Board of Park Commissioners

CITY OF FITCHBURG James McGrath (Chairman) Mary Whitney (Vice-Chair) Dave Brooks Board of Mary Cringan 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 Sep 11 2023 1:02 pm Board of Park Commissioners Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 Location: West Conference Room, Fitchburg City Hall, 718 Main Street Call to Order: The Tuesday, June 6th, 2023, the meeting was called to order by Commissioner McGrath at 5:33 pm. Commissioner Members Present: Jim McGrath, Mary Whitney, Mary Cringan, Dave Brooks, Colby O’Brien Also Present: James Bunnell, Councilor Sam Squailia, City Solicitor Vincent Pusateri, Councilor Bernie Shultz, Mayor Stephen L. DiNatalie, Anthony Bovenzi, Nick Erickson, Pastor Anne Louise, Amy LeBlanc Public Comment: No Public Comment Prior Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Dave Brooks to approve the minutes from the May 2nd meeting. Motion Approved 5-0 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Department Reports: Friends of Coggshall Report: Mary Cringnan reported:  The new brochure is out (had copies available) they will be distributed in places throughout the city  Research Results Day of giving will take place June 7th , 37 employees will be coming from the company to volunteer. James Bunnell informed the board everything is already coordinated with the Parks Crew.  Save the date was sent out for Neurotic Gumbo on August 20th @ Coggshall Park Friends of Coggshall Summer Concert. A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Dave Brooks to approve the report. Motion Approved 5-0 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Riverfront Parks and Trails Report: Mary Whitney reported: • The Rotary Flag will be hung week of 5/30/2023. • Make sure water sprinklers are working for grass to be watered. Motion to accept Mary Cringan, 2nd by Dave Brooks. Approved 4-0 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Report: Amy LeBlanc reported: • Updated plan for Mama Fitz Park; new bed in design • $26,000 from money set aside.  • Drought-resistantt tree information and guidance help by Dave Brooks • Brewfest reminder Motion to accept Mary Whitney 2nd by Dave Brooks Approved 5-0 New Business: Pride Flag –Mayor DiNatale and Anthony Bovenzi • Anthony proposed/petition for the pride flag • Vinny stated the Pride flag has flown at Riverfront for Pride Week in the past Juneteenth Flag-Pastor Annie Louise and Counselor Bernie Shultz • Colby's discussion about the flags. • Pastor Annie discussed the Juneteenth Flag share a pole at Riverfront Park • Jim McGrath asked about legal regulations about choosing to fly these flags and saying no to someone. • Pastor Annie stated that Juneteenth is a normal holiday for everyone • Vinny said that it is the government speaking not the people A motion was made by Colby O’Brien: • By order of the Parks Commission, flags intended to mark state and federal holidays may be flown at the River Front Park in place of the Revolution Flag in connection with the order of the Parks and Commission. The flag will be flown for no more than 7 days. A motion was made by Colby O’Brien and seconded by Mary Crinigan to accept. Approved 5-0 Tom MacMaster-Fitchburg Street Hockey • 2 Events-Iron Mna Tournament 10 am – 12 pm • 2024/2025 Guinness Book of World Records: Longest Ball Hockey Game 4.5 days Motion to accept Mary Crinigan, 2nd by Dave Brooks. Approved 5-0 Parks Maintenance and Recreation Report: James Bunnell reported: • Memorial Day • Things set up for summer • Irrigation • Splash Park • Pool Open • Rotary Club/trash/sand/fixed the fence • Foutain • Dam Cleaning • Tree Cleaning • Jim McGrath reported to Nick regarding the mirror lake dams A motion was made by Mary Whitney and seconded by Mary Cringan to accept the report. Approved 5-0 Motion to adjourn the meeting Mary Cringan seconded by Dave Brooks Approved 4-0 The meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm