Park & Recreation Commission

Salem Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of Meeting Date and Time: Tuesday December 21, 2021, at 6:45 p.m. Location: Via Zoom Members Present: Chair, Deborah Amaral, Bob Callahan, Emi Perez James Shea, Amy Everett, Emi Perez (7:15) Members Absent: Also Present: Patricia O’Brien Clerk: Eileen Sacco Notice: Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020, Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §20 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020, Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place, this meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be found on the city’s website, at www.salem.com. For this meeting, members of the public who wish to watch, listen or provide comment during the meeting may do so in the following manner: Meeting Called to Order Deborah Amaral called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Approval of the minutes of the August and September 2021 Meetings Bob Callahan moved to approve the minutes of the meetings for October 2021. James Shea seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0) James Shea noted that they are a nonprofit and traditionally the Commission has waived the fees for them. He stated that he feels that we need to charge a fee this year. Trisha O’Brien explained that the fee for the use of the Salem Willows Shell is $150. Discussion ensued about the charging of fees to nonprofits. Ms. Amaral stated that she would donate the $150 to Salem United to cover the fee for the Shell. Ms. Amaral interrupted the discussion to address a caller to the meeting who wished to speak on the matter. Simone of 173 Marlborough Road addressed the Commission by phone and stated that she was opposed to charging non profits to use city parks. Bob Callahan stated that he agrees with Mr. Shea and noted that we should charge all non profits. There being no further questions or comments regarding this event, Amy Everett made a motion to approve the permit for the Salem United Salem United to use the Salem Willows on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Emi Perez seconded the motion. Ms. Amaral requested a roll call vote as follows: James Shea Yes Bob Callahan Yes Eni Perez Yes Amy Everett Yes Deborah Amaral Yes The motion carried unanimously (5-0) Discussion with North Shore Community Development regarding Peabody Street Park – Mickey Northcut Mickey Northcut of North Shore Community Development addressed the Commission and made a presentation on the future plans of North Shore CDC to develop the N S Bank building located at 9 Peabody Street into housing and the potential impact and inclusion of the Peabody Street Park. Mr. Northcut introduced Attorney Scott Grover and Eileen Vogel who are working on this project. Mr. Northcut narrated a power point presentation on the future plans but there was no formal request for any action of the Commission at this time. Mr. Northcut explained the timeline for the project and noted that they are presently having a capital campaign for the development. He also noted that if there are grants for this project that the City can apply for, he hopes that they will do so. Mr. Northcut stated that they are asking for permission to renovate Peabody Street Park and would take suggestions from the Commission. Bob Callahan suggested that the consider putting in a small splash pad noting that it will bring families out to use the park. Deborah Amaral stated that it would be great to renovate the park. She noted that the park is not in the Signature Parks program so she would like to see a dialogue with the City for some funds. Mickey Northcut stated that he is going to pursue the process with the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. Ms. Amaral stated that this is an exciting project and thanked Mr. Northcut and his team for the presentation. Update on the Salem Willows Pier – Harbor Master Bill McHugh Harbor Master Bill McHugh and Seth Latrell from the City of Salem Engineering Department addressed the Commission and gave them an update on the Salem Willows Pier. Mr. McHugh explained that they have met with PRC and they are moving forward with the pier project. He explained that in 2018 there was $65,000 in damage and in 2019 there was additional damage that rendered the pier irreparable and an attractive nuisance. Mr. McHugh reported that there has been a significant increase in the cost for the construction of a new pier. He also noted that the demolition of the existing pier is out for bid and has been advertised in the Central Register. He also noted that the architect for the project GZA is working on the final construction design. He also noted that the design is after the Deer Island Pier. He estimated that the construction of the pier with start next spring. Bob Callahan asked if there would gangways with floats off the pier. Mr. McHugh reported that they are not allowed anymore but they are allowing Salem to have them, and they would be designed. Bill McHugh reported that Seth is prepared to start the technical permitting and they will get a better sense of the project. It was noted that Seth will be taking over the Peabody Street Park project with Trisha O’Brien. There being no further comments or questions regarding the Salem Willows Pier, Ms. Amaral thanks Mr. McHugh for the update on the Willows Pier. Superintendents Report The Commission reviewed the Finance Report from the City on the fees collected from the Parking Meters at the Willows etc. 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 8:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Eileen M. Sacco, Clerk Salem Park and Recreation Commission