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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-07 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Minutes , ' , Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee , Minutes of February 7, 2005 , Members Present: Joshua Scroggins, Pamela Kropp, , I James Russell Staff Present: Frank Comeau ' Others Present: Rod Towne, Sarah McLean , Multi-Purpose Athletic Field Comalex Update: Rod Towne of the Bangor Soccer Club updated the committee on the , progress of the two sub-committees studying the financial needs and the feasibility of the eight multi-field athletic complex. He also asked for the ' support of the committee for the project. Mr. Towne informed the committee that the airport land on Union Street may be used for recreational activities for little or no cost. He felt that eight fields will meet ' the needs not only for soccer but for feld hockey and Lacrosse and for other recreational uses such as t-ball. The plan also calls for a walking trail and exercise stations around the complex. , Plans call for two artificial turf fields with lights which will extend the playing season on both ends. , Mr. Towne feels that if we had an adequate facility the Southern Maine schools and travel teams as well as Canadian teams will travel to Bangor ' for games and tournaments which will give the local economy a boost. The Director noted that a survey conducted in the late 90s indicated a need i for more soccer fields. Mr. Towne said that the only regulation field in Bangor is at the high school. He also noted that since the survey was , completed field hockey has been introduced in the two middle schools and lacrosse is moving north, it's in Augusta already. , ' , ' , Advisory Minutes of February 7, 2005 Page two. � James Russell asked if less than eight fields would be acceptable. Mr. , Towne said that the project may have to be done in phases with at least one turf field in phase one. ' Mr. Russell asked if Bangor did not do the project would another town do it? Mr. Towne did not think so. , Joshua Scroggins asked what the cost of a turf fieid would be. Mr. Towne • indicated that their estimate was $650,000 with lights. Mr. Towne feels by creating the best athletic facilities possible we can give our children the ' opportunity to become the best athletes possible. Director's Report: ' The Director reported that he had his department reyiew with the Government Operations Committee last week. In the past this process was ' part of the budget review but that the Council is hoping to streamline the budget process by doing the reviews at this time. ' it will be a very tight budget this year. The City Manager has asked staff to hold their budget increases to 2.5%. That will be difficult with health insurance up over 20% and huge increases in the price of oil. , The Government Operations Committee last month voted to close Dakin Pool based on low attendance at 15.5 per day and the need to replace the , Bath House for an estimated cost of$303,000. However, the full council voted to send it back to the Government Operations Committee for further review when about 20 citizens attended the Council Meeting protesting the ' closure of the pool. At the Director's request the City's consultant has come back with three ' options on the Bath House. Option A is a 1300 square foot masonry structure at $298,000, Option B, the same structure made of wood at $254,000, Option C, limited scope of work on existing building to extend its ' life by 5 or 10 years at$90,000. This option is not recommended by the consultant. , it was the consensus of the committee members present that given the declining attendance and cost of replacing the Bath House and the need to hold the line on spending that the pool be closed. , , � , Advisory Minutes of February 7, 2005 Page three. ' Proaram Report: � The Youth Basketball League concluded the season on Saturday. ' Approximately 100 boys and girls in grades 3, 4, 5 participated in the league. � A total of,67 children participated in this year's ski and snow boarding lessons at Hermon Mountain. , This year's Father/Daughter Dance is set for Saturday, February 12t" at the Civic Center. , A number of Open Gym activities are offered at the Rec Center. On Sundays from noon to 2:00 p.m. is Family Time. Middle School and High ' School time is offered from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday evenings from 7-9:00 p.m. is Adult Volleyball and Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. is Adult Basketball. ' The 39th Annual Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is set for April 16�n WABI N and WZON Radio will televise and broadcast once again this year. , We are currently taking registrations for Spring Bowling at Family Fun Lanes. This program is for youth in Grades K through 5. � We will be advertising shortly for summer staff. it was suggested that besides using WZON Radio, Tracy should send PSAs to several radio , stations. Other Business: ' Pamela Kropp raised the issue regarding non-residents that own , businesses in Bangor being entitled to a resident membership at the Golf Course. This issue was addressed by this committee and the Government Operations Committee two or three years ago. After much debate, it was ' decided because people were taking advantage of the situation that you must live in Bangor to be entitled to a resident membership. Joshua Scroggins stated that he felt that as a resident of a community you should , be entitled to certain privileges in that community. Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Next meeting is March 7, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. ' ' �