2005-11-03
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Parks and Recreation Commission
Subcommittee:
Date: November 3, 2005
Place: G.A.R. Hall
Board members present: Mark Casey, Bill Collins, Jack O’Neil, Dave Gardner, Arthur Powell, Mike
Gaudette, Gary Lambert
Board members absent: Patti Adams
Others present:RecreationDirector Bruce Doig, Asst. to the Director Joscelyn Ruelle-Kersker, Jerry
Guilebbe, Director of Veterans Services, Jake Petronzio
Minutes of previous meeting were accepted as written.
Veteran Memorials at Odell Park
Jake Petronzio of the Veteran’s Advisory Group reported that the work on the bell and tower has been
completed. Discussed further plans for the park including bronze placques for the tower representing the
major conflicts. Also discussed removing the middle walkway, relocating the cannons and irrigation system.
Jerry talked about the need for some new benches. Commission asked for a specific plan in writing
describing everything the veterans are planning for the site. Jake will work with Engineers at City Hall to
get a plan in writing.
Director’s Report
Fall classes: Enrollment is very good so far
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Commission Dinner: Dec 1 at the Depot starting at 6:30 pm
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Park Tour: Bruce suggests the 12th or 19 starting at 7 or 8 am.
Cooney: Backstop work to begin soon.
G.A.R. Hall: Mayor Scanlon says he has no immediate plans to sell the building
Brochure Advertising: Letters were mailed, followed up 2 weeks later with a postcard reminder.
Lynch Park: Roof materials have been delivered.
Harry Ball: Work continues
Youth Collaboration: Mary Grant is hoping to get $300,000 from Mass Supplemental Budget for
renovations to McPherson. Has been passed by the House, going to the Senate.
Vitale: Site has been leveled, work is moving along.
Park Equipment: Letter was sent to the City Council regarding equipment that will be removed.
Bruce completed a full inspection of all equipment on school property. Swings at Hannah, which are on
city property have exposed concrete and need safety surfacing. The money that is in the budget is
specifically earmarked for surfacing for the new swings at Lynch Park.
Off Leash Dog Proposal
Liability: Discussed whether or not the City would be liable for claims in off-leash areas. Mr. Collins
reported that he was informed that the City would not be liable due to a State Law covering recreation
areas. It was decided to ask City Solicitor Roy Gelineau for clarification.
Dave Gardner made a motion that parks be evaluated on the park tour with the idea that each area of the
city will have access to an off-leash dog area and also access to parks where dogs are not allowed. Motion
was not seconded.
Jack O’Neil made a motion to look at 6-12 parks for off leash areas from dawn to 9:30 am. Motion was
seconded. Discussion was held. Motion was withdrawn.
Motion was made by Mike Gaudette that dog-free parks be created.
Motion was made by Arthur Powell that no parks be identified and no number of parks be committed to
until specific criteria (based on size, location, play area, sports field, etc) have been established as to what
will and what will not qualify as appropriate areas for on-leash, off-leash or dog-free areas. Motion was
seconded. Motion carried with 5 in favor and 2 opposed (Collins and O’Neil).
Four categories were established: Dog-Free Parks, Off-leash areas (non-existent park), Off-leash area
(existing park) and On-leash area (full or limited access). All parks will be assigned a category. A special
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meeting was scheduled for Saturday, November 12 from 9-10:30 am at the G.A.R. Hall to continue
discussions.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Gail Carmody
Recreation Department