Town of Auburn

Parks and Recreation

January 12, 2012

Present: Mr. David Nye, Chairman, Ms. Margie McEvoy,  Co-chairman, Mr. Alex Eisman, commissioner, Mrs. Lisa Canavan, commissioner , Mr. Pat Kelley, alternate commissioner, Mr. Jim Headd, Selectman,  Mr. Armand Miclette  and Mr. Mike Dobmeir, facilities representative, Mr. Chris Webster, YMCA representative, Mrs. Helen Hiltz was recording the minutes. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Mr. Alex Eisman.

Old Business

Senior trips

The senior trip sub-committee, Mr. Mike Dobmeir, Mr. Armand Miclette, and Mrs. Helen Hiltz, reported on their efforts to benchmark busing costs.   Approximate busing costs averaged $1,000 to $1,100 per senior trip for a 55 passenger coach.   A 27 passenger coach could be secured for approximately $900.00.  Mrs. Hiltz did check on the school bus option as requested by Chairman Nye at the last Parks and Recreation meeting.  Pricing was $300.00 per hour and $3.00 per mile.  Discussion ensued as to the practicality of utilizing school buses for senior trips.  All were in agreement that not having bathroom facilities and the uncomfortable nature of a school bus ride made this an inappropriate option for senior trips.   There was discussion about securing an additional 27 passenger coach.  Mr. Armand Miclette noted that there were some trips that did not have a full coach and others that had a few more requests than seats but not enough to warrant another 27 passenger vehicle.   He also noted that costs were rising for the trips and the $10,000 2012 budget would not allow for the additional coach.  The question was asked if we should decrease the current 3 trips per year to 2 trips.  The consensus was that we should stay with 3 trips per year. 

The sub-committee’s recommendation was to stay with our current coach company.  We would stay with three trips per year and offer trips that would be open to the first 55 passengers that submitted their deposits.   We will make a greater effort to advertise the trips and reinforce the “first come, first serve” policy.  The committee thanked Mr. Miclette for all of his efforts in planning the trips and noted what a great job he was doing. 

New Business

Mr., Dave Nye, Chairman, and Ms. Margie McEvoy, co-chairman, stated that they will be submitting their resignations at the end of their terms (March 2012). Personal reasons were cited.  It was recommended that Mr. Tim Therrien be considered for the Chairman position and Mr. Mike Dobmeir be considered for the co-chairman position.  Both Mr. Therrien and Mr. Dobmeir have expressed an interest in assuming these positions.  A letter of interest will need to be sub-mitted to the Board of Selectmen.  Once the Board of Selectmen has received Mr. Nye’s and Ms. McEvoy’s resignations and Mr. Therrien’s and Mr. Dobmeier’s letter of interest, they will consider the recommendations of the Committee. 

Senior Dinner

Ms. Margie McEvoy stated that the next senior dinner will be held on January 28, 2012 at the Long Meadow Church.  There have been 85 responses.  The Red Hat organization assists with the cooking, serving, etc. 

Reports

Little League

Mr. Mike Dobmeir informed the committee that the damage to the backstop fencing at Wayne Eddows was repaired on January 3^rd.  The cost was $450.00. The work was supposed to be completed last year but circumstances beyond their (Fences Unlimited) control forced the work into 2012.  Mr. Nye noted that there were no funds allocated in the 2012 budget for this repair.  Selectman Jim Headd will ask the Board of Selectman if there are options, such as FEMNA funds, that can cover this expense.   

Soccer sub-committee

No report

Facility Maintenance

Mr. Armand Michlette and Mr. Mike Dobmeir stated that the ice rink has had a great deal of trash left behind. A garbage can will be put at the rink.  It was noted that if the trash continues to be an issue at the rink we risk closure of the area by the Manchester Water Works.  The circuit breaker and timer has also been vandalized.  A double hasp and heavy duty lock has been installed.  Cars have also been driving on the ice. Chief Phillips will reflood the rink.  Mr. Dobmeier has asked the police department to patrol the area more frequently.  Selectman, Jim Headd, will bring the issue of the increased vandalism and request for increased police patrols to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting. 

Mrs. Hiltz noted that there have been complaints about hockey players not abiding by the skate hours that are posted.  The younger children are not able to participate in the free skate because the ice is being monopolized by the hockey players.  The February Village Crier  will have an article that reminds every one of the posted hours. 

Auburn Moms Club

Nothing new to report.  Mrs. Canavan requested that the Memorial Day Bazaar be put on the agenda for the next meeting.  She also asked when the work was planned for the brick walkway at Circle of Fun.  Mr. Nye anticipated that the work would be completed at the beginning of May.

Basketball

Mrs. Hiltz asked if information on available basketball programs could be forwarded to her.  She has received calls from new residents who are looking for information.  Mr. Chris Webster stated that his phone number could be given out re programs available through the YMCA.  Mr. Dobmeier will forward contact information to Mrs. Hiltz for John Dolan, co-ordinator of the Auburn Recreational Basketball program. 

The December meeting minutes were reviewed. 

Mr. Alex Eisman made a motion to accept the meeting minutes.  Ms. Margie McEvoy 2^nd the motion.  All in favor.

Motion was made by Mr. Alex Eisman to adjourn the meeting at 6:45.  The motion was 2^nd by Ms. Margie McEvoy.   All in Favor.