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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRecreation Comm 01/14/1991N pNSP, TOWN OF MANSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 50 West stEa'ef;,Mahsflg1d,,10A`�,0�048 �byyN RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 14 1991 .' Present: Chairman, Ron Reeves, Commission Members Joe Sarro, Wayne 'Currie, Bill r Ciavarra .and; Parks and 'Recreation, Lorilee Fish AGENDA Ron welcomes newest member, William Ciavarra and asks 'him to tell the Commission about himself. Bi1—Illi avarra'_s__Back round Bill grew up in Easton and moved to Mansfield two years ago. He and his Fife have two ;children. ` His father was on the Recreation Commission in Easton. He works in 'Watertown, MA. He was in- volved in hospital administration, and is now working for Boston Scientific. His wife works at Norwood Hospital. Lick Nelson & Jim Kenney Dick Nelson decided not to continue on the Commission. His term was up and now -has a very busy schedule. Jim Kenney decided not to continue on the Commission. His term was also up, Joe would like to have a copy of Jim's letter to the Commission, Ron will circulate the letter to the Commission Election of Chairman„& Clerk CHAIRMAN Wayne Currie nominates Ron Reeves as Chairman. Vote: 2-1 Joe Sarro nominates Wayne Currie as Chairman. Vote: 1-0 Bill states that because he is new, he doesn't really know which way to vote. He asks Ron how he feels about being re -:elected a second term. Ron states that he would :like to be Chairman for one more term. `'Bill then votes for Ron Reeves for a second term. CLERK Joe Sarro nominates; Wayne Currie as Clerk.. Vote :3-0. The responsibility of the clerk is to initial vouchers, sign minutes, and stand in for Chairman when absent.' Recreation Commission Minutes January ';14, 1991 Page 2 MINUTES Wayne moves to accept minutes as written. Joe Seconds the motion. ALL IN FAVOR. BUDGET The combined Parks and Recreation Budget is approximately $140,000. 66% - Parks 34% - Recreation Budget has been printed. Each Board presents their proposed budget to the Selectmen and the Finance Committee. Revolving Budget - Consists of Program Fees, 1991 Recreation Meeting Schedule Meeting Schedule determined by Commission from 'January through August, 1991 only. Will determine September `through 'December Meeting Schedule at a later date. January 14, 1991 January 28, 1991 February 11, 1991 February 25, 1991 March 11, 1991 March 25, 1991 April 81 1991 April 22, 1991 May 20, 1991 June 10, 1991 June 24, 1991 July 22, 1991 August 12, 1991 Recreation Commission Minutes January 14, 1991 Page 3 Summer Cama Evaluation Background: Advisory group made up of Kathy Connaughton, Jean Wolbrink, Steve Jackson, Wayne 'Currie, Lorilee Fish and .Bill Fusullo. The Summer Camp has been well _run for '20 years. Lorilee took it over in '1987. The number of 'attendees is dropping. This program runs for eight weeks. Campers are taking advantage of being at camp 'less than the eight weeks. The program cost exceed the revenues, and therefore,is in jeopardy of being canceled. In 1989, the program had a $10,000 deficit, The derision was made to run the program in 1990. Five thousand dollars in funds was raised by F.A.C.T. The program will run in 1991 and we will continue to control costs and evaluate way: to improve the program. We will review this program again in the Fall of 1991 so that .we can determine what changes, if any, can be made, i.e., cost control, ,and how we can attract new campers. Wayne Currie summarized the program - The Summer Camp Program will be as financially self-sufficient as ,possible. We would like to make the brochure as appealing as po=ssible. The biggest draw back last year was that there wasn't any swimming`; available to the campers. The Sub -committee] would like to implement swim- ming lessons for this y=ear. Another important factor we have to consider is to`increase the enrollment of 'summer camp.' The 1991 Proposed 'Fee Schedule is as follows: Weeks Fee it *Inrrt_a-e 8 $200 39 $7,800 12'<. 7 200 3 600 21%, 6 185' 5 925 26% 5 155 2 310 26% 4 125; 13 1,625 25% 3 95 5 475 25% 2 65 11 715 25% 1 35 10 350 33% l day 10 15 150 30% # = number of participants M Increase percentage using 1990 fees The projected recession we are in will probably last 6 to 9 months. People cannot afford to go to the YMCA camp. We prob- ably can pick up those people. There is definitely ,a need for the camp. Recreation Meeting Minutes January 14,'1991 Page 4 Last year there were approximately 126 full time, part time and scholarship campers. The sub -committee would like to see that number increase. Surrounding towns have approximatelythe same number of campers in their camps,' Scholarship money, up to $1,000, will be available to families ;who need financial assis- tance, Last year ;we had 30 applicants, and 23 attended. The age ;group for summer campers is five to twelve years old (grades kindergarten through 6th grade).; Initally, Summer camp was canceled last year. On May 15th ,summer camp was reinstated. Sub -committee thought there could have been more campers if the camp had not been cancelled. Would like people to register as early as possible. A late fee has been instituted. The need for early registration is primarily because we have to hire couselors• Would like to have a good handle on this program. The fee structure is'as'shown on page 3,' The ratio for child/counselor is 10/1. Would ,like to boost CIT morale. If we decide on a .`50 cent increase in salaries this year for coun- selors, we will have to think about how it will be absorbed into fee structure.' The economy is so bad right now, there probably would not be a, problem with the couselors' riot getting a'raise this ,year. The returning counselors salary will stay the same. Scholarship monies stay at $1,000: In 1990, The Women of Today donated $1,000 and the Housing Authority donates $250. 'These monies are earmarked for scholarships. Businesses usually donate for the underprivileged children. There will. be no bus service this year. Bill Fasulo will receive a salary as last year, The hours of the camp will be 9:00 a.m, to ,3:00 p.m., but they children may arrive at 8:00 a.m. and have to be picked u,p_by 4:00 P. in, Motion: Wayne - Approve the summer camp (with conditions as stated above) for another year and evaluate it on a year to year basis. Joe .seconds the motion. ALL IN FAVOR. E The late charge, as of this meeting, will be $10.00. Lorilee will have her thoughts on the refund policy ready for the next Recreation Meeting. Meeting with Sub -committee on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:00 ,p.m, Ron states that the sub -committee has done an excellent job. The structure of the tuition increase is very good, He likes the way that the shorter duration campers will be charged a little more than the eight week campers, Recreation {commission Minutes January 14, 1991 Page 5 On rainy days, the camp will be held at the high school. Commission will met the refund policy. In cases of death in the family, or upcoming emergencies for campers, the commission will review each case individually and determine refund on a case to case basis. The sub -committee will write out specific policies to date (i.e., no bus this year, etc). Commission would like to get the camp brochures out as early as possible, They would also like to advertise early. The program facilities schedule will be included in the'brouchure. ICathy;Connaughton brought up the feasability study for the pool. She stresses that the pool and recreation center will definitely enhance the Summer Program. Youth Cerner - Bob Tartufo Bob Tartufo teaches physical education in Raynham_ Ten years ago he was part owner of a recreation center 'off route 138 in Raynham equipment with pinball machines, video machines, pool tables, etc. It was the ''largest electrical game center in Southeastern, Massachusetts. ''_Bob _also helped Parks and Recreation in Raynham start up a ;youth recreation center. He had applied for a game center permit in Mansfield years ago, but was turned down. His establishment hired two semi -retired policemen who had good rapport with the Yids, and two x -linebackers who were very good bodyguards. Everyone was very visible to the kids. The center also had volunteers, but that phase passed quickly.There were few problems, although they did have a problem with the traffic. Theabutters came to the meetings. There was a lot of press, a lot of positive attitudes. The kids who belonged to the rec center had to pay dues. Bob does not recall what the dues were, but he will try to get the information and call Diane. Bob would not encourage a recreation center at this particular point in time. The Yids were the ones who kept it cleaned. The center had a'Board. Any ,projects that the kids wanted to do had to go through the Board. Rules were posted clearly on the wall. NO SMOKING NO 'ALCOHOL ON PROPERTY. If there was any trouble they could usually correct it them- selves, but if the trouble persisted, a letter was sent out through counsel stating that they were not allowed on the premises. There was no telephone outside the building because of the fact that a telephone would attract late night gatherings. A pay tel.phone was inside the building for the kids. January 14, 1991 Page_6 Motion detectors were connected right to the police station. The building ,size was approximately 100'-x 40 or 50'. The ;size was very adequate at that time. It is very important to have the right amount of Umbrella Liability,Covera.ge. They were closed on Sundays. It seems to the Commission that these kids we are dealing with have very little interest except for their music. They are not a very active group. There are approximately 50+ kids in this par- ticular group and seem tightly knit. The Commission explained to Bob that these kids did do a "Battle of the Banda concert. Approximately 500 kids 'attended, This program did not meet their financial expectations. Commission does not expect a lot, of parental :support. Bob will look into how they monitored who came into and went out of the 'building. Bob states that if 50 kids in town want some- thing to ome-thing-to do, then it is worth having a recreation center. The minimum cost to start a recreation center would probably he $2,000, with volunteer supervision. .He recommends no food, no candy, ;no smoking. His recreation center was air conditioned. Joe Sarro will. check with Father Annunziat.o to find out if the old church on Church Street is vacant, and if we can rent it. Bob ;states that the kids determine if the recreation center will be a .success or not. Make :sure the kids are responsible for it. Ron thanks Bob for his time and tells him how enlighting he was. Bob Mates that when he gathers up more information, he will ,get hack to Diane. Wayne thinks this is something we should pursue. He states that it is great to think about these kids and try to help them, but this should be a long term project. Ron would like Joe to look into the properties at: Park. Row Memorial Hall (Library) Old St. Mary's Church Old Post Office and let the commission know what plans, if any, anyone has for these buildings, Recreation Commission Minutes January 14, 1991 Page 7 Our first steps should be to find but who is planning to ,move where, what buildings are available, the space accommodations, if the building needs a major resotration or just touch ups. Correspondence Revolving Account as of December, 1990 - $21,662.66 MRPA Review—There is a recreation/service -tax for adult, 19 years and older, for a fee of over $30.00. Midet Football - Electric Bill due for November is $98.94. Mt. Wachusett Ski Trip Flyer Made up and ready to go. t Old Business Ice Skating Parties - Second and third skating parties cancelled do to.unskateable ice. There was nothing that Icould be done about the ice situation. Some parts of the ice were slush., some parts of the ice was frozen solid, but very bumpy. Would 'like to use cones to`separate the hockey play from the recreational skating, We cannot :flood with ruts. Would like to flood front. section .of pond. Roller Skating - Lorilee will send out volunteers needed letter for the roller 'skating party to be held at Highland Heights' Roller Skating Rink in Taunton. If there is no response, we will cancel Roller Skating for February vacation week.. Volunteers will skate for free. Field Use Report -'Tabled Letters sent out to summer camp parents that still owe money. $100.00 received. Others have not responded. Will have to take action against the parents who have not paid.They cannot register their child for future programs until this bill is cleared. Ballroom Dancing - Nobody is interested in teaching ballroom dancing on Tuesdays. Basketball .registration - Going very well. There are 132 (grades 5 - 8) and 131 (grades 1 - 4) total registrations and six scholarships. Recreation Commission Minutes January 14, 1991 Page 8 Budet -'Summer Camp letter to fin com concerning the $43,500 for Program Supervisor and $1,500 for the program :that was put in Rec/Cult. 'Support This was not well received by Town Accountant Gallagher and Acting Town Manager Cutillo. They looked at it as a new position. No new positions were added to any ;proposed budget. Award for Allen Cinelli Would like to present Allen Cinelli with an award at the next Recreation Meeting which will be held at the Town Hall on January 28. Would like to present a plaque every six months to our volunteers who help ,make our programs a success. Press invited. New Business Field Use Request Form - No other thoughts by the Commission. Fees to stay the same. Ron would like to attach additional and specific rules and regulations for the different park users." Late Fees - Would like to have a policy set by the Commission regarding late registrations. Motion: Bill Motion to institute a late fee on all programs of $10.09 unless otherwise stated in 'brochures. Wayne _- Seconds the motion. ALL IN FAVOR. Ski Lessons at Blue Hills in Canton - This program was cancelled clue to lack of participation. Day Trip to Mt. Wachusett -`Bus leaves the high school at 6:00 a.m. sharp. Maximum of 40 skiers. We need four chaperones. Commission would like to look into a ski trip on March 1st or 6th to Wachusetts Mountain. Wayne will find out the best times to go.Friday night would be best. Recreation would get one free lift tickets for every 20 people they bring on the trip. Summer. Movies - Would like to show movies during the summer on South Common. Would ask for donations to ,pay for film rentals and eventually the projector and screen. Would get the movies through MGM. Film rentals would be taken out of the revolving account. Would like to get a mobil concession stand to profit Recreation, or build a permanent one. Lorilee will check with Cutillo and Gallagher regarding the legalities and purchasing the equipment. Would like to ask John Larch if he would be interested in purchasing the projector. I Recreation Commission Minutes January 14„ 1991 Page 9 Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus April 30-- May ;5, 1991. Will burr a }dock of '50 tickets, Tickets on sale in Spring. Special Needs Adults -in Basketball &. Vol.le-Zball_Prog)zams Dick Nelson 'runs volleyball, Volunteers collect registration forms, sot up the equipment, etc. A woman 'dropped off 'a retarded 'young man who had no skills in 'volleyball, and left him to play. This young man also is an epileptic. It was very unfair of this woman to just drop this man off without informing us. A suggest- ion to this woman was to get this man trained in playing volleyball first. Lorilee talked to this woman and she agreed that when he comes back to play again that someone would be with him the entire night. The players were 'playing around him because they were afraid he would get hurt, Safety for this man is a big factor ,for Lorilee and the Commission, Conservation Day Conservation Day :will be held May 11 and 12, 1991. Janice Mezoely. would like to know if Lorilee would run the parade. She would Like to have face painting, etc, The commission would not like, to get in- volved in this project because of the many other programs that have to be run. Summer Camp will take up a lot of time. Concerts :on_the Common - 1991 Our 'biggest hit last year was Yankee Jack and Marie. A lot of people have come up to Lorilee and :asked her for more country singers. John Michaels will perform on July 4th. Lorilee will have some sort of schedule ready for next meeting. M1scr lllaaieous Diane will go through minutes and outline items that have to be fol- lowed up on, Motion: Joe Motions to Adjourn - Wayne Seconds - ALL IN FAVOR. 11:00 p.m, Respectfully Submitted By: Diane Troy f Secretary % /11 Dai;e/ -� Recrea '.n Clerk