Stowe Recreation Commission        APPROVED 8/1/07

                                                   June 4, 2007

 

The regular meeting of the Recreation Commission was held Monday, June 4, 2007 starting at 5:00 P.M. in the David Gale Center.

 

Present were: Sheila Goss (her last meeting), Dave Matthews, Phil Scott. Absent: Grady Vigneau and Paul Lawson.

 

Others present: Bruce Godin and Rick Farnham

 

Minutes of April 18, 2007 Mr. Scott moved to accept the minutes, seconded by Mrs. Goss with all in favor.

                                                           

Mr. Scott presented Mrs. Goss with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Town for her 7 years as a member of the Recreation Commission. Members appreciate her dedication and input throughout the years. Thanks Sheila.

 

Barbara Allaire will send a notice to be put in the Green Letter at the elementary school office, which goes to parents, seeking a possible member to the commission.

Mr. Godin stated Mr. Safford, Town Manager, has asked that there be a set of Rules and Regulations drafted for the entire area around the elementary school, Jackson arena, tennis courts, ball fields, roadways, skateboard area etc. Mr. Godin will put in writing his suggestions as will the Commission along with Mr. Farnham. The draft will be ready for the meeting in August. Mr. Farnham will work with Mr. Godin for suggestions. 

 

Mr. Godin suggested the area be named and stated at one time it was named Memorial Park. Barbara will check with Sonny Davis to see if he remembers the name and the reason for it being called that. Members agreed the area should be called Memorial Park.

 

Mr. Godin reiterated his concern with the existing skateboard facility by the Jackson arena and stated it is a mess. His problem is trash, beer bottles, etc and stated one time recently when he got out of his truck he could smell “pot”. He said it is not just skateboarders in the area. (there were 40 kids there when Mr. Godin came to this meeting). When asked, Mr. Godin stated the police are in the area frequently.

At one point, parents were going to over see the area but that didn’t happen. Mr. Godin said he has done a lot of repairs. Mr. Godin stated he is very concerned in having the new skate park where it is being proposed. Mrs. Goss stated there has to be regulations in order to protect their investment. The State people will be in the area this week re: the new park in the area of the wetlands. 

 

Commission members suggested security cameras are something that may be required in the future.

 

Bench in Memory of the Gale Family: The family would like to give a bench to place in front of the David Gale Center (at Mr. Farnham’s suggestion) for people to use.Mr. Godin said the area in front will be torn up this summer along the road. Mr. Farnham will do some research and get together with me at some point and discuss (possibly an iron bench). Barbara Allaire said her concern was kids carving their initials in a wooden bench. 

 

Mr. Godin left the meeting.

 

Jackson Arena: Mr. Farnham stated conversations continue with the architects and at this point, there are no new plans. Justin Rabidoux, Public Works Director is continuing to work on the project and with the committee with no decisions being made.

Tennis Tournament: TheCommission discussed trying to generate interest around the upcoming Fed Cup event to run an amateur tournament. The Commission felt there were too many issues involved, i.e. can the word Fed Cup be used, people to administer the program, Mr. Matthews said he has not been able to get tickets and he suggested not doing it. After discussion, because of the issue and the complexity of putting it together, the Commission agreed not to attempt to do the program. They did agree to have a clinic one day, July 10^th at the courts in the village. Mr. Scott said he would try and get some high school kids to help out. Mr. Matthew suggested inviting the camp kids from Morrisville and Waterbury. Mr. Farnham will work on it. Mr. Scott will try and get a participant of the Fed Cup to come to attend the clinic.

 

Mr. Farnham stated he will do whatever he can to get the 4^th of July program in order to be observed. He will be looking for volunteers. Barbara Allaire suggested that Bruce needs to be included as there are preparations he has to do. 

 

Mr. Farnham stated Brian Kaplan received a $1500 grant from United Way to purchase 5 bicycles to be used for the trails program for the summer kids. At the end of the summer, the Town will own them. Will keep on the grounds or sell the bikes to the kids and purchase new ones, stated Mr. Farnham.   

Election of Officers:  Chair: Phillip Scott

                                     Vice Chair- Grady Vigneau

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Barbara S. Allaire