Melville Park Minutes Febuary 13, 2008 Meeting Called to Order at 7:00 by E.Rizy, Chairperson The following members were present: P. Higgins, Co-Chair; T. Gray, L. Bryant, K. Ptak, J. Richard, P. Botelho, G. Williams & E. Rizy, Excused Absence: A. Conti, G. Kinnunen K.Gleason Town Council Liaison, was attending nother session in Town Hall Minutes: February minutes approved. P. Botelho made motion, seconded by L. Bryant; approved unanimous Finance: A. Conti will be tired up in business the next few months. G. Kinnunen will assume responsibility for financial reporting. Correspondence: E. Rizy reported: E-mails from A. Conti, G. Kinnunen Old Business Presentation to Town Council February 12 T. Gray reported on amended bylaws. Several comments were made by Finance Director D. Faucher, Council membersn L. Katzman and W. West. T. Gray agreed to meet with R. Driscoll and D. Faucher for final draft, P. Higgins gave an overview of current efforts to reclaim the ponds. He covered contacting granting organizations and the development of a Request for Proposals for an engineering study whose funding would come from a subsequent grant. K. Ptak presented the plan for a Winter Walk February 23 and invited the Council. G. Williams took the Council through a Powerpoint walkthrough of the Yellow Trail.. Pond Reclamation: P. Higgins said we are awaiting the draft RFP from Northeast Engineering. Pat will contact the NCRS and Army Corps of Engineers. T. Gray mentioned that the URI Coastal Group may have additional contacts for grants. Trail Status: Two dog waste collection stands are in place and in use. A large dead limb still hangs over the Yellow Trail. The Scout working the Green Trail promised to resume shortly. Recreation Area Signing: E. Rizy contacted Liptak Signs to produce another Melville Recreation Area sign, copy of the Bradford Road sign, for installation on the Park’s far northeast corner on West Main Road. T. Gray suggested that the wording be simplified. E. Rizy will check with R. Driscoll about the sign installation. Motion to approve: T. Gray, second G. Williams. Unanimous. Tools for Park Maintenance: E. Rizy put hree choices before the committee: rent tools as needed, no shed; buy tool set recommended by B. Bryant and purchase shed for storage; buy a Brush Hog for installation on Campground tractor to clear trails where feasible. P. Higgins and P. Botelho mentioned the desire to eliminate dependency on campground tools since, particularly in summer, they are in use and not available. Concern was voiced about vandalism damaging shed, need to maintain tools should we purchase them, liability should a committee member get injured while using tools, need to check with the Building Inspector to make sure that a shed for park use would not be taxed, and contacting DPW to obtain permission to get gasoline for weed wackers and chain saw during trail clearing operations. Motion was made by L. Bryant, seconded by P. Botelho, to purchase a shed and tool set for trail clearing and obstruction removal. Motion approved unanimously. Youth Programs: J. Richard visited the Klondike Derby at Camp Buxton, Rehoboth, and discussed the feasibility of holding next year’s at Melville with the Scout District Executive, L. Perseghian. He was in favor because it would be a new site. Estimated attendance about 150. E. Rizy furnished G. Williams and J. Richard with a document generated by Raytheon employees for an Interpretive Trail Guide; this would be a template for a Melville guide, covering trees, plants, and animal life, to be used by science classes in tours of the Park. J. Richard also discussed a possible Eagle project with a scout and Troop 22 Newport Scoutmaster. Mott Farm Road Ditch: E. Rizy contacted Portsmouth DPW to request help in clearing the ditch of bushes and trees, to increase the flow of water down to the bay and not across the road. DPW was unable to commit at this time. P. Botelho proposed to rent a mini-excavator ($400/weekend) to clear the ditch on the north side of Mott Farm Road. Where the water is running out of King’s Grant and flooding the road, P. Botelho proposed to trench the road and lay pipe and gravel across to divert water into the marsh to the south. The road rough spots would be graded and 30 yds. of crushed stone would fill in low spots. This would be accomplished starting in early March with help offered from P. Higgins, L. and B. Bryant. Motion to approve by J. Richard, second L. Bryant; approved unanimous. New Business The Winter Walk is scheduled for February 23. K. Ptak presented plans, including provision of coffee, hot chocolate, and marshmallows. Scouts will build and tend a campfire for marshmallows. E. Rizy will provide a table and gas campstove for hot water. Committee members will give tours of all trails. J. Garman offered to give an introduction to arrivals before they walk. Elections and Expiring Terms/Reappointments will be discussed after the Council formally approves the Bylaws.. Motion to Adjourn: P. Higgins. 2nd, P. Botelho.8:40; unanimous Next Meeting: March 12 at Town Hall Respectfully Submitted, Edward Rizy Acting Secretary

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