Loading...
1999-06-03City of Beverly, Massachusetts Public Meeting Minutes Board: Parks and Recreation Commission Subcommittee: Date: June 3, 1999 Place: Recreation Dept. Board members present: Bruce Doig, Elizabeth Caputo, Arthur Powell and Lauren Young Ivy Mahan Beard members absent: Albert W. Churchill, Jr., David Gardner, ,Kevin Hobin, Jane Lyman, Others present: ,loan Fairbank, Recreation Director Minutes of previous meeting were accepted as written. Commission met with Jake Petronzio, the Chairman of the Veterans Way Memorial Advisory Committee. This committee advises the Mayor on Veteran's issues as pertains to the City. They have a small annual budget of $2,500. Discussion was held on Veterans Memorials at Odell Park. Mr. Petronzio explained that since the Civil War all Beverly service men left from the train depot and many family good-byes, as well as, Welcome Home Ceremonies were said from the park. The committee's goal is to keep the memorial simple while honoring the five major engagements. They are asking the city to move the statue currently in Momument Square. The original intent was for the Civil War statue to be placed at Odell Park, but politics intervened. The Committee feels the statue is somewhat hidden in it's current spot which is no longer the center of town. One fundraising effort that was discussed was the selling of "name blocks" which could be installed around the momument. The committee is also asking the city to move four cannon from the cemetery. The group also discussed plans for Vittori Park which the Mayor has asked the Committee to focus on. Joe Vittori was the first Medal of Honor receipent. As well as fundraising the Committee is seeking grant money. Joan recommended that the Commission approve or amend the plan as presented and to send a letter of support to the City Council. · Report was made on the meeting held at City Hall regarding Maplewood. Jack Murray left it that the land be put in the neighbors hands or the money returned. The $10,000 came from the developer not the residents. It was also suggested that the money be put into equipment for Cahill Park. The Maplewood site will not be a park as the land is not acceptable. · At another City Hall meeting to discuss signs at parks the Councilors agreed that the policy set by the Recreation Commission will be followed in the future. The signs currently up at Innocenti were allowed to stay in place until the end of the 1999 BHS season. · A request from Health and Education Services to place "Clear The Air" signs at the parks was denied. Discussion was held on recent problems with the new fountain. Clogging of the filter has occurred due to people and their pets using the fountain to wash off sand from the beach. Signs with various wordings were discussed. Mr. Powell noted that the Committee that worked on the fountain project would need to be consulted on any signs placed in the fountain area. Suggested wordings were: "Please stay out of the water" and "Use of fountain forbidden". Mr Powell opposed any sign that with wording about rollerblading, or skateboarding. It was suggested that the Rangers focus more of their time near the fountain. · Policy for use of the common is needed as the office is receiving requests to hold weddings and events at the new gazebo. Liz and Lauren agreed to work with Joan on a policy. · Lauren reported on the meeting she and Tom Scully had with Mr. Lupino. It seems that the McKay School will eventually be used for administrative offices. She hopes to meet with the Mayor in July to find out what plans he has for the Edwards School, as well as, the Central Fire Station once the new station is built. · A letter from Tina Cassidy regarding the Planters Estate (Wentworth) tot lot was discussed. The letter explained that the site is nearing completion and the Commission is asked to decide if it meets their approval. $15,000 is being held in bond money and the tot lot will be released once the Commission is satisfied with the construction. As last seen (98 park tour) there were many problems that needed to be resolved. Joan will visit the site again. The Commission had previously agreed not be accept the tot lot at this site and had recommended that the City keep some of the money for maintenance of the area. · It was suggested that the Commission write a letter praising Mr. Papamechail and his department for all the improvements made around Beverly. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Gail Carmody Recreation Department