MEETING OF MELVILLE PARK COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 12, 6:00 P.M., at Portsmouth Town Hall |
Attendance: P. Botelho, J. Emerson, T. Gray, P. Higgins, G. Kinnunen, K. Ptak, J. Richard, E. Rizy, G. Steeley
Notified Absences: L. Bryant, G. Williams
Others Absent: K. Gleason, G. Love, J. McRoy, D. Sly
Guests: Sam Schwemin, Troop 3, Newport; Scott Garrold, Tim Garrold, Troop 22 Newport.
REPORTS
Minutes from October Meeting (E. Rizy): Motion by J. Richard to approve as written, seconded by J. Emerson; unanimous
Finance (G. Kinnunen): No expenditures this quarter in Supplies Acct or Yard Sale Acct. Progress payment made to Pare Corp on 10/15/08 for Engineering Study: $3816. Income from September yard sale to Yard Sale Account: $80.
J, Richard moved that we should write a letter to the Council requesting permission to use the $9K park development labor account to supplement funds for Pond/Dam Engineering Study. Action: T. Gray
Correspondence; –Building 77 tear-down should be completed before winter, according to a Navy communication forwarded from R. Driscoll’s office.
Eagle Scout Projects Progress Reports: the marking and clearing of 25 sites for fishing around Pond 9 was completed by S. Schwemin and other Scouts of Troop 3 Newport. The last two picnic tables were placed below the falls by S. Garrold and Scouts of Troop 22 Newport. J. Richard offered to make a list of other potential projects. E. Melillo, Troop 1 Portsmouth, schedules completion of boardwalk the weekend 28-29 November.
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Reclamation Project (P. Higgins): the preliminary report by Pare Corp. cites water runoff from W. Main Road, GMH/Melville Rainbow Heights development, and Melville School property.
The Rhode Island Fresh Water Wetlands Act indicates that no permit is required to clean out ponds less than 1/4th acre. This includes Ponds 3-8. Pond 2, just north of Bradford Road, is greater than 1/4th acre and will require a permit from RIDEM.
Park Rules Subcommittee (K. Ptak, G. Kinnunen): corrections suggested by R. Driscoll were incorporated. The committee directed the Chair to forward the Rules and Regulations brochure to the Town Council for their review.
Special Events Subcommittee (K. Ptak, G. Kinnunen): Minutes of their October 22 meeting were reviewed. The subcommittee proposes an August ’09 yard sale; a second annual Winter Walk on 22 February; a Trail Day on April 25; and a Summer Walk on 6 June. It was suggested that invitations be extended to Scout groups, Senior Citizen Center, and the new Boys Town facility.
Sites for Tree Planting: The Committee felt that it was too late for planting. If trees are located near the railroad tracks, provision must be made to prevent the trees from getting mowed during brush clearing. That area was reputed at one time to contain a ball field, although no evidence remains. Further study was recommended.
Mott Farm ditch project (P. Botelho): because funding and schedule for the Pond/Dam Engineering Study is still being worked out, the Committee recommended that Mott Farm Road ditch work expenditures be held up.
Trail Work: No report at this time
NEW BUSINESS
Meeting Time Change: the Committee voted to return the meeting time to 7p.m. for the time being, as it appeared to be more convenient to most members.
Permanent Secretary: E. Rizy expressed concern that acting as chair and recording secretary deprives the committee of necessary information independence. Recommended that another volunteer for Secretary.
OTHER BUSINESS
None at this time.
Respectfully submitted by E. Rizy, Secretary (acting)
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