GNG RECREATION & CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
DATE: Thursday, April 15, 2010
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
LOCATION: Androscoggin Savings Bank
ATTENDEES: Howard Hughes, Tracy Scheckel, Bob Hubbard, Aaron Chandler, Leo Credit, Dean Bennett
ABSENT: Tina Martell, Cathy Manchester, Bruce Macomber, Linda Chase
Dean welcomed Mark Grover, Cathy and Abbey Chandler as guests. Abbey visited the Yarmouth playground and took pictures of some of the equipment that she thought would be good to have here in Gray. Abbey is also going to get a catalog of playground equipment from Dean to price out.
Discussion on where a small playgroup unit could go on the Pennell / Newbegin grounds. Decided that there isn’t very much space but it would be a great spot and would get a lot of use with the fall soccer, Little League and other activities going on there. It was mentioned that maybe someone (Dean) could contact Margaret Sawyer and the Dunn family about the property next to the town maintenance building.
The McKinn site on Mayall Road was discussed as a possible site for a playground. Someone is to contact Pam Wilkinson about the history and background info. Dean will contact Helen Taylor (assessor) in the Town office for more details.
Bob Hubbard suggested that we start setting aside funds in C.I.P. (capital improvement plan). Maybe a 5 year plan to build a larger playground elsewhere. Thoughts were $5,000 each year for 5 years? In the meantime work with Abbey Chandler in fundraising for a smaller playground, contact businesses for donations and put in town budget. Tracy mentioned having Al Palmer come over and give us some advice on the Pennell / Newbegin site.
There was much discussion on the Community Survey draft. The committee felt with a few minor changes it was a great survey and hope that the community response, electronically, mail-in or drop-off. Tracy made the improvements and changes to the format/lay-out and it came out perfect. This survey will be on the town web page, on community access channel, in the 2010 Gray Rec Dept. Summer brochure and passed out at Little League games and by the Patriot Soccer Club. Deadline is June 15th to submit.
Impact fees, open space, developers funding recreational facilities were discussed. Many questions on past practices and the process that currently takes place. In future meeting we should be discussing how the ordinance is worded, read into the Comprehensive Plan for guidance and maybe have someone from the Planning Board come to one of our meetings. Maybe Matt Sturgis could come to give us guidance?
The scholarship application form was drafted up and with some changes made. This form will be brought to Deborah Cabana for approval. Actual implementation will hopefully take place in the fall of 2010. Fundraising events through the recreation department, business donations and the possibility of one dollar from every recreation program participant will be contributed to the fund. Bruce Macomber, Tracy Scheckel and Dean Bennett will be the committee members that review the applications.
Next meeting ( May 20th at 6:30) discussions:
-Dean will have info on the McKinn site, Sawyer property, try to schedule Matt Sturgis to come to meeting.
-Discuss how the surveys are coming.
-Comprehensive plan and how we can use it to our advantage.
-Summer program up-date.
-Linda Chase to bring some infor on tax acquired properties in Gray.
Submitted by Dean M. Bennett
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