1999-12-02 City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Parks and Recreation Commission
Subcommittee:
Date: December 2, 1999
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Bruce Doig, Elizabeth Caputo, Albert W. Churchill, 3rd, David Gardner ,Kevin Hobin,
Patricia Adams, Arthur Powell, Ivy Mahan, and Lauren Young
Board members absent:
Others present: Joan Fairbank, Recreation Director, Mari Matt, Mark Casey, Tom Scully
Minutes of previous meeting wore accepted as written.
Discussed request regarding name plaque for the bench donated in memory of Elaine Sangster. Joan reported that
the bench company can rout out an area on the bench and install an engraved name plate. Bronze must be used,
brass would be ruined in a short time. The additional cost is $164 bringing the total for the bench to $714. Mr.
Powell asked if we guarantee bench replacement if darnaged in the future, also if wording to be engraved will be
restricted. He also asked if an engraved leaf will be added to the tree as well. it was felt the engraved leaf would still
be done.
Hotion was made to allow plaques to be added to benches in the manner described, The Conunission reserves the
right to approve wording on the plaque and will not guarantee replacement of the bench or repairs if damaged,
Motion carried with all in favor.
Diane Morgan presented the petition and biography of Elaine Sangster as requested. The Commission described the
appreved manner of adding a name plaque to a bench and the cest. It will now be up to Diane and her group to
decide on wording for the engraving. Joan will check with the company on the number of words allowed.
First Night activities planned for the Common were discussed. The fireworks have been cancelled. Lisa McFadden
was present to answer the Commission's questions. The issue of trash removal was raised. Lisa explained that in
the past trash removal was handled by the city. It was noted that the City will need to be asked to provide additional
barrels for inside and outside the tent and Lisa agreed to handle that with Mr. McNeill. It was explained that when
the tent will be put up and taken down is somewhat weather dependant but at the latest it needs to be up the day
before and should come down New Years Day. The contract for the tent is with First Night not the City. Placement of
Ice sculptures was discussed. The Commission asked that the City Engineers determine whether or not the weight
could damage the brick walkways. It was suggested that the paved area by the College could be a more appropriate
site. Notion was made that the request by First Night be accepted subject to the following conditions 1) no driving
on the gram; 2) ice sculptures will be placed on the paved area at Montserrat and 3) that trash collection and
removal will be arranged by First Night. Motion seconded and carded with all in favor.
Mr. Powell reported on the last Lynch Trustees meeting. The Trustees discussed the fountain, plans for the wall for
the area across from the restrooms, Obear Park tennis courts and restoration of the tea house in the garden.
Budget and Finance
Joan provided an explanation of the Enterprise Fund revenues and expenses and why she believes that the
expenditures for Harry Ball Field ($105,000) and the Playground Equipment ($50,000) will deplete the fund to the
point where we will not be able to cover our expenses next year. She noted that the figures clearly show that most
revenue comes from programs but is now being spent on facilities. She suggested that the Commission needs to find
ways to bring in facility revenue. It was suggested that the amount of the deficit be determined by using the
revenue and expense figures from the last 2 years to carry forward for the next two years and that the City Council
be alerted at this time. Tom explained that the City is required by law to make up any difference in the income as
approved in the Enterprise Budget. Further discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Carmody
Recreation Department