Board of Park Commissioners

James McGrath (Chairman) CITY OF FITCHBURG Mary Whitney (Vice-Chair) Dave Brooks Board of Mary Giannetti Park Commissioners James Bunnell Recreation Director 718 Main Street P: (978) 829 1815 Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 FITCHBURG CITY CLERK F: (978) 345 9687 Jan 13 2023 11:15 am Board of Park Commissioners Meeting Date: Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 Location: West Conference Room, Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main Street Call to Order: The December 6th, 2022 meeting was called to order by Commissioner McGrath at 5:33 pm. Commissioner Members Present: Jim McGrath, Dave Brooks, Mary Whitney, Mary Giannetti Also Present: Nick Erickson, James Bunnell, City Councilor Sam Squailia, Amy Leblanc Community Development, and Matt Soule Weston and Sampson Public Comment: No Public Comment Prior Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to approve the minutes from the November 1st meeting. Approved 4-0 Department Reports: Friends of Coggshall Report: James McGrath Reported:  Friends Christmas Party has been postponed this year  Painting of the inside of the Stonehouse A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to accept the report. Approved 4- 0 Community Development Report: Amy Leblanc reported:  No formal report  Jim McGrath asked about Block Grant applications in relation to park improvements that are needed, due in early January. James and Nick will meet and create a plan and identify needs and improvements at the parks.  Wayfinding Signage Project completed, park kiosks and trail signs installed, community members very complimenting to the addition. A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Dave Brooks to accept the report. Approved 4-0 Parks Maintenance Report: Nick Erickson reported:  Crew is switching from fall to winter, still conducting leaf removal, leaf vacuum pump was broken, but since has been repaired which caused a delay in leaf removal from the parks  Christmas decorating and downtown tree lighting held on 12/4 which was very successful  Poles still needing repair at Coggshall Park   Updated the commission of the DPW Clerk position being filled, and the working foreman position posting closing and interviews will be set up to have that position filled. Additionally, Nick provided an update regarding a staffing structure for the Parks and Recreation department to allow for more structure and efficiency in both the parks and recreation sides to more effectively maintain the parks and improve the recreational offerings.  Mary Giannetti suggested the development of a capital improvement plan for the city’s parks and recreation department  A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Dave Brooks to accept the report. Approved 4-0 Riverfront Parks and Trails Fund Report: A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to table the report. Approved 4-0 Recreation Director’s Report James Bunnell reported  Continuation of cleaning and organizing the storage and equipment for the department  “Raider” the Parks and Recreation Department Elf on the Shelf on social media platforms showcasing the city’s parks  Meeting with Fitchburg State University National Honor Society as to where they can help in the department  James Bunting, James Bunnell, and Juan Santiago completed the National Pool and Spa Association pool operators’ course and are all certified pool operators. Ideas and updates for improvements to the pool.  Update on the park bench donation and eagle scout project from the November meeting  Since October Social media for the Parks and Recreation Department has grown 8000% and the most recent post of the tree lighting live broadcast had over 2000 views A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to table the report. Approved 4-0 New Business: • Amy Leblanc Community Development Department presenting information on Parkhill and Mama Fitz Playgrounds o Presentation of the new playground equipment and designs (see attached) o Amy and Matt met with members of the community at the parks for feedback and input into the design and plans for the parks. o Parkhill Design- the commission wants to make sure any plantings do not impede the line of sight into the parks for the police when patrolling o Green St Park- discussion surrounding the park fencing, grass areas, tree plantings, and signage to match the theme of the park o The commission and Commissioner of DPW stressed the importance and need for James Bunnell to be involved in the design and plans not only of these parks but others moving forward as his department is responsible for the care and maintenance. o Amy will be forwarding the 75% plans to James and Nick for review • City of Fitchburg Junior Park Ranger Program Pilot  o James provided background information regarding a partnership that the United Way and Mount Wachusett Community College have with the McKay Campus School and a program initiative where the students can help improve the community. o Around 25 students met with James at Green St Park to discuss things that they would like to see fixed or changed and what they can do to help. o The Junior Park Ranger program for the city will provide the students in the program with an official park ranger t-shirt, and guidance to alert and contact the Parks Department if they see something broken or trash needing to be picked up, and will have a supervised cleanup day with adult chaperones and guardians to help improve the park they use. o The Commission was very excited and loved the idea and getting the younger children involved in their community • Concerts in the Common o James just asked questions in regards to any particular bands the community enjoyed to try and book them again for the upcoming summer concert series. • Coggshall Rental/Usage Update o Discussion on a new rental agreement, opening and closing checklist for the maintenance staff before and after each rental a list for them to go through and check over the facility. o Discussion of a rental fee increase, separate price increase for residents of Fitchburg and people using the facility that are non-residents o James will come up with an agreement, checklists, and rates proposal to present to the committee for the next meeting and for the upcoming season. Old Business: Youth Sports League Agreement (document attached) o Discussion of nonexistent agreement between youth sports organizations and other organizations that use the city parks on a yearly basis. o Commission agreed to have an agreement with the youth sports and other organizations so people understand who is responsible for what, and outline the procedures and expectations that must be adhered to. o Agreement will be sent over to the city’s legal counsel for review and then implementation A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Dave Brooks to accept the proposal. Approved 4-0 Adopt-A-Park Program Resurrection o Discussion of the new Adopt-A-Park Program, the outline of forms, brochure, and packet o Will be pushed out at the start of the new year A motion was made by Mary Giannetti and seconded by Dave Brooks to accept the proposal. Approved 4-0 Other Business: Proposed Committee meeting Dates for 2023: 1/10, 2/7, 3/7, 4/4, 5/2, 6/6, 7/11, 9/5, 10/3, 11/9, and 12/5 A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to accept the meeting dates for next year. Approved 4-0 A motion was made by Mary Whitney to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Dave Brooks Approved 4-0 The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 pm