Melville Park Minutes
July 12, 2006

  • Meeting Called to Order at 7:06 by B. Bryant, Chairperson
  • The followmg members were present; B. Bryant, E. Rizy, G. Kinnunen, L. Bryant A. Conti, J. Garman, and Pat Higgins:
  • The follow members had an excused absence: B. Harmon and P. Botelho
  • Minutes: Secretary G. Kinnunen mailed to committee members.
  • Motion to approve: J. Garman ... 2nd E. Rizy ... unanimous
  • Portsmouth Re Development Agency .... Guest Helen Mathieu, Chairperson.
    • The Agency was formed so that the Town would have identified town's land needs .... and gathered input as to how to use the Navy Tank Farms land when at some point in time it will be turned over to the Town of Portsmouth.
    • Navy has realized the land's worth and is inclined to turn the property over to an Agency & the State has guidelines in place for such a land transfer,
    • Then the Town listens to proposals for use of the land.
    • The Town Council has set some things in place with the Town's Comprehensive Plan in mind.
    • Helen stressed the importance of contacting neighbors of the Tank Farms for their ideas before the land is transferred to the Town.
    • Also said this is a "looking into the future period at this time".
    • Helen displayed a map so we could see what land we could add to the Campground and Melville Park as well as any Buildings available. Asked J. Garman if he had any history that would help the project. Jim noted that he is working on the historical aspects of the area.
    • Helen said that ideas from many groups have to come together to form a large overview of what can be done with the land. Handicap planning needs to be included in the planning stage.
    • P. Higgins asked that we inlude this topic in future Melville Meetings
  • Updates on Bridges # 1,2, & 3 ...... B. Bryant
    • P. Higgin's bridge I complete.
    • Scout Billy McGlinn's bridge just needs set of stairs on North side.
    • Scout Henry Miller's bridge is complete.
  • Discuss and Draft a Letter of Thanks to the Scouts.
    • B. Bryant will send letter of thanks to each participating scout.
    • E. Rizy will get names and any other needed information needed.
    • J. Garman suggested personalizing the letters.
    • B. Bryant would like to put the trail work done in the local papers.
  • Discuss Plans for Yard Sale.
    • Set a 9/23/06 date & tabled further planning until next meeting.
  • Discuss Future Trail Work.
    • B.Bryant noted that the Red Trail is a work in progress Yellow Trail marked. Needs helpers as some of the markers recently put up are not bright enough .... need to improve this situation.
    • Bridge #2 needs steps on the North side & then will be completed.
    • Bridge #3 is framed in ... decking to do ... completion soon.
    • E. Rizy has 3 scouts needing community service ... could work on yellow trail & re color the Orange Trail markers.
    • P. Higgins wanted to dress up the area near the upper pond. Area has been leveled off & needs gravel. Pat will work on a presentation for the parking area.
    • B. Bryant will put gravel back in the parking area to the original level.
  • Budget Report.
    • Treasurer A.Conti reported that there was no official report but that it was the same as last month with a few small bills to be paid out.
  • Other.
    • P. Higgins spoke to Joe Duffy & he said Scouts will clear around pond and this may not be a good idea.... needs a clarification.
    • L. Bryant noted that with Winter coming we need to focus on the electronic gate & get an estimate for this project.
    • J. Garman "Thanked" all for their help with the Open House that was cancelled due to extreme rain and plan for a possible October 6, 06 or April 07 ... Open House. Also noted that the Press Coverage was good.
    • G. Kinnunen asked that members having extra photos of 2006 activities donate a few so the new PR Display Panel can be made which will highlight the work done at Melville this year,
    • We will review our stated goals next meeting.
    • E. Rizy suggested that we ask Barbara (B. Driscoll's Sec.) to look into our web site to see if we could add to it or improve it.
    • B. Bryant noted that raw sewerage is flowing down Mott Farm Road & it appears to be coming from a back yard in King's Grant. Bill will contact DPW to initiate the assessment of this problem.
  • Motion To Adjourn... P. Higgins... L. Bryant 2nd ...8:35 unanimous

    *** Next Meeting ...August 10, 2006 .. Melville Campground Pavillion ***

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