HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecreation Comm 09/29/1997RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 29, 1997
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Meeting opened 7 p.m.
Attendees present: Commission Chairman Ron Reeves, Clerk Betty rmar,
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- Commission Members: Dick Blandori, Dave Leary, Bob Pierce
Lorilee Fish, Parks and Recreation Director Hi A" a Ltl 15
Son Dobosz, Assistant to the Recreation Director
MINUTES:
Motion made to accept the minutes as printed by Betty O'Connor, seconded by Dave
Leary.
CORRESPONDENCE I:
1997-98 Community Calendar - Discussion and Recap
Distribution - 3,500 copies of Mansfield's Community Calendar available first come first serve.
Lorilee Fish sent out press release. Appeared in the Sun Cronicle, Brockton Enterprise and
Mansfield News. Press did not print thank yous to sponsors. Initial goal was to make some
money on calendars.
Sponsorship Ron requested Lorilee bring in a financial update on sponsorship ,information to
next meeting. Lorilee noted that Nancy Antonucci worked hard but had difficulty getting
sponsors. The idea of selling the calendar; for a nominal fee was previously researched but not
well received. Cousin's Pizza is only coupon sponsor this year. Not many coupons were used at
Video Mania in 1996. A couple more sponsors would have helped to break even.
Financial Recap - The cost to produce 3500 copies of the calendar for 1997 was approximately
$6,300-$6,350. We took in $6,050. A loss of approx. $300. In 1996 we were $3,400 short.
Still looking for ideas to break even and/or make a profit.
TABLED:
CORRESPONDENCE H:
1. Memo to Board of Selectra ,,a from Rec. Comm. re supporting a $10,000 donati to
skate park using Great Woods funds from (Rage) concert.
-Articles re skate park appeared in Sun Cronicle and Mansfield News. '
-Lorilee has received calls with other ideas for possible use of $10,000 i.e. Rails to Trails.
-Proposed survey of programs will be put together by Jon & Lorilee. Survey to include a list of
current Recreation Dept. programs. Will ask for resident's comments and suggestions 1/2 page
will cost $220.00 in the Buzz. Will reach every household. '
2. Memo to MBC supporting proposed expansion of Memorial Park field (s) to be included
in the school QMS/MHS expansion grant from State.
-Commission vote previously 5-0 to send letter to MBC with intention to support exploring
efforts to expand field.
3. Historical information provided re Mansfield population, fields etc. Ed Tartufo
BIISINESS GENERAL:
1. Summer Camp Program - guest presentation by Alan Weintraub, Summer Camp Dir.
Alan has held position for past 6 years & will be leaving this year to take a Assistant Principle's
position. Board expressed their thanks for job well done. He will be missed.
Advertising for replacement will be sometime early January. Suggested qualifications by Alan
included -Teacher certification, councilor experience, ability to discipline, sense of humor,
leadership ability, able to play with kids, flexibility and to remain in control.
Evaluation of Program: Overall, program rated good but could have been improved with more
supervision. Stats were provided to the board regarding number of campers, ages etc. LIT and
CIT programs doing very well. Programs were designed to be a stepping stone to a counselor's
position. L.I.T.'s (Leader in Training) are 13-14yrs. C.I.T.'s (Counselor in Training) are 15-
16yrs. Counselors start at 17yrs. A stipend of $10.00 per day is being given to CIT (started
1995). This year rec'd $440 for camp scholarships by a sponsor. 8 were awarded this summer.
Discipline- There were a few tough kids this year but no major problems with discipline. Alan
described how a few situations were handled. Communication with parents important. Parents
always notified of problem situations. Lorilee involved.
Training guides - Various resource books are available to LIT's but no specific guide book.
Keeping LIT & CIT programs running will help build up good counselor base.
Alan recommended to do more with the theme programs throughout the camp.
Water situation was a nuisance. - Fountain was broken due to vandalism. Lorilee noted that
according to the DPW there are no plans to replace the drinking fountain at Memorial Park due to
short life of the structure and expense. Bottled water was available in office. Campers could only
come inside with their group to get a drink A cup each week was given to each camper to use.
2. 1997 Field Reservation Form - Lorilee asked committee members to review for revisions and
fee setting for 1998 seasons. To be discussed at Oct 20th meeting.
3. Plymouth Street -'Spoke with Chief O Neil re speeding and unauthorized use.
- Speed limits - visible police car does slow traffic but speed factor still a big concern coming into
the fields. Not much we can do. Use of orange snow fencing suggested
- Plymouth St. field I going offline for seeding this fall
- Playing without a Permit - Suggested by, chief that if we know the name of unauthorized users
(i.e. no permit) we should sent them a letter stating violation & reservation form.Police will
escort those in violation off field whet.. -tified. Print out of all permits issued is given to polio.
- Situation brought up by Bob Pierce re out of town kids playing under the Mansfield Youth
Soccer permits. Mansfield resident coaching both teams having combined practice. Lorilee will
send letter to Rick Skelly - President of Youth Soccer stating that the situation has been brought
up to board. Advise in violation of policy -no transfer of permit allowed
Policy Statement for field on sign reads:
PLYMOUTH STREET RECREATION FACILITY
USE BY PERMIT ONLY
TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED
h. to be added: Playground Permit Not Needed
Fees assessed annually. Security requirements set by Mansfield police.
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4. Survey of area Recreation Department for teen programs including Mansfield Copies
provided to board members
5. Arts & Crafts Show - Band Parents requested to sell Mansfield Sweatshirts
Eagle Scout Project to set up Advertising for Animal Shelter
6. Halloween Parade - Discussion re who will be judges. Betty O'Connor will represent the
Commission as a judge. Lorilee to send letters asking Selectman, School Committee,
Superintendent, TownManager,' Rec. Comm. looking for 4 -total. Also looking for help Sunday
October 26 beginning at 9:15 to fill up 1000 balloons and help with candy bags. Parade at 2 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS-
Skate
U IN.SSSkate Park - Rec Comm was asked by Selectmen to review possible sites and make
recommendation. Last update sent Sept. 22nd. Site selections limited in Mansfield. Best option
for proposed site - southwest corner of Memorial Park (far right side of dirt parking area)
Concerns raised by B. 'O'Connor about having children skating between cars.
Motion made by D. Blandori to create permanent in line skate area on right side of
entrance to Memorial Park. seconded by D. Leary Vote passed 3.2.
Proposed park estimated cost $40,000. Lorilee recommended to funnel donations for park
through gift account. Money would be earmarked for skate park. Liability insurance estimated
$50042,500 annually. Lorilee will send new update to Selectmen with pros/cons of proposed
site.
Cemetery restoration project -!Bob Pierce questioned why under Parks & Rec.
vs Historical Society. Lorilee provided background of 5 year project. Estimated completion date
one more year. DPW does landscaping for the 9 town owned cemeteries. Historical Society has
provided financial assistance to restoration, process. Committee will see project through to
completion. Full documentation will be available re all sites. '<
Ron requested a copy of mission statement to go out with minutes. Lorilee will check to see if a
written statement is on file. (As of Oct. 10th, written mission statement was not found)
ADJOURNMENT.•
Motion to adjourned by Bob Pierce at 9:20 p.m. Dave Leary seconds motion. ALL IN
FAVOR
Respectfully submitted by:
Eleanor McCarter, Commission Secretary Date
Betty O'Connor, Commission Clerk Date