Board of Park Commissioners

CITY OF FITCHBURG James McGrath (Chairman) Mary Whitney (Vice-Chair) Dave Brooks Board of Mary Giannetti Park Commissioners Colby O’Brien James Bunnell Recreation Director 718 Main Street P: (978) 829 1815 Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 F: (978) 345 9687 FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Mar 10 2023 2:48 pm Board of Park Commissioners Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 7th, 2023 Location: West Conference Room, Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main Street Call to Order: The Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, the meeting was called to order by Commissioner McGrath at 5:34 pm. Commissioner Members Present: Jim McGrath, Colby O’Brien, Mary Whitney, Mary Giannetti, Dave Brooks Also Present: Nick Erickson, James Bunnell, City Councilor Andy Van Hazinga, City Councilor Sam Squailia (remote), and Jacquelyn Wehtje Public Comment: Jacquelyn Wehtje made a public comment regarding her disapproval of the new city policy regarding the hanging of Flags on city property City Councilor Andy Van Hazinga made a public comment regarding an ordinance he has proposed to go along with the city’s new flag policy Prior Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to approve the minutes from the January 10th meeting. Approved 5-0 Department Reports: Friends of Coggshall Report: James McGrath Reported: No report, last meeting was postponed due to the snowstorm A motion was made by Mary Giannetti and seconded by Mary Whitney to accept the report. Approved 5- 0 Community Development Report: No report- Tabled A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to accept the report. Approved 5- 0 Parks Maintenance Report: Nick Erickson reported: • Update regarding parks department now in winter mode • Trees snow and ice cleanup from the last storm • The wood chipper is broken and being repaired city has rented one while it is being repaired A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to accept the report. Approved 5- 0 Riverfront Parks and Trails Fund Report: A motion was made by Mary Giannetti and seconded by Colby O’Brien to table the report. Approved 5-0 Recreation Director’s Report James Bunnell reported • Stonehouse painted • Photo Contest for each season “winter contest to begin February 13th • Update on the Worcester Railers Ice Hockey Game • Woo Sox Game Update • Partnership with JJs Helping Hand for the Easter egg hunt • Mass Open Space Network Virtual Conference • Adopt a Park update (5) Parks Adopted • Historical Society Report Overview regarding improvements and fixing issues at Monument park (forward report to the commission) A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Giannetti to table the report. Approved 5-0 New Business: Pool Report: Overview of the report discussed, talked about what can be addressed in the immediate, short term and long term A motion was made by Mary Whitney to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Colby O’Brien Approved 4-0 Coggshall Stonehouse and Gazeebo (report attached): Rate Proposal change presented and discussed. Motion to approve the change made by Colby O’Brien, motion seconded by Mary Whitney rate change approved 4-0 City Flag Policy- Motion to table by Jim McGrath Seconded by Dave Brooks approved 4-0. Will be discussed further when the city finalizes the policy Grants Update- James Bunnell provided an overview of the block grants and the amount he had applied for and is hoping to receive, updated the commission on the Fitness Park Grant status, and a grant from Mass DCR regarding planting trees within the city’s environmental justice zone. Youth League Update- James Bunnell provided an update on meeting with the different youth sports groups/organizations and going over the new field use agreement with them. Will keep the commission updated on progress and meetings. Riverfront Ripples Survey- James Bunnell explained he was unable to view the online survey and it was not made available to him in time for the meeting. Request to table the report. Colby O’Brien motioned to table the report Dave Brooks seconded the motion and approved 4-0 Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Jim McGrath, seconded by Mary Whitney approved 4-0 The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 pm