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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 6/11/20Town of Mansfield 6 Park Rom, Mansfield, Maaachay it£j02048 Downtown Committee Ll " f'u Meeting Minutes 6.11.2020 Present: Kevin Dumas; Chair, Martha O'Connell, Neil Rhein, Beth Ashman Collins, Eileen Cusack, and Jack Cooney Guests: Lee Azinheira (DPW) Call to Order The Downtown Committee was called to order at 6:07pm by Chair Kevin Dumas. Acceptance of Minutes *Motion to accept the minutes from March 3, 2020 made by Mr. Rhein, 2nd by Ms. Cusack. Roll Call Vote: Neil Rhein —Yes, Jack Cooney - Yes, Eileen Cusack- Yes, Martha O'Connell - Yes, and Kevin Dumas —Yes. Vote 5-0 PASSED Naming of the Park; Discussion & Vote Mr. Rhein gave an update on the naming of the new park behind Jimmy's Pub as discussed by the Select Board. He stated that the Conservation Commission, Select Board, and others are discussing other more "open space" type areas to name after Harry Chase, Jr. This would likely mean the downtown area would be named after Tokey Barnes, but the final vote would be made at a future meeting of the Select Board. Eileen Cusack gave an update on the cost for a train-themed play structure at the new park, and some possible sponsor supported fundraising ideas. She stated total cost with delivery is $3494 and there is an additional option for the application of a clear coat finish for an extra $185. She listed some sponsors who have made a commitment to sponsor the project, such as the Cultural Council who is willing to donate $600, the Mansfield Bank at $500, Together We Can at $500, Barrows Insurance at $500, and the Republican Town Committee has offered $100. This is a total of $2200 sponsored so far for the structure. Mr. Rhein suggested a GoFundMe page to raise the remaining money. Ms. Cusack suggested the adjacent condo management companies could be contacted as well. Ms. Ashman Collins stated she likes the GoFundMe idea because it creates community participation. Ms. Cusack told the Committee that the delivery time is estimated at about six to eight weeks from the time of ordering. Mr. Dumas offered that the Committee should be mindful of the changes in financial circumstances for people and offered that perhaps the Finance Committee might consider sponsoring the last $2200 with some of the remaining Fin Com reserve funds from fiscal 2020. Mr. Rhein suggested that it might not be so difficult to raise money in the private sector and it would be good to get the community energized about the play structure. Mr. Cooney suggested that doing some fundraising would also offer the opportunity to do some publicity about the opening of the area. Mr. Rhein asked if it would be possible to create a gift fund account, to be used for other bike path related projects, in case the fundraising results in a surplus of funds. Mr. Rhein asked who would set up the GoFundMe account. Mr. Dumas stated that he would check with Town Accountant Matt Violette about the best way to move forward with the fundraising account. Mr. Cooney asked how much of the park the structure take would up. Ms. Cusack stated that it would take a much of the grassy area as the locomotive alone is 46"x7' and then there are the train cars which would each be about the same. Bocce at the Park Mr. Rhein reached out to a couple of local business owners for their input on a bocce court at the new park, as they have bocce courts of their own. He said, they feel that the bocce courts may not get much use as the younger generation might not enjoy it. The Committee agreed to table the idea for now. He added that some kind of dedicated space for game playing would be a nice idea, but maybe not bocce. Mr. Azinheira agreed and added, there used to be a bocce court at Memorial Park a number of years ago and it was abandoned due to lack of use. Dumpster Enclosure and Downtown Multi -Use Trail Update Mr. Azinheira gave an update on dumpsters, and Mr. Dumas stated that the Town will get the dumpster enclosures done this construction year. Mr. Dumas informed the group that grant -funded improvements are being made to the multi -use path through the Fairfield Park parking area which will incorporate repaving of the parking area and a relocation of the bike path. The former bike path which used to go through the middle of the parking area will now be a dedicated multi -use path. This project will include new lighting sponsored by Mansfield Electric. He added there will be additional work, funded by another grant, which will extend the multi -use path to the train station. When done the path will go from East Street, through Fairfield Park, through Old Colony, past Middle Common, past the Cat Man Cafe, to 214 Rumford where it will then cross over Route 106 to the train station. Mr. Azinheira then gave an update on the portion of the bike path that is scheduled for federally funded improvements in 2022, taking if from the Mansfield Airport to Norton. He noted, the biggest portion of this new path will be in Norton. Mr. Rhein complimented Mr. Dumas, Lee and others who advocated for these grants to get the bike path connected all the way through downtown. He asked if it would be possible to incorporate "bike etiquette" striping into the plan to help users to know where to walk. Mr. Dumas stated that the plan is to find the right stencils for this and also standing signs. Mr. Azinheira agreed stripping or signage is needed, and he added that any stripping will be done after the top coat is applied. Mr. Dumas noted that there will be a pedestrian crossing buttons at East, Park, & Court Streets. Banners and Trash Receptacle Update: Mr. Dumas stated that because the financial situation has changed, he feels we need to be more mindful about going to the Finance Committee for a transfer for the banners. On a related item, Mr. Rhein asked about the trash receptacles. Mr. Azinheira stated that they are trying to get black barrels that will go on the poles, along with doggie bag receptacles. He is looking for something that will blend nicely with the new poles. Mr. Rhein mentioned that Nancy Wall has the new history of Fulton Pond sign ready for installation. Mr. Dumas suggested that Nancy Wall contact Lee Azinheira to get the sign installed. Mr. Rhein left the meeting at 7:00 pm. Next,Meetine: The Committee decided to hold the next meeting on Thursday, July 2nd at 4:30 pm. Any items not known 48 hours prior None Adjournment *Motion to adjourn at 6:57pm made by Mr. Cooney, 2nd by Ms. Ashman Collins. Roll Call Vote: Jack Cooney - Yes, Beth Ashman Collins — Yes, Eileen Cusack - Yes, Martha O'Connell - Yes, and Kevin Dumas —Yes. Vo a 5-0 PASSED Kevin Dumas, Chair Date