2007-10-04
City of Beverly, Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board: Parks and Recreation Commission
Subcommittee:
Date: October 4, 2007
Place: Beverly Public Library
Board members present: Mark Casey, Gary Lambert, Bill Lowd, Jack O'Neil, Brian Chirco
Board members absent: Patty Adams, Jeff Rubin, Mike Ralbovsky
Others present: Recreation Director Bruce Doig, Paul & Suzanne Lanzikos, ACO Jim Lindley, Toni
Musante
Meeting called to order at 7:00PM.
Minutes: The 9/6/07 meeting minutes were accepted unanimously (5-0).
Lynch Park Carriage House: Paul & Suzanne Lanzikos addressed the commission and discussed the
Carriage House Renovation Kick Off Party scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2007. Many tickets have
been sold.
Dane Street Beach Concession Stand: Toni Musanti and another neighbor of Dane Street Beach
expressed concerns about plans to have a concession stand at the Dane Street bathhouse. Their concerns
were mostly with possible trash and nighttime usage, which is already a problem after 10:00PM and into
the early mornings. They also expressed concerns about the number of dogs that run off leash at the
beach throughout the day and evenings.
Dog Policy: ACO Jim Lindley discussed the summer enforcement of the new dog policy. He stated that
the patrols started late because of a 3-week delay in getting CORI checks for the three young people hired
for the patrols. The three people hired ranged in age from 16 to 20 years old. The bike patrols were
restricted to Tuck's Point, Dane Street Beach, Independence Park and Lynch Park. According to Jim, these
patrols spoke to about 10 people per day but were told not to issue tickets to avoid confrontations. One of
the limitations was that signage in the parks did not match the updated ordinance due to the late timing
of the ordinance being passed. Each patrol person was working about 12-16 hours per week. One of the
patrol people was injured in the second week and could not complete the summer.
Director's Report: Bruce discussed the following items during his Director's Report -
RECENT EVENTS:
8th Annual Mom's Softball Tournament - September 28-30th - Bruce reported that this may have
been the best year yet for weather, competition and money raised.
Essex National Heritage Trails & Sails - Event at Lynch Park on Sunday, 9/30 - About 100 people
attended and loved the carriage house.
INNOCENTI PARK I MCPHERSON YOUTH CENTER:
Bruce reported that all work should be completed by the end of October or mid-November.
Enterprise Fund - Beginning balance for FY2008 was over $195,000. See handout for details. Summer
revenues and expenses were very good. Gate receipts were highest ever and garden revenues were 2nd
highest ever. Several revenues are still due from Apple Village and the Community Development office.
LYNCH PARK: Concession Stand - Dick William's is retiring from running our concession stand. New
bids will be sought this fall.
LYNCH PARK ADVISORY COMMITTEE I LYNCH PARK CARRIAGE HOUSE: Work to renovate the
"Gallery" (GBA room) has been completed and the room looks great. The floor has been refinished and
the old fluorescent lights have been removed. The cost of the work to date was $13,000 and will be paid
for using LPAC money in the Friends account.
The GBA met with Mayor Scanlon and is trying to get the city to approve a new "lease" for them to
continue using the carriage house for meetings, shows, classes, etc.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - October 4,2007 (continued)
FALL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL:
Bruce reported that Extra Innings has not paid the $1500 for any of the field permits being used this fall.
There are currently 10 teams paying $450 per team to play on Beverly fields. Extra Innings did send a letter
stating that they CORI checked all of their volunteers but Bruce talked to about 7 of their coaches and was
told that they have never been checked by Extra Innings. In addition, individuals who should not be
coaching and who have been removed from other leagues are coaching teams in their league.
COONEY FIELD:
Irrigation has been added to the outfield area. DPW will try to grow grass late this fall and early next
spring. The new irrigation has already helped make the grass greener and the field must less dusty for
Pop Warner practices.
BIRCH PLAINS (VITALE SITE):
Only one field is currently being used by BYSA this fall. Still need a plan for the spring season. Bruce
reported that the ADA concerns about the area around the concession stand/bathroom building have been
resolved by DPW. BYSA is using a portable toilet instead of the building. Art Daignault would like to see
HP toilets at the fields. HP units are $200/month versus only $105 for regular units.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT UPDATES / ADA ISSUES:
Lynch Park Swings - Lynch Trustees have agreed to fund the installation of the new swings. Bruce has
contacted the vendor and he will be coming over soon to check out the site and give an estimate.
Bessie Baker (5-12 structure) - Contacted 2 vendors to give design suggestions and estimates.
Cove Playground (2-5 & 5-12 structures) - Contacted 2 vendors to give design suggestions and
estimates. Bruce talked with a woman that is interested in trying to raise funds for new play structures.
Obear Park - Estimate for fence along embankment - $3250 for 200 feet of 4' black vinyl fencing.
Money available from several donations earmarked for Obear improvements (DEP Waterways License
applications - Francis & Cathleen Kavanaugh - $5730, Dana & Joan Black - $3290
Dix Park - Estimate for gate at bottom of stairs for $640 - Money left in Friends account from initial
installation.
Dog Policy Update - Bruce reported that there was a request over the summer to keep the morning
hours at 8:00AM instead of 7:30AM to eliminate confusion.
GAR Hall - A new card reader was installed on the door by last week. Only two groups are still using the
building. The yoga classes are no longer being held at the GAR Hall. They were not willing to sign a lease
and get insurance as required by the Purchasing Director.
OSRC: Sally Milligan Park - New signs are still needed. There is no mention of the Santin family
donation of 20+ acres. Bruce needs to speak with Robert Buscbaum from the OSRC about new signs.
There has not been an update from Mike Rabolvsky on this subject.
December Commission Dinner - This dinner will be held on Thursday, 12/8/07 at the Beverly Depot.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Bruce Doig
Director, Recreation Department