| |  Minutes of Melville Park Committee | Date: March 7, 2012 Attendance:E. Rizy, L. Lesinski, J. Richard, T Gray, G. Kinnunen, J. Wesner, , W. White, P. Kesson Excused Absence: Williams, J. Emerson Absence: D. Sly Reports Minutes: From Feb meeting accepted, motion by J.Richard, 2nd G. Kinnunen. Finance: Balance $7.244.40. Last expenditure was for $450 to TSS Labs to test Pond 8 soil. Upcoming charge of about $50 for Winter Walk refreshments should have been charged to Yard Sale Fund. Correspondence: J. Richard reappointed to Committee for three years. K. Hamilton, councilman, alerted us to grants available from Merritt Fund, via Aquidneck Island Land Trust, Deadline 1 April. Action Item: J. Richard to contact AILT for application to fund restoration of Pond 8. Scout Projects: J. Roque, Troop 77, continues to work Green Trail. S. Vierkant, Troop 82, proposes to install bat houses in the park to combat mosquito problem and assist threatened bat species. Proposal was well received, but siting requirements must be researched. G. Kinnunen recommended a visit to Norman Bird Sanctuary in addition to researching Park sites. D. Barrett, Troop 77, will examine Red Trail mud hole for possible bridging effort. J. Richard recommended that the Scout Eagle Project list be updated. Many projects have been completed, and others should be defined. Action Item: J. Richard and E. Rizy to draft an update to the list. Pond 8 Restoration: E. Rizy furnished pond documentation from Pare report to L. Lesinski to prepare application for Preliminary Application to DEM. E. Rizy to check with Aquidneck Construction regarding feasibility of silt removal and preliminary cost estimates. Action Items: L. Lesinski to complete application. E. Rizy to get estimates for cost of doing work. Mott Farm Road: E. Rizy proposed using Mt. Hope bridge decking to cover perennial wet spots on road, vs. using crushed asphalt. He contacted RIDOT to check Rte 114 drains to see if they are adding to problem. DOT is investigating. Action Item: G. Williams to contact Aquidneck Construction again to obtain estimates to compete repairs and confirm possible timeline for work. Also investigate possible use of decking. 2012-13 budget: 12-13 budget submitted. Recommended that E. Rizy contact new Town Administrator to introduce Melville Park. Action Item: E. Rizy to request meeting. Winter Walk: G. Kinnunen reported about 30 people attended, walked the trails. Community Service: Effort by Portsmouth youth completed. G. Kinnunen provided contact person for future efforts. New Business Need for Trail Clearing: work done around pond 9 to clear fishing areas. J. Richard suggested another session or two to ready for fishing season. W. White cited the growth in the spillway: fallen trees, and need for commercial help to assist committee members. Action Item: E. Rizy to contact C. Vivieros for availability to support committee. Modifications to Pond 9 for DEM: Action Item: J.Richard to contact DEM to find out exactly what they need. Possibly another section of Mt. Hope bridge decking can be used as a launching ramp for stocking fish. OLD Business Trail Status: trails cleared for Winter Walk. Tick problem is serious this year. Merit Badge Programs: J. Richard cited five merit badges that Melville Park could support, will contact island Scoutmasters for possible interest. He also posted a lengthy plan for planting native species, removing invasives, and over the long term, creating a more park-like atmosphere. Action Item: J. Richard to contact scout leaders. Annual Report: Action Item: E. Rizy will draft annual report for committee review before submission to Council. Trail Maps: Existing map is an excellent resource for the Committee and town officials. W. White recommended a simplified version be developed, with less detail, for public use. Action Item: T. Gray to develop a simple modification. Adjourn 8:30 PM. Motion J. Richard, 2nd T. Gray Next Meeting: April 4, 2012, 7 PM Town Hall |