MEETING OF MELVILLE PARK COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 11, 7:00 P.M., at Portsmouth Town Hall |
Attendance: P. Higgins, T. Gray, G. Kinnunen, G. Steeley, J. Richard, E. Rizy
Notified Absences: L. Bryant, P. Botelho, J. Emerson, D. Sly, G. Williams,
Others Absent: K. Gleason, D. Sly
Guests: J. Augustine, G. Nichols
REPORTS
Minutes from February Meeting: Correction on second to motion to hold maintenance account, G. Kinnunen seconded. Motion to accept as corrected: by J. Richard, seconded T. Gray Unanimous
Finance (G. Kinnunen): no change since last month. Final payment to Pare Corporation awaiting final report
Correspondence: request by R. Driscoll to submit 2009=10 budget request. E. Rizy responded with request for $15K, same as last year; $10 for pond work; $2K for Scout projects; $3K for committee work.
J. Richard reemphasized that the Park Committee needs its own budget. He will head budget subcommittee, assisted by G. Steeley. Initial report due September 2009 for Committee consideration.
Scout Projects Progress Reports: minor work due on concrete building smoke stack. Scouts from Troops 1 Portsmouth and 7, 77 Middletown are requesting additional projects. We have three in mind. G. Nichols suggested ‘bog bridges’ (based on floating logs) for the Green Trail to allow walking over the soupy bog.
OLD BUSINESS
Winter Walk: Lessons learned: attendance abut 3. No newspaper or TV publicity this time; needed for next year. G. Kinnunen suggested Sunday as a better choice than Saturday/errand day. P. Higgins suggested we also link to Newport’s ‘Winterfest’ activity and post notices on our bulletin boards. Also we should have speakers on Cox’s Channel 18 Community Bulletin board. Dunkin Donut’s Portsmouth store donated about $50 worth of coffee, hot chocolate and supplies. G. Kinnunen has written a ‘thank you’ note to the manager.
Pond Reclamation Project (P. Higgins): final report is still in internal review. Pt has been following up on progress of tis ‘six-month’ effort almost daily. J. Richard offered to talk with D. Faucher, Town Finance, about progress and keeping Committee informed.
Tank Farms 1 and 2, Melville and Economic Development: P. Higgins will attend the March 12 meeting.
Park Rules reproduction request (E. Rizy): found a way to open up document to imbed excellent pictures in updated text, approved by Town Council. This is promised to be ready shortly.
Trail Work: date is set for April 25. Suggestion to move to April 11conflicts with Easter weekend. J. Augustine will help J. Emerson produce a flyer. Effort will focus on trail clearing, mulchin and marking.
NEW BUSINESS
G. Nichols, an adult Scouter with Pack 1 Portsmouth, also involved with Troop 1 and District activities, proposed “Leave No Trace” camping by Scout units. The camping would take place in wooded areas, not require any permanent structures (e.g., fire rings), and would leave the area untouched upon completion. A permit process would be required. The Committee noted that this idea is perfectly in conformity with the new Rules & Regulations, about to be published. J. Richard moved that Mr. Nichols’ program, LNT, be accepted; G. Kinnunen 2nd. Unanimously accepted.
Red Trail near the bay and RR Tracks: it was suggested that we contact DPW for more effort in opening the Red Trail fully, as well as clearing the area for a picnic bench to be installed. This would invite hikers, King’s Grant residents, RR riders and boatyard people to enjoy the lowest reaches of the Park. Also, Mr. Jamie Frietas should be contacted to discuss renting his equipment for $500/day to restore the lower area to open space.
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