HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecreation Comm 10/19/1999IMEIVED
Recreation Commission Meeting
Notes 00 DEC 21 4H II: 29
October 19,1999 NASSACl-1(.fSET S
Attendees Present: Dave Leary, Chairman; Lynne McDonnell, Commission Clerk,
Lorilee Fish, Recreation Director
Tracy George, Assistant to the Recreation Director
Excused Absence: Dick Blandori
Unexcused Absence: Jim Leaverton
Others Present: John D'Agostino, Town Manger
Mike Barnhardt, Mansfield Little League
Ken Larson, Mansfield Little League
1. There was no quorum for this evenings meeting.
2. Discussion regarding the drainage problem within the baseball field at Plymouth Street.
- Mike Barnhardt details the baseball field problem as standing water unable to drain off
the two baselines above the sodded area. There is standing water on the two baselines
and the field remains soggy and wet.
- Mike Ahern states a retention pond will be dug out to help drain the field.
- Ken Larson states he would like to solve the drainage problem this fall or early winter
so the field will be ready for spring use. He would like to pipe ;the standing water over
to a culvert.
- John D'Agostino recommends checking with conservation before making any final
decisions regarding drainage.
- Mike Ahern states he could put in a french drain as a quick fix up until December or as
long as the ground does not freeze.
3. Discussion regarding the Article for Memorial Park.
John D'Agostino states the cost of re-constructing Memorial Park for public use will
cost $425,000 plus engineering costs. This will include renovating the basketball courts
:5:re m f:rwmsword SHG/sg10/20/99.dw
and the practice field, laying sod, and adding a sprinkler system. Full vegetative growth must
be sustained for park use. The project will be completed for May of 2000 before any
fines will be imposed by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Mr. D'Agostino states Memorial Park is the most heavily used park in town and he
would recommend spending the necessary, funds to make sure the project is done
properly. He asks for the support of the Recreation Commission for plan proposal and
completion.
- Mr. D'Agostino continues with a discussion regarding the proposed multi-purpose
complex at Memorial Park. He would like to ask for a sum of money to spend on a
feasibility study as to where the stadium should be built. Mr. D'Agostino would like
three viable options to discuss with the Recreation Commission and asks for full
support as any school related athletic endeavor is reimbursed by 67%.
- Mr. D'Agostino's third topic of discussion is in reference to the blacktop parking area
required by the Zoning Board at Plymouth Street. It will cost the Town $130,000 to
pave the Plymouth Street parking area and Mr. D'Agostino feels the money could be
better spent on field development. The Zoning Board could potentially, wave the by-law
that requires the Town to blacktop the parking area. The Recreation Commission could
send a letter of concern to the Conservation Commission as an initial starting point to
gain a waiver to the by-law. Plymouth Street is used only seasonally and a suburban
setting should be maintained. Mr. D'Agostino suggests the water could be directed to
run off and a crushed gravel stone be put down instead of the blacktop.
4. Discussion regarding the Town Meeting Warrant Article For Plymouth Street and Mansfield
Youth Soccer.
- Lorilee Fish states the loan to Mansfield Youth Soccer will be up to $100,000 and the
Town will be required to match funds with the loan amount.
- Lorilee discusses the Article by number:
1. Worded appropriately.
2. "Restore soccer fields" should be defined as soccer field #1. A description of the
construction and improvement should be more specific to include details surrounding
fill, seed, drainage, etc. The money will not be used for restoring, but expanding
limited to field #1.
3. "The right to use" should be followed by, weather and conditions permitting. "Use of
the concession stand" should be followed by, during the regular permitted hours.
Lynne McDonnell states the legal wording is too vague, Mansfield Youth Soccer should
maintain the earlier agreement language and there will be no further problem.
:5:re mfmnsword SHG/sg10/20/99.doo
Dave Leary feels the final draft should read, Mansfield Youth Soccer has full use of the
existing soccer fields, however use of the concession stand is to be shared.
4. Worded appropriately.
5. Lorilee leads a discussion regarding options for the fairest way to use the $35,000 directed for
the special needs summer camp. Lorilee would like to come up with options to utilize the
funds appropriately. She will present viable options to the Commission at a future meeting.
6. Lorilee explains the holder of a permit will still be charged for reservations even when the
field is unused.
7. Discussion regarding the Priority List and Facility Application Form..
- Dave Leary is in favor of maintaining the current priority list.
- The Hutcheson Property will be available for reservation requests in the Fall of 2000.
- Discussion surrounding what the Hutcheson Property should be named on the
application form.
8. Lorilee explains the Dog Obedience classes will be held on Monday evenings at the VFW.
Registration will be $60.00 for residents, and $75.00 for non-residents.
9. Next Commission Meeting: Tuesday November 2, 1999 at 6:00 PM.
:5:r mfm:mmord SHG/sg10/20/99.doc