Park & Recreation Commission

CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS JEAN A. LEVESQUE COMMUNITY LIFE CENTER 401 Bridge Street, Salem MA 01970 Tel. (978) 744-0180/(978) 744-0924 Kimberley Driscoll Fax (978) 219-1665 MAYOR Trish O’Brien Superintendent MINUTES OF THE SALEM PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION NOVEMBER 15, 2022 A meeting of the Salem Parks and Recreation Commission was held on November 15, 2022, at 6:45 p.m., in person at 401 Bridge Street and via remote participation in accordance with a Chapter 107 of the Act of 2022. Present were: Chair, Amy Everitt; Members: Deborah Amaral, Bob Callahan and James Shea; Trish O’Brien, Superintendent and Commission Clerk Joanne Roomey. Absent was Johnel Roberts. Ms. Everitt called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. 1. Approval of Park and Recreation Commission Minutes September 2022 Ms. Amaral made a motion to approve the Park and Recreation Commission Minutes meeting of September 2022. Mr. Callahan seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 2. Visitors and Requests: • Scott Grover – Peabody Street Park Right of Entry Attorney Scott Grover, who represents South River Partnership, LLC, appeared and spoke about the updates that were made to the Right of Entry Agreement for 15 Peabody Street that he discussed with Solicitor Rennard. His main focus was on the following: a. Recitals – South River intends to make certain improvements to the Access Area. b. Access – City of Salem grants the right to access to the Access Area to make the improvements. c. Insurance – Any contractors hired by the City of Salem for construction and maintenance of the Improvements shall maintain sufficient liability insurance. d. Maintenance – Upon completion of the Improvements, South River agrees to maintain the Improvements in good condition, including removal of trash, trimming and mowing of landscape areas and repairs to any improvements installed by them. 1 There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Mr. Shea moved to continue with the process and to move the plans forward with fostering the connections between the community and the South River. Ms. Amaral seconded. The motion carried unanimously. • Tony Brooks – Salem Willows Yacht Club Parking Mr. Brooks appeared on behalf of the Salem Willows Yacht Club and their members. He has been a resident and part of the community for over 34 years. Approximately thirty years ago he was approved by the commission for 26 parking spaces at the lot next to the Clam Shack. Now they are turning the parking lot into greenspace and the members need alternative parking. He has two issues: (1) the price for parking passes for residents and non-resident members should all be the same $25/year and not the $125 for non-residents and (2) Overnight Parking for about ten members. Mr. Callahan suggested parking on Fort Ave overnight. He said it is legal, but you cannot abandon your vehicle for more than 72 hours or it will be towed. He also suggested he contact South Essex Storage, across the street from Fort Ave. Ms. O’Brien asked about following up on the parking at Salem State University lot. Mr. Brooks said they were going to charge too much and now it doesn’t belong to them anymore. Mr. Callahan said they need to be consistent; they cannot give members who are out of the city parking passes for $25 like they do for the residents because the residents earn it, they pay taxes to the city. Mark Tuttle commented from the public that the Yacht Club also helps the city bring in revenues. He does not think this is a big ask and if the commission does not have a reasonable alternative, a large amount of the members would not join again. The discussion ended with the commission agreeing with the suggestions above regarding alternative parking for overnight on Fort Ave. • Park Superintendent Re-appointment Letter The commission said Ms. O’Brien has done an outstanding job in the continued improvements and upgrades to our parks and it has been a pleasure working with her and they were lucky to have her. Ms. Everitt moved to approve reappointment of Trish O’Brien as the Park Superintendent. Mr. Callahan seconded. The motion carried unanimously. 2 3. Superintendents Report: Financial Reports Ms. O’Brien went over the revenues and fund balances for the following: Golf Course, Witch House, Recreation, Winter Island, Salem Willows, Charter Street and Forest River Park. She will follow-up with Dave Kucharsky about what happened in the Willows in the summer regarding the meters and receipts on regular lots for paid parking. The revenue for the parking went up so they feel that there should be more in the account. Weekend Halloween parking at the CLC generated some funds – thanks to John Russell - they split the funds with Council on Aging in the amount of $9,500 will be deposited into the Donation account. 4. Old Business: None 5. New Business: Introduction of Mike Crounse, Signature Parks Project Manager Ms. O’Brien introduced Mike Crounse to the commission as the new Signature Parks Project Manager. Mr. Crounse is replacing Jenna Ide. He has a background in Civil Engineering. He will oversee all of the six parks and get ready for the 2026 big celebration. Allen Hanscom commented from the public regarding how happy he was to have Mike Crounse on board. 6. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Salem Park and Recreation Commission this evening, Mr. Shea moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joanne M. Roomey Commission Clerk Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 and City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033 3