TOWN OF ARLINGTON PARK COMMISSIONERS Joseph Connelly Jen Rothenberg, Chairperson Director of Recreation Shirley Canniff, Vice Chair Leslie Mayer Donald Vitters Elena Bartholomew Crissy Tarantino, Associate Peter Hedlund, Associate Recreation Department Park and Recreation Commission January 12, 2016 Approved Minutes The Park and Recreation Commission came to order at 7:00pm for its meeting in the Arlington Senior Center on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Members in attendance included: Leslie Mayer, Jen Rothenberg, Shirley Canniff, Don Vitters, Associate Members Elena Bartholomew and Peter Hedlund. Director of Recreation, Joseph Connelly, was also present. Members from the public: Roland Chaput was present to speak on Robbins Farm Dog statue status Approval of Minutes The minutes of November 4, 2015, November 10, 2015 and December 10, 2015 were approved on a motion made by Ms. Mayer, seconded by Mr. Vitters. The motion was approved 4-0 with Ms. Bartholomew not yet present. Open Forum – Public Comments – N/A Robbins Farm Dog Statue The Commission discussed whether the dog statue should be installed at Robbins Farm in a temporary location as permanent layout changes are put forth and finalized. Mr. Chaput relayed information from the sculptor, Bob Sure. A temporary plywood form set below ground level could be fairly easily moved with ropes and a backhoe. Mr. Vitters questioned the stability of the temporary based, for fear of teens trying to “knock it over”. It appears that it is quite stable. Commission agreed the temporary location should be close to the current path, with a temporary install hopefully happening in the spring. (Pending vote by “Friends of Robbins Farm”.) Ms. Rothenberg suggested choosing a temporary location prior to the arrival of bad weather to avoid the snow to spring transition which could further delay the install. Mr. Connelly suggested that Roland continue to work with Friends of Robbins Farm to choose best location and to provide sculptor with dog pictures and dimensions. Ms. Bartholomew questioned who would make the request for funding from the town and whether it would create conflict between Rec and FORF. Commission agreed they would make the monetary bid. Meeting Calendar 2016 Mr. Connelly created the 2016 calendar based on last year’s calendar as well as room availability. Clarifications of locations were addressed as well as date changes to accommodate meetings with 422 Summer Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02474 Telephone (781) 316-3880 Fax (781) 641-5495 TOWN OF ARLINGTON PARK COMMISSIONERS Joseph Connelly Jen Rothenberg, Chairperson Director of Recreation Shirley Canniff, Vice Chair Leslie Mayer Donald Vitters Elena Bartholomew Crissy Tarantino, Associate Peter Hedlund, Associate Recreation Department Hedlund Designs. Ms. Canniff motioned to approve the calendar, seconded by Mr. Vitters, and approved 5-0. Charter Review Mr. Connelly addressed the issue of “Annual Chair Terms” and whether it should be longer. Ms. Bartholomew stated that Chairperson is a “building role” which takes time. Ms. Rothenberg stated that she felt that for a one-year term, the “transition felt fast”. Ms. Mayer, a former Chair, stated that more time was beneficial. Ms. Canniff stated that two year terms allows for better relationship maintenance with other town commissions. Mr Connelly suggested that a two-year term was actually a four-year commitment, two years as Vice Chair, being trained for two years as Chair. Ms. Canniff motioned to extend Chair and Vice Chair terms to two years, seconded by Ms. Bartholomew and approved 5-0. Capital Projects & CPA Update Commission discussed the School Committee's Parent Forum regarding school enrollment increase, a meeting that Mr. Hedlund attended and reported that it was well run and some suggested solutions included the use of Gibbs and Parmenter Schools. Ms. Mayer stated that the School Dept is investigating building on park land, making it important for the Commission to read all plans set forth. Mr. Connelly stated that any acquisition of town land for any suggested expansion projects would require a unanimous vote of the Commission and an act of legislature if protected as Chapter 97 parkland. Ms. Rothenburg requested that Mr. Connelly reach out to the school department to set up a meeting to discuss any potential impacts on property under Park Commission jurisdiction. Off-leash Program Mr. Varoglu requested an update on the off-leash dog program. Mr. Connelly stated that the Animal Control officer gives a monthly update on dog citations. December had 10. Speaker #1 reported that “there were no off-leash dogs last weekend” as a probable result of the increased enforcement. ADA – Mr. Connelly will change the meeting date. Summer Street Field Complex Mr. Connelly stated that a prelim study of the facilities had been conducted by Andrew Leonard – will be recommending improvements to the site and cost expectations. The Town Recycling Coordinator offers “Green Arlington Grant” which could change outdoor lighting at Summer, Hurd and Buzzell. Possible funding could reduce electric bill and improve existing lighting. Magnolia Field Mr. Connelly stated that an audience would be present at the January 26, 2016 Commission Meeting to present plans. FY 2017 422 Summer Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02474 Telephone (781) 316-3880 Fax (781) 641-5495 TOWN OF ARLINGTON PARK COMMISSIONERS Joseph Connelly Jen Rothenberg, Chairperson Director of Recreation Shirley Canniff, Vice Chair Leslie Mayer Donald Vitters Elena Bartholomew Crissy Tarantino, Associate Peter Hedlund, Associate Recreation Department Ms. Mayers stated that at the December 2015 meeting, the CPC would not commit to whether the CPC would fund Robbins Farm Park project this year. An application process has been defined and approved as of January 4, 2016 and a public meeting will be held January 20, 2016 where anyone can present projects to CPC for funding approval. The Commission must put the Robbins Farm project forward through the same channels as all other presenters. Town Meeting must then approve all CPC recommended projects. Mr. Connelly, Mr. Vitters and Ms. Mayers will put together the application, due by noon on February 22, 2016. The Commission members will review the application at a commission meeting prior to submission. Commission discussed the concern about projects being submitted for CPA funding that have not been brought to the Commission first. Ms. Mayer will monitor projects submitted to CPC and report back to the Commission. Recreation Topic Areas Programming – Mr Connelly had a meeting with Adam Chapdelaine regarding the minimum raise increase to $10 /hr is FY 16 and $11/hr in FY 17. Program fees will need to increase to accommodate staff needs. The rink is in working order. Electrical recommendations are being made. Open Space – Ms. Bartholomew stated that someone from the Open Space Committee will be presenting at the meeting at Fox Library on January 14, 2016. She will be identifying new walking routes and points of interest on these routes. Ms. Bartholomew also requested that future Commission meeting printouts “be double-sided to save paper”. Ms. Canniff motioned to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Bartholomew and approved 5-0. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 pm. 422 Summer Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02474 Telephone (781) 316-3880 Fax (781) 641-5495