2005-03-03
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Parks and Recreation Commission
Subcommittee:
Date: March 3, 2005
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Mark Casey, Bill Collins, Jack O’Neil, Gary Lambert, Lauren Young,
Dave Gardner, Patti Adams, Mike Gaudette, Arthur Powell
Board members absent:
Others present: Director Bruce Doig, Joscelyn Ruelle Kesker and Jon Paddol
Minutes of previous meeting were accepted as written.
Commission reviewed the list of movies for 2005 as presented by Jon Paddol.
A motion was made to approve the showing of Grease, Singing In The Rain, Star Wars, Sixth
Sense, Casablanca, Finding Nemo and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Motion was carried with all in
favor. Much discussion was held on the advertising and PR for Saving Private Ryan. Suggestions
included: signs in the park, a hand out for that day to everyone entering the park, announcement
before the movie, and that the Ranger patrol the park and talk to families with children. Motion
was made to show Saving Private Ryan on Memorial Day weekend with the advertising to include “
under 17 must be accompanied by an adult”. Motion carried with 2 opposed. Arthur Powell and
Dave Gardner opposed the motion.
Tim from Montserrat requested approval to use Dane Street Beach for a public art performance to
honor People Lost at Sea. The event would include a bonfire which would need approval from the
Fire Dept. Motion was made, seconded and carried with all in favor to approve the event.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
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Bruce reported that Tom Scully was called to a meeting with the Mayor and John Dunn where
it was recommended that we reinstate the drug testing for our summer employees. Tests
were eliminated in 2004 to due the cost. This year the Mayor says the money will be found to
cover the cost to the city.
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Summer staff will receive an increase of $.20 per hr. Supervisors will receive $.35 per hr.
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Recent events included
Field Summit: discussed field fees, insurance, etc.
Camp Registration: 430 registered. Adventure Camp is full. Acme mostly full. Tykes, Village
and Acme Jr. have space.
Polar Plunge: about 20 people participated. About $4000 was raised.
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Harry Ball: Little League looking to spend over $200,000 over the next few years at the field
to address safety and ADA issues with Concession Stand and restrooms. Safety issues with the
batting cages, drainage and releveling of the fields, paving the parking lot, adding new
stands, etc.
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Touch A Truck: Discussed changing the date to May 15.
DOG PARK COMMITTEE
Met with the Mayor who says he supports the project and will find the $5000 for the fencing.
Letters were hand carried to all the neighbors regarding the public meeting at the GAR Hall
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Wednesday, March 9. A letter was also sent to the landlord and property owner. Commission is
invited to attend. City Councilors have also been informed. After this meeting the group will ask
the City Council to change the ordinance to allow dogs off leash in designated areas.
Motion was made that the Parks & Recreation Commission recommend to the City Council that
there be an ordinance change to allow dogs off leash in designated areas. Motion was seconded.
Motion was retracted. Further discussion was tabled.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT (continued)
Advertising: Information has been collected from surrounding communities that sell ad space in
their brochures. The City Solicitor has been consulted.
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Open Space: Activities are planned for Earth Day, April 30 at Lynch Park and will be promoted
on bevrec.com
Field Fees: Report detailing the fee structure was distributed and discussed. Motion was made to
approve the fees as presented. Motion carried with all in favor.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Gail Carmody
Recreation Department