Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission
May 11, 2010 at 5:30 p.m.
Community Center Conference Room
Members Present: Michael Seidewand, Chairman; Joyce Reynolds, Vice Chair; Meredith Fry, Mike Ryder and Ira Seldin
Members Absent: None
Staff: Dan Tobin
Others: Doug Gratton, Chatham Anglers; Mark Pawlina, Chief of Police
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Vice Chair Joyce Reynolds
Item 1: Chatham Angler’s Police Detail
Doug Grattton explained that the Chatham Angler’s were requesting relief from the requirement of a police detail at each game for the first few games of the season as these games will likely have low attendance. Chief Pawlina said that his department is sufficiently well staffed that he can commit to having a significant presence at these early games. There was discussion of game dates and it was generally agreed that games prior to Friday, July 2 (which will be “CBI Night” at the ball field), would likely pose no crowd-control issues.
Ira Seldin asked about the use of volunteers from the Chatham A’s. Doug Gratton indicated that he could request that volunteers wear vests and monitor the crowd. Chief Pawlina stated that he would prefer that citizens not be asked to assume responsibility for monitoring public activities.
MOTION: Ira Seldin made the following motion, seconded by Meredith Fry: That the Chatham Parks & Recreation Commission not require a police detail at the Chatham A’s games prior to July 2, 2010, with the understanding that the Chatham Police Department will be able to provide adequate coverage at games prior to that date.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Joyce Reynolds complimented Doug Gratton on the cooperative efforts between the Chatham A’s and the Police Department and on good communication efforts with the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Item 2: Ethics and Conflict of Interest Update
Dan Tobin indicated that all necessary paperwork has been completed (except for the newest Commission member) and will verify receipt of all necessary forms with the Town Clerk. A link to the state website will be sent to Mike Ryder.
Item 3: Seaside Links golf Instruction Update
Dan Tobin reported that he has met with the Golf Advisory Committee and is working on the implementation of a golf instruction program for young people for this summer. Discussions have been delayed due to illness but it is the intention of all involved (Golf Advisory Committee and the Sports Management Group) to have a program ready by June. The program will likely serve children from Grades 2 or 3 to Grade 6.
Item 4: Centennial Planning
There was brief discussion about how the Parks & Recreation Commission/Parks Department can participate in events being planned for the 300th Anniversary in 2012. Ira Seldin asked about developing information about the history of the Community Center with the help of the Chatham Historical Society. Dan Tobin will talk to representatives of the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center to learn about their display materials.
Dan Tobin indicated a willingness to assist with activities and support materials that might needed in the Town’s parks for related events, i.e., trash receptacles and removal; porta-potties, etc.
Item 5: Shark Policy
Dan Tobin reported that the beach brochure is ready to go to print once approved by the Commission. There was discussion of the wording of information regarding sharks in local waters. After review and discussion it was agreed that the text from the informational pages prepared for the Chatham Chamber of Commerce guidebook should be used in the brochure with the addition of text from an earlier email from Dan Tobin regarding the presence of sharks in local waters.
MOTION: Meredith Fry made the following motion, seconded by Joyce Reynolds: That the text of the Chamber of Commerce guidebook be used for the beach information brochure along with additional information about sharks.
Discussion:
Additional corrections were suggested:
Change “not public parking” to “no public parking”
Combine statements about not swimming in the vicinity of seals and keeping away from other marine life.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Dan Tobin will work with Paul Lagg to make these changes in the brochure.
Mike Seidewand asked about the installation of signs on the beach. Dan Tobin indicated that they will be installed prior to Memorial Day.
Dan Tobin will be responsible for distributing the brochures to lodging establishments.
Dan Tobin noted that attempts have been made to meet with state representatives regarding shark-related issues but the state is reluctant to take a position about swimming on public beaches. Decisions regarding swimming prohibition must be made at the local level. The State will be monitoring and conducting research about sharks and will notify towns if sharks are sighted in local waters.
Meredith Fry asked about dissemination of this information to tour boat operators. Dan Tobin said that the Harbormaster is planning to inform the boat operators and is planning to have laminated copies of the brochures available for boat captains to share with their passengers.
Meredith Fry asked about notification of Chatham Bars Inn and the Wequassett Inn. Dan Tobin indicated that these facilities would also receive information. Mike Ryder suggested a sign on the dock at CBI.
Dan Tobin said that the brochure dispensers would be maintained at Lighthouse Beach as they were last year.
Item 6: School Gym Issue
Mike Seidewand reported on recent meeting with members of the school committee, school administration and custodial staff regarding the use of the middle school gym for recreation programs. This will require that a number of jointly approved people have an access code for the gym. There was discussion about custodial coverage for gym use, which is not normally available on weekends via the community center.
Mike Seidewand will discuss this issue with the Chatham School Board further.
Item 7: Signs on North Beach
There was brief discussion about the installation of warning signs and “no swimming” signs near the new cut into Pleasant Bay. Dan Tobin reported that he talked to the Town Attorney about the inclusion of a fine on the signs and this can be done to a maximum of $300.
Mike Seidewand said that he has spoken to a number of associations (Coast Guard, Lifeguards, etc) in California and Sydney, Australia regarding their shark policies . They reported using “Danger Sharks, No Swimming” and “Swim at Your Own Risk” signage as most effective.
There as brief discussion about the difficulty of enforcing a fine for swimming but general agreement that a fine of $300 should be added as an added deterrent.
Mike Seidewand stated that the signs should be large – similar to the Lighthouse Beach signs. Dan Tobin will order the signs and have them installed prior to Memorial Day.
Item 8: Minutes
Minutes of the March 23, 2010 meeting were approved with the following corrections:
Item 1, page 1: First sentence to read: Mike Seidewand indicated there is a strong interest within the community in a golf program for children at Seaside Links.
Item 2, page 1: Change Meredith Fry to Mike Seidewand.
Item 7, page 3: On-Line Training to read: Dan Tobin reminded everyone to complete the on-line ethics training.
Minutes to the April 27, 2010 meeting will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Item 9: Other Business
Beach Repairs: There was brief discussion about potential difficulties in repairing and cleaning with the Surf-Rake south-facing beaches (Cockle Cove and Forest Beach) because of the presence of piping plovers.
Leon Long Retirement: Joyce Reynolds had prepared a letter of commendation to Leon Long regarding his 31 years of service to the Town of Chatham. The letter was circulated for member signatures.
Chase Park Memorial Trees: Joyce Reynolds asked about the placement of memorial trees in Chase Park. Dan Tobin will review the proposed locations with Anne O’Brien.
Playground Benches: Meredith Fry suggested that benches are needed around the playground. Dan Tobin will see that some are installed.
Restroom Opening: Mike Ryder thanked Dan Tobin for opening the restrooms near the baseball field. Dan Tobin indicated that the cleaning crew maintains these restrooms and will try to have them open during baseball games.
Oyster Pond Brick Walk: Dan Tobin will contact Ginny Hamblet regarding the relocation of bricks at Oyster Pond.
Item 10: PTU’s
Annual Paw Wash/Dog Wash in Chase Park sponsored by the Chatham Squire and the Chatham Fire Department. Event date: August 17 from 8 to 11 a.m. and 5 – 7 p.m.
Chatham Elementary School Field Day at Veterans’ Field.
Item 11: Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Notes by Marie Williams
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