commission.
Item 2: Friends of Trees – Anne O’Brien
• Anne O’Brien provided information about six proposed new trees to be located in Town parks: Four pseudo-Camelias to be planted in two pairs in Chase Park. An aerial view of the park was provided showing the proposed locations.
• Two Cornelina Cherry trees to be planted near the Town restrooms adjacent to Kate Gould Park.
• All trees to be marked by memorial plaques
• Trees were described as native species and selected to blend with plantings nearby.
There was also discussion of removal of a failing cedar tree to be replaced by a memorial tree in Chase Park. Anne O’Brien will discuss this with the family involved and will make recommendations at a future meeting.
MOTION: Ira Seldin made the following motion, seconded by Joyce Reynolds: That the Chatham Parks and Recreation Commission approved placement of four pseudo Camelias in the location recommended by Friends of Trees in Chase Park.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
MOTION: Ira Seldin made the following motion, seconded by Joyce Reynolds: That the Chatham Parks and Recreation Commission approve the planting of two trees in Kate Gould Park once site is approved by Dan Tobin.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Item 3: Community Center Heat/Closing Issues
Dan Tobin reported on recent issues with the heating system which resulted in closure of the building due to a lack of heat. He indicated that the system is computer controlled and that the vendor is available on a 24/7 basis. The problems are being addressed, but consideration is also being given to a change in vendor. This would involve new software and additional expenditures, so no decision to change the control service provider has yet been made.
It was mutually agreed that in the future any building changes will be reported immediately to Dan Tobin by staff and that he will then notify members of the Commission.
Item 4: Ethics and Conflict of Interest
There was brief discussion of incomplete forms re. the conflict of interest test and letter available on line. Dan Tobin will follow up to ensure that all forms have been submitted to the Town Clerk. The appropriate links will be sent to Mike Ryder.
Item 5: Public Hearing re. Dogs on the Beach
Dan Tobin indicated that the meeting has been advertised as a public hearing. No members of the public were present to discuss this issue: Section 1.7 of the Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations.
The regulation currently prohibits dogs on the beach between April 1 and September 15. Dan Tobin explained that this date had been set in response to the Mass Audubon Society’s concern for nesting birds on the beach.
MOTION: After brief discussion, Joyce Reynolds made the following motion, seconded by Mike Seidewand: That Section 1.7 of the Parks and Recreation Regulations be amended to prohibit dogs on the beach between May 1 and September 15.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
There was related discussion pertinent to a letter received from Linda Devonshire requesting greater beach access for dogs and dog owners, specifically related to Jackknife Beach and White’s Pond.
MOTION: Mike Seidewand made the following motion, seconded by Joyce Reynolds: That dogs be allowed off leash before 9 am and after 5 pm at Jackknife Beach and White’s Pond, except between May 1 and September 15 when the prohibition of dogs on beaches would apply.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Dan Tobin agreed to send a letter to Linda Devonshire summarizing the discussion and explaining the decision.
Item 6: Seaside Links golf instruction program
Dan Tobin reported that he met with Tom Hartnett regarding the proposed instruction program, but does not yet have a definite proposal. Mike Seidewand indicated that he hopes to have this program in place soon. Dan Tobin agreed to follow-up with the golf groups.
Item 7: Minutes – it was decided to review minutes of the March 23, 20010 meeting at the next meeting.
Item 8: Other Business
Oyster Pond Parking: Joyce Reynolds asked about the use of Oyster Pond parking by construction trucks working in the area. Dan Tobin agreed to talk with contractors to ensure that there will be not conflict as summer parking demands increase.
PTUs and Use Fees: Joyce Reynolds and Mike Seidewand asked about guidelines for review of PTU forms (Permission to Use). There was discussion of the Chatham Tides Basketball use of the gym from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. on Saturdays, and whether this was restricting other use of the gym. Dan Tobin indicated that this program will finish in mid June, so no summer conflicts are anticipated.
There was also discussion about charges for the use of Community Center facilities for birthday parties. A birthday party scheduled for the Teen Room on Friday night was also of concern. Dan Tobin provided information about current fees for the use of facilities:
Resident Non-profit Non-Res/Commercial Time
Gymnasium $50 $50 $250 4 hrs
Arts & Crafts Room N/C N/C $25 4 hrs
Game room $50 $50 $100 4 hrs
Large Meeting Room $50 $50 $100 4 hrs
Party Fee $50 $50 $100 4 hrs
MOTION: Mike Seidewand made the following motion, seconded by Joyce Reynolds: That a party fee should be added to the fee schedule.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Dan Tobin will amend the fee schedule as shown above in italics.
The use of the facilities by Melissa Marshall (Chatham Lightfoots) was questioned. Dan Tobin will investigate and report to the Commission.
It was generally agreed that initial PTU requests should be brought to the Commission; re-use requests for similar activities can be authorized by Dan Tobin.
300th Chatham Anniversary: Ira Seldin suggested that the Commission should begin to investigate ways to help celebrate Chatham’s 300th Anniversary in 2012. History of the Community Center was suggested, along with tours of the building and a program focusing on games played in the 1700s.
Marie Williams provided a brief outline of possible requests for use of Park & Recreation facilities, including the Community Center:
• Timeline in Kate Gould Park
• Community Center use of Founder’s Day and/or Fourth of July, possibly involving a tent in the back yard.
• Installation of a plaque in Kate Gould Park and possibly at the Lighthouse overlook
• Use of Harding’s Beach for a town picnic/clambake including music and fireworks or laser show
• Use of Veterans Field possibly after Fourth of July and/or for concerts at other times during the year.
Little League Dugouts: Mike Ryder thanks Dan Tobin for the recent removal of the dugouts at the Little League field.
Item 7: PTUs
Monomoy Community Services – Summer programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3:30 pm
There is no charge for this organization. Usually 25 or fewer children involved.
Monomoy Community Services – Annual Year-Rounders’ Party at Hardings Beach
June 24 from 5 – 8 pm; No charge
Monomoy Community services – Outdoor Movie Nights during the summer
No charge
AFS Balloon Sales: Request to open building at 6:30 am and use the gym and lobby area for blowing up balloons prior to the Fourth of July Parade. After discussion, it was suggested that Rae Carlin, the applicant, be asked to try to find an alternative location so that staff is not required or others are left unattended in the building. This can be reconsidered if another location cannot be identified.
Cape Kempo Karate – Classes from September through June from 3:15 – 5:00 pm
$150 per month for each of two rooms being used. This is a recurring event
Avery Denison Corporation – Request to use the small meeting room for three days (T, W, Th) in August from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. $25 fee for each day.
Tayna Chasse – birthday party use of gym and crafts room.
$100 fee to be charged as an out-of-town use
Item 8: Beaches
Dan Tobin provided suggested text regarding sharks for inclusion in the town beach brochure. He also had several sample signs used in other areas (Hawaii, Australia) where sharks are present in local waters. He indicated that an attempt has been made to have the Department of Marine Fisheries discuss these issues with the Town, however, they are not inclined to become involved in local policy decisions. Mr. Hinchey has written to them requesting a meeting.
Mike Seidewand suggested the need for more research and it was agreed that this will be discussed at the next meeting. Dan Tobin will investigate any similar policies being considered in Orleans and any related issues with the National Seashore.
Signs:
Two sample signs were provided by Dan Tobin
WARNING
UNGUARDED AREA
SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK
NO SWIMMING
Per order of Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission
Ira Seldin asked about the addition of a fine regarding the “no swimming” sign. Dan Tobin is waiting for information from Bruce Gilmore about the legal limits of instituting fines.
It is hoped that these signs will be installed on the outer beaches by Memorial Day.
Item 9: Other Business
Annual Report for the Board of Selectmen: This meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8.
Mike Seidewand will be away; Joyce Reynolds and Ira Seldin agreed to represent the Commission at that meeting.
Staff Retirement: Dan Tobin reported that Leon Long will be retiring after 31 years. His position will not be filled in the foreseeable future. A letter of commendation will be sent on behalf of the Commission.
Item 10: Future Meetings
Meetings were scheduled for Tuesday, May 11 and Tuesday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the Community Center.
Item 11: Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Notes by Marie Williams
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