Park & Recreation Commission

Salem Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday August 17, 2021, at 6:45 p.m. Location: Jean A. Levesque Community Life Center 401 Bridge Street, Salem, Massachusetts Members Present: Chair, Deborah Amaral, Bob Callahan, Emi Perez James Shea Members Absent: Amy Everitt Also Present: Patricia O’Brien Clerk: Eileen Sacco Meeting Called to Order Deborah Amaral called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m., and read the legal notice on the meeting notice pursuant to Zoom calls Salem Heritage Days Events – Ellen Talkowsky – Events Coordinator for City of Salem Public Safety Day – Salem Police Department - Tuesday, August 3. 2021 Ellen Talkowsky addressed the Commission and explained that a Public Safety Day being run by the Salem Police Department and the Salem Fire Department. On Tuesday August 3, 2021. This event is being held as a smaller scale of the National Night out previously hosted by the SPD which is expected to be back in full force next year. This year the event is being combined with the annual Tour A Truck event usually held at the Salem Willows. Salem Police and Fire vehicles, Salem Public Works will be onsite for tours etc. She noted that a portion of Washington Square South will be closed for the event. Demonstrations from the K-9 Unit and a Fire Safety Demonstration will also be held as well. There will also be give a ways and snacks provided. There will be a basketball game between members of the Salem Police and Fire Departments vs. Members of the Salem Boys and Girls Club. Ice Cream Bowl – Salem Main Streets – August 4, 2021 Ms. Talkowsky also explained that Salem Main Street will be hosting the Annual Ice Cream Scooper Bowl on Salem Common on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. Ms. Talkowsky explained that this years Ice Cream Bowl will be followed by a Movie Night on Salem Common sponsored by the Salem Common Neighborhood Association. Use of Salem Willows Shell – Sunday, August 8, 2021 Ms. Talkowsky also noted that the City is also requesting the use of the Salem Willows Shell on Sunday, August 8,2021 from 1-8 p.m. She explained that there will be music provided by local Bob Callahan moved to approve the events for Heritage Days. Emi Perez seconded the motion. The motion carried, Food Farm Update Request for a Shed at Mack Park Food Farm – Karry Murphy Karry Murphy addressed the Commission and gave them an update on the Food Farm at Mack Park. She explained that they have been growing food since last spring and grew 7, 000 pounds of food. She also reported that they are on track to grow 10,000 pounds this year. She also noted that they are partnering with the Salem Food Program this year. Ms. Murphy also explained the original design for the food farm included a greenhouse and a shed. She explained that last year they did the greenhouse, and they are now ready to add the shed. James Shea asked if the shed would have footings. Ms. Murphy explained that the shed would have footings Trisha O’Brien asked if the windows on the shed would be facing Grove Street. Ms. Murphy explained that the front of the shed will have the garage door facing the fence gate and the back will face the hoop house. Bob Callahan moved to approve the Shed for the Mack Park Food Farm. James Shea seconded the motion. The motion carried. Request for SCNA Third Annual Vintage lawn Party at Salem Common September 12, 2021 Milo Martinez addressed the Commission and explained that the lawn party will be held from 12-4 on Salem Common. He noted that they are planning for four food stands and other vendors and a band. Mr. Shea asked if they are requesting approval for amplified sound for the event. Mr. Martinez stated that they are seeking that approval. Mr. Shea asked if they will be having a beer tent at the event. Mr. Martinez stated that there be no beer tent at the event. He explained that there would be a tent for the event that will be 64 s.f. Bob Callahan moved to approve the request. Emi Perez seconded the motion. The motion carried. Request for Concert at Bertram House – August 22, 2021 Mr. Martinez informed the Commission that there will be a concert at Bertram House on August 22, 2021. He explained that this is part of the SCNA Concert Series and the music will be performed with an electric piano. Emi Perez moved to approve the concert. James Shea seconded the motion. The motion carried. Request of Jenna McNichols for the Use of the Salem Common for Wedding The Commission held a call with Ms. McNichols’ mother regarding the details of her request to hold her wedding on Salem Common on August 27,2021 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. She explained that there will be a violinist playing during the ceremony. She also explained that they would be using about 150 chairs for the event which they are getting from the Hawthorne Hotel. She further noted that the reception for the wedding is being held at the Hawthorne Hotel. Trisha O’ Brien noted that there are no trucks allowed on the Common. Mr. Shea moved to approve the Use of the Salem Common August 27, 2021, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Emi Perez seconded the motion. The motion carried. Wicked Half Marathon – Use of Salem Willows Park – September 19, 2021 – Ashley Steeves Ashley Steeves addressed the Commission and explained that this Wicked Half Marathon an annual event and is a 13.1 mile run through Salem and Marblehead and is a certified USATF course that attracts hundreds of participants. Ms. Steeves noted that there will be a DJ and the music will not start before 8 a.m. She also noted that they will use a bullhorn for announcements to gather runners to the start line. Ms. Steeves explained that there are issues with parking an notes that she has contacted the Plummer Home and Cat Cove to use their site for parking. She also noted that the Wicked Marathon will give the proceeds of the race to the Salem Children’s Charity. Bob Callahan noted that this is a great event that is held annually and asked that they do whatever they have to do to make it run smoothly. Emi Perez moved to approve the use of the Salem Willows Park for the start of the Wicked Half Marathon to be held on September 19, 2021. James Shea seconded the motion. The motion carried. Request to Use the Salem Willows Shell on August 25-27, 2021– Third Citizen Theater Company – Jillian Blevins Jillian Blevins addressed the Commission and explained that they are requesting to rent the Salem Willows Shell from August 25-27, 2021, for rehearsals and performances of the play As You Like It. James Shea asked what they are doing for seating for the event. Ms. Blevins stated that they are telling people to bring their own chairs. She noted that the general public in the park that day will be able to watch. James Shea moved to approve the use of the Salem Willows Shell by the Third Citizen Theater Company on August 25, 26 and 27,2021. Request to Use the Salem Willows Shell by E. Love Events – September 11, 2021 – Amy Linnel Amy Linnel addressed the Commission and explained their event that they are requesting to hold at the Salem Willows Shell. She explained that there will be a variety of live entertainment performances during the event. She also explained that there would be food vendors at the event and she has talked with all of the Salem Willows food stands and they have agreed to this and she has provided their permission with a signed agreement. James Shea asked if they are a for profit group. Ms. Linnel stated that are a non profit and are a new group. Bob Callahan noted that the application says Salem Willows Bandstand and asked what they are asking for. It was noted that they are renting the Willows Shell. Ms. Linnel noted that they requested an ending time of 11 p. m. end time but noted that the time is flexible. It was suggested that they end at 9:00 p.m. Ms. Linnel stated that was fine and that they will plan to end at 9 p.m. and they will stop the music at 8 p.m. m. James Shea moved to approve the use of the Salem Willows Shell by E. Love Events on September 11, 2021. Emi Perez seconded the motion. The motion carried. Request for the Use of Salem Common – Yashi’s Haven – August 28, 2021 – Yashira Hernandez Yashira Hernandez addressed the Commission and explained the event that they are proposing to be held on Salem Common on August 28, 2021 from 3-7 p.m. She explained that they are planning to have a tent, a bouncy house, food will be brought in and they are providing portable restrooms. Ms. Hernandez stated that she got some guidance on planning the event from Estelle Rand who runs the Beverly Farmers Market and she referred her to Cindy Baez. Ms. Hernandez explained that they will be having children’s events and the vendors will be selling t-shirts and water bottles etc. She noted that a Spanish Food Truck will be there as well. She reported that radio station 96.9 is offering to come but that has not be finalized yet.. Deborah Amaral noted that if they are having a bouncy house they will need to provide insurance. Trisha O’Brien noted that there are no grills allowed on the Common at any time. . Bob Callahan addressed Ms. Hernandez and stated that they need to make sure that they have everything in order for the event and make sure that all of the Park and Recreation requirements are met. James Shea moved to approve the request for the Use of Salem Common on August 28, 2021. Emi Perez seconds the motion. The motion carried. Request to Approve the Relocation of the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace Sign – Trisha O’Brien (representing Pam Kelleher) Trisha O’Brien addressed the Commission and explained that this request is for the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace sign to be relocated to the end of the island at Hawthorne boulevard near the Hawthorne Hotel. She reviewed the location on a drawing with the Commission. James Shea moved to approve the new location for the Nathaniel Hawthorne sign. Emi Perez seconded the motion. The motion carried. New Business Deborah Amaral reported that she has a concern about candidates for public office using amplification devices in public parks. She noted that anyone having events in the parks should have a permit. Bob Callahan explained that amplification of over 25 should be reported to the Park and Recreation Commission. It was noted that Councillor Dominguez had a bouncy house at the Willows and he was not approved for amplification or the use of a sound system. James Shea suggested inviting Mr. Dominguez to the next meeting. There was no decision made on this suggestion. It was also suggested that a notice be sent to all candidates that they should be obtaining permits for all events held in city parks and any political event in city parks need to be approved by the Commission. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this meeting, James Shea made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Eileen M. Sacco, Clerk Salem Park and Recreation Commission