Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission
November 23, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
Community Center, Chatham
Members Present: Michael Seidewand, Joyce Reynolds, Ira Seldin, and Mike Ryder
Members Absent: Meredith Fry
Staff: Dan Tobin
Others: Pam Patton, Ginny Hamblet, David Salerno, Julie Salerno, Rev. Anne Bonney, Rev. Gail Smith, John Geiger
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
Item 1: First Night Chatham
Pam Patton and Ginny Hamblet provided information about First Night Chatham activities that needed approval from the Parks & Recreation Commission:
• Bonfire and sing-along at Oyster Pond Beach
• Electricity from the bathrooms at Oyster Pond Beach
• Use of a portion of the parking lot at Oyster Pond for the Countdown Cod crane
• Use of the Community Center Gym for various activities
• Use of the Community Center lobby
• Use of the Community Center 2nd Floor Meeting Room for various activities
Dave Salerno requested permission to have two food vendors on the back lawn of the Community Center.
These requests represent no major changes from activities in previous years. There was general agreement that all were acceptable activities and permission should be granted.
Ginny Hamblet provided a brief update regarding the First Night mural that is being created by local artists. Expected completion of the mural is December 10 – 15 with installation following. She also indicated that First Night Chatham will be requesting permission to hold a reception in late December when the mural is completed.
Youth activities (for 7th – 12th grade) to be held in the Elementary School Gym for First Night Chatham were also outlined:
• A large-screen Wii game and video
• Poker tournament
• Temporary tattoos
• A Riding Bull
• Free pizza in the Cafeteria
There was brief discussion about parental permissions needed for the Riding Bull. Mike Ryder suggested that permission slips be sent home with students from school so that those wishing to participate could get signed permission slips prior to December 31.
These activities will be advertised/promoted through school news and other media.
Joyce Reynolds asked about show restrictions to protect the gym floor in the Community Center. It was agreed that the dance (Freddie & the Maybellines) would be advertised as a “sock” event and admission would be limited to those sneakers and socks.
Ira Seldin asked about supervision/chaperones for the events at the Elementary School. Ginny Hamblet responded that they will be seeking assistance from parents. She plans to contact the Chatham Boosters Club for assistance in recruiting supervision for the youth activities. It was suggested that Sue Winkfield and Sharon Pollard we contacted regarding supervision.
Pam Patton asked about opening and monitoring of the public restrooms. Dan Tobin agreed to contact Steve Atello to ensure that restrooms are open and checked periodically during the day/evening.
Item 2: Chase Park Labyrinth Proposal
Rev. Anne Bonney and Rev. Gail Smith provided a hand-out outlining a proposal to develop a walking labyrinth in Chase Park as a gift to the town during it’s 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2012 from the churches of Chatham. The Chatham Clergy Association has unanimously endorsed this proposal and the packet contained a letter signed by nine members of the Chatham clergy.
Anne Bonney described the history and function of labyrinths and provided basic information about the proposal:
• Adjacent to the Godfrey Gristmill in Chase Park
• Approximately 45-50 feet in diameter
• No trees to be removed
• Design to be determined later, but several preliminary ideas were discussed including the use of pavers vs. natural pathways for easier maintenance
The proposed location offers a flat area in a quiet, enclosed setting with parking available.
Community partnerships and grant funding will be pursued to assist in funding the project.
Ira Seldin indicated support for the concept, suggesting that approval should be given with more detailed plans to follow.
MOTION: Joyce Reynolds made the following motion, seconded by Michael Seidewand: That the Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission approve the concept of a labyrinth in Chase Park and direct the Chatham Clergy Association to draw up plans for future consideration.
VOTE: The motion passed by a vote of 4 – 0 – 0.
Item 3: Second-floor Meeting Room
John Geiger had submitted a request to use the second-floor meeting room on Monday, November 29 from 7 – 9 for a community meeting. The meeting is being prompted by citizen interest in discussing possible actions/recourse in the wake of the Board of Selectmen’s vote not to renew the contract of the Town Manager. The request to use the room without fee was discussed and it was generally agreed that this is a community activity and there would be no fee for use of the room. John Geiger agreed to be in charge of the event.
Item 4: Horsechestnut Tree – Dr. Rebecca Burrill
Dr. Burrill outlined a proposal to hold educational movement therapy sessions in the aerobics room (or other spaces as availability permits) at the Community Center. She is hoping to develop a private practice in movement and dance therapy. She has requested a reduce fee for use of the facilities. She would like to be able to plan for two sessions per week, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, depending on when her students/clients are able to meet.
Dan Tobin indicated that the general fee for the aerobics room is $25 or $3 per participant. He added that there are some periods of time in late morning and early afternoon when space is available.
Joyce Reynolds expressed concern about the operation of a business/practice in the Community Center and suggested that Dan Tobin seek an opinion from the Town Counsel.
Ira Seldin suggested a trial period of 3 or 6 months in which there would be a reduced fee.
MOTION: Mike Seidewand made the following motion, seconded by Ira Seldin: That the Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission approve the use of space in the Community Center (one hour during the week and one hour on weekends) for three months, beginning March 1, at a fee of $15 per session, pending receipt of approval from Town Counsel.
VOTE: The motion passed by a vote of 4 – 0 - 0.
Dan Tobin agreed to notify Dr. Burrill of the opinion received from Town Counsel.
Item 5: Chatham Anglers
Dan Tobin distributed information received from Doug Gratten regarding Chatham A’s attendance and income during the 2009 season.
There was discussion regarding the need to bid the contracts for concessions and merchandise in Veteran’s Field. The fee structure had been changed to a percentage of income from food sales and all agreed that this was a satisfactory arrangement. A fixed fee is charged for the sale of merchandise which was also agreed to be satisfactory.
The term of the contract had been for one year, but because of the cooperation from the Chatham Anglers, it was agreed that the contract be bid for a two-year period.
Dan Tobin will prepare the bid documents for announcement after the first of the year.
Item 6: Seaside Links
Dan Tobin said that he has spoken with Tom Hartnett who indicated that the Gold Advisory Committee (GAC) will be meeting on December 1 to learn the plans of the golf course operator regarding education programming for youth.
Mike Seidewand indicated that this subject should be revisited in February. Dan Tobin will forward any information he receives regarding future plans for youth golf programming to the commission members. Mike Seidewand will write a letter to the GAC to ensure that the Recreation Commission is involved in publicizing and promoting future activities.
Mike Ryder said he would try to attend the GAC meeting on December 1.
Item 7: Lighthouse Beach
Discussion of Lighthouse Beach proposals was deferred to he next meeting when Meredith Fry will be present. For the purposes of budget preparation, it was suggested that Dan Tobin could provide information/recommendations from the discussion held at the last meeting.
Item 8: PTUs
The following PTU forms were circulated and signed:
• First Night Chatham - Oyster Pond Beach – bonfire
• First Night Chatham - Oyster Pond Beach – Countdown Cod
• First Night Chatham - Community Center lobby
• First Night Chatham – Community Center Gym
• First Night Chatham – Community Center vendors
• Horsechestnut Tree – Community Center space
Item 9: Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the October 26, 2010 meeting were approved.
Minutes of the November 9, 2010 meeting were approved.
Item 10: New Business
Parking Lot Safety: Mike Ryder expressed concern regarding parking-lot safety and congestion with regarding to the Retired Men’s Club meetings and arrival of students after school. Dan Tobin will check scheduling to see if over-congestion can be avoided.
A lack of directional signing for parking lot circulation was noted.
Retired Men’s Club Wine Tasting: Dan Tobin indicated that a proposal may be forthcoming regarding a wine tasting as a program for a future Men’s Club meeting. After brief discussion it was generally agreed that this would not be appropriate. Members expressed concern regarding safety and the close proximity of children.
Fitness Room Membership Request: Dan Tobin cited a letter received from a former fitness room member seeking a free membership. She had suffered an injury and had been unable to use her membership during the past year. It was generally agreed that this would set a difficult precedent and it was recommended that this request be denied.
Parks & Recreation Privatization: Dan Tobin indicated that the Board of Selectmen are scheduled to discuss the possible privatization of some functions of the Parks & Recreation Department at their meeting on Tuesday, December 7.
Item 11: Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Notes by Marie Williams
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