Cemetery & Parks Minutes
Cemetery & Parks Meeting
May 14, 2018
Kimball House
The meeting was opened at 7:10PM present were John Barrett, Tubby Boucher, Ray Boyes, Roger Ropoza and Pam Haman.
Guest/Appointments: Sue Gerken, Karen Clement, Donna Miller and Betty MaeTenney
Correspondence: none
Bills and deeds were reviewed, approved and signed.
Appointments/Discuss-Sidewalks on the Common: Roger stated that at the Procurement Seminar he learned that he could speak to local contractors about the project he did need to make them aware that this does not mean they would be awarded the job. Because so many sidewalks need to be replaced and or repaired it may be better to install new. After talking to local firms the project could be upwards of $50,000. The town only appropriated $25,000 at Town Meeting based on estimates from the Building Inspector. Roger also noted that the concrete would have to be pumped into the common this could make it a pricey project. If project is going to be more than $50,000 an engineering firm may be needed do the complexity of advertising, bids and legal work. There are approx. 92 slabs that need repairing/replacing. Some repairs have been done, prioritizing the worst areas first. It was generally felt that the sidewalks are a hazardous in their current condition.
Cars on the Common: Town Meeting took no action on the article banning cars on the common. However Sue Lisio, BOS feels that it should be addressed in light of monies appropriated to fix the sidewalks. It was noted at the meeting by those in attendance that there is root damage which Roger pointed out has been done primarily because of vehicles being allowed on the common. It is also very hard to keep grass in good shape and bringing the common up to grade does not make sense if vehicles are allowed on. The group generally felt that it is a working common and not a lawn. If people haven’t used the common it is hard for them to understand. They also felt that maybe there should not be a hard and stead fast rules regarding common usage. But that it is often difficult for fair vendors to get their goods on the common if they are unable to drive on and off. Concerns were raised that by not allowing cars to drive on the common it might deter vendors from participating in fairs etc.
There was some discussion wondering if a committee should be formed by the BOS to study the issues and make recommendation.
Ray felt that there should be no cars on the common and that people should just carry their stuff in and out.
Concerns were raised about the location of the food court some felt that it should be in a more visible location that the current location has an impact on food sales. A 12x20 pad is being installed as an Eagle Scout project.
The Board approved 1600.00 for the irrigation system at Riverside.
Department is in the process of getting ready for Memorial Day. Roger and crew are looming, seeding and pouring foundations for veteran’s markers and monuments.
Tubby stated that Roger and crew have done an outstanding job with the cemetery and parks grounds.
Next meeting June 6, 2018
The meeting adjourned at 8:40PM.
Submitted
Pam Haman
Clerk.