Melville Park Committee Meeting
September 13, 2006 |
The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chair, Bill Bryant. The following members were present: Phil Botelho, Bill Bryant, Lisa Bryant, Mary Caplin, Al Conti, Jim Garman, Thurston Gray, Pat Higgins, and E. Rizy.
The following members had an excused absence: Bob Harmon and Grace Kinnunen.
Minutes from the August meeting were reviewed. Jim Garman pointed out that he was only quoting the West Side Plan regarding the possible placement of a sewage treatment plant on Tank Farm 1 and not advocating same. With the correction, minutes were approved.
Motion to Approve: Mary Caplin; 2nd Al Conti; unanimous.
YARD SALE. Preparations for the yard sale planned for September 23 were discussed by Al Conti. There are 12 tables available, with seven already signed for. The event will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Also taking place that day will be the Trail Tours for those interested, with the Orange trail walked at 10 and 12, Blue trail at 11 and 1.
Pat Higgins reported that he will be unavailable for Saturday activities for some time, due to the demands of work. Thurston Gray volunteered to lead the 1 p.m. trail walk.
PROJECTS: Future projects were put on hold because the Town is reconsidering appropriations due to the budget crisis. This includes the $200 voted at the last meeting to support a Troop 1 Boy Scout Eagle project to build and install four weatherproof bulletin boards at the Park. The Committee's understanding was that there may be a zeroing of the Committee's $15,000 budget for the current fiscal year.
FINANCE: Al Conti reported that all bills for last year's projects have been paid,. Bill Bryant said that a little over $2,000 had been returned to the Town from last year's appropriation.
PUBLICITY: Bill Bryant is providing information to the Sakonnet Times thanking the various Scout groups who have performed projects at the Park this year. The units include BSA Troop1, Portsmouth; GSA Troop 727, Portsmouth; and BSA Troop 77, Middletown. It was proposed that a letter be written to each unit soon, thanking the Scouts for their efforts; Ed Rizy volunteered to draft the letter.
TRAIL STATUS: Thurston Gray reported a heavy infestation of poison ivy on the Blue Trail by the riprap of Pond 7 and advocated a sign be posted warning of the hazard. Al Conti suggested that a sign would be a target for vandals, and the measure was deferred. Ed Rizy volunteered to spray a weed killer on the nuisance. Thurston also reported that the Orange Trail's entrance was overgrown and insufficient signing in the pine woods makes it easy to lose the trail.
SEWAGE: Several members walked the Mott Farm Road and came across what smelled like sewage at a low spot on the road. They were unable to identify a source. Bill Bryant will report the matter to the DEM representative on his next visit to the Park.
NEXT MEETING: October 11 at Town Hall to review plans and budget for next year.
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