Melville Park Minutes
July 11, 2007

  • Meeting Called to Order at 7:05 by Ed Rizy, Chairperson
  • The following members were present: The following members were present: E.Rizy, P.Higgins, G.Kinnunen, T.Gray, K.Ptak, & J.Richard.
  • The following members were absent: G.Williams,& G.Love.
  • The following members had an excused absence: L.Bryant & P.Botelho.
  • The following member arrived at 7:25 .... A.Conti
  • Jim Garman ... friend of MP was in attendance.

  • Minutes: Approved 6/13/07 as amended ( noted K.GIeason's Trail Day photos)
    • Motion to approve: P.Higgins ... 2nd... T.Gray ... unanimous

  • Finance Report:
    • The report was reviewed by committee. E.Rizy noted that there were no immediate expenses.
    • Also noted that next year we will request that a separate MP Budget report be provided to the committee by the Finance Dept.
    • There is $1,328.89 in Yard Sale account as of 7/11/07.
    • There is $100.00 in the Town account as of 7/11/07).

  • Proposed Charter:
    • The document was read by the committee.
      The document will be named "Melville Park Charter".
    • J.Richard noted appreciation for E.Rizy's effort in composing document. J.Richard noted that he was concerned as to what we present to the Town Council ..... example #2 & #3 of proposed charter ...he noted that the MP Committee may not have the expertise to do some of the items. Also noted that we may not have the authority to do the #l & #2 projects. E.Rizy noted that committee member Glen Williams is a plant expert. Also noted that Tree Warden Matt Largess may do a survey for us and Mike Kenyon of the Natural Resource Conservation Service will help us with water issues.
    • Motion to Accept "Melville Park Charter"... J.Richards ... 2nd P.Higgins ..... unanimous

  • Website Status:
    • T.Gray gave a visual presentation of the website he created.
      www.melvilleponds.org
    • Basic committee member's information listed ... such information has been listed on the Town's website for some time.
    • The website serves 2 purposes:
      • provides publicity / information about Melville Park
      • facilitates internal communication
    • K. Ptak asked if it is necessary to have MP Minutes on the website ... many committee members thought it was good to do so .G.Kinnunen noted that it is not a requirement.
    • The MP Committee thanked T.Gray for his excellent website & all the work he has done with various computer related projects for MP.

  • Melville Park Brochure:
    • T.Gray was thanked for his great color photo on the cover as well as the very informational text in the brochure .
    • Now we can produce a large amount of them with current committee membership, events, MP information & contact points.

  • Water Survey Results:
    • On June 18th a survey was done: the following Members participated: Mike Kenyon, NRCS, E.Rizy, J. Richard & T.Gray.
    • E.Rizy noted that Pond #l had a lot of algae on top ... Town had hired a company to kill it .... Navy is involved .... there is overlap at times that is a factor in dealing with projects/ concerns.
    • Pond #l is flowing into Pond #2 ... overflow mechanism needs work.
    • Pond # 2 has a lot of silt in it.... needs to be removed ... where to put it ?
    • We need to list which ponds need to be high priority in terms of work. Editor's Note: On July 19, the ponds were revisited to satisfy this item. The results are summarized in the Attachment.
    • T.Gray has been taking samples of Pond #2 & sending them to URI ... Duck Weed has always been a concern there .... maybe nutrients from the the former "Rainbow Heights " have caused this growth.
    • Pond #3 is totally dry.
    • The creek right after Pond #2 is almost dry.
    • Suggestion ... Pond #5-7-8 be looked at for repair .... get forms from from Mike Kenyon ( USDA'S Natural Resources Conservation Services ) who will help with the estimates.
    • E.Rizy noted that we need a current site map .... no up dating in 33 years.

  • West Side Development Plan:
    • G.Kinnunen noted that we need to get an update on current plans.

  • Honoring Citizen Participation:
    • E. Rizy noted that we need to log volunteer activity. He suggested a "MP patch" to be worn on a shirt /cap or a shirt designed for recognition of volunterism at MP.
    • K.Ptak suggestion that perhaps " National Trail Day " did not attract many participants due to the lack of publicity ... she noted that there is a difference between PR & Publicity .... she distributed information about these 2 subjects & their differences are elaborated on in the handouts .... further discussion will continue at our next meeting.

  • Other:
    • J.Richard distributed a "Memo for MP Committee".
      Subject: MP as an asset for youth interacting with nature.
      Highlighting Richard Louv's book Last Child in the Woods.
      Copy of Memo attached to Minutes located in MP Secretarial file.

  • Motion to Adjourn...J.Richard... 2nd ..A.Conti ... 8:45 ***

    ***** Next Meeting..... August 8, 2007 ..... Town Hall *****

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