Meeting Minutes September 16, 2009

Sawyer Kensington Trust

Minutes 9/16/09 8:12pm

In attendance: Gary Bonitatibus, Donna Carter, Bruce Cilley, Michael DelSesto, Michael Motherway, Russell Perry, Cengiz Satir, Richard Powers

Minutes from August were approved.
The final amount raised from the Red Sox Raffle tickets was $1619.00. There was $200 in expenses which left a balance of $1419.00 to be split equally with the KYAA.
Cengiz Satir requested to use the allocated funds for the skateboard park by the end of the year. The board reviewed the list of equipment to be purchased and all were in favor. Cengiz, on behalf of the recreation committee, applied for a state grant for funds to purchase more equipment. If we qualify, the funds will be available in January 2010. When equipment is ready to be installed, volunteers will be needed.
The ice skating rink was discussed. Volunteers will be needed to maintain it throughout the season by keeping it filled. Plugs will need to be purchased. The trust will look into having someone snow blow the walkway to the rink area.
Monthly financials were reviewed. There were two bills; one for the broken irrigation pipe and one for the aeration. The town is responsible for the payment. Bills were approved.
The concession stand revenues were approximately $10k. This covered the cost of operating the stand, food, utilities, cleaning of bathrooms and supplies for the entire park.
It was decided to leave the mowing height at 3 ½”. The last two mowings will be cut down to 2 ½“ to prepare for the winter.
Compost and Fertilizer applications were completed on 9/12/09. The cost of the fertilizer and compost was paid by the trust. Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped.
All experts agree the field needs lime. Ten pounds for every thousand square feet for the fields and all other areas need five pounds per thousand square feet. The cost for the fall is $1782.00. All were in favor not to exceed this amount.
The drainage issue on the side of the snack shack will cost $800.00 to repair. All approved.
The painting required for the kickboard at the multipurpose field was also approved.
A suggestion to build a boardwalk on the multipurpose field near the shed was proposed. Bruce Cilley will get quotes for this project.
Donna Carter will contact Alan Lewis to inquire if he will continue to donate funds for the annual Halloween party. Michael Delsesto will look into getting a tent for the party donated.
The town of Kensington has appointed Michael Motherway as a contact person for all repairs, questions and problems for a one-year term.
Mike Motherway discussed his adopt-a-field proposal. It consists of organic materials being used to help with lawn care and prevent weeds at the park. He would like individuals or businesses to adopt a field, supply the needed products, and volunteer the labor to maintain a portion of the park or a field. This would need to have a point person to oversee the entire process. The cost savings would be unlimited.
Mike DelSesto also has a version of the adopt-a-field program. His version consists of also using organic materials however the donation would be monetary from the company/organization who adopts a field. The Trust would then hire a licensed company to apply all of the same products to the entire park. The cost savings would be approximately $12k and the trust would still maintain control over the park and not have any liability issues.
Both of these ideas would allow the town to still be able to apply for the grants needed for the compost and organic products. This needs to be discussed at the next meeting, as it was unresolved.

Pending Items:

Members reviewed and approved thank you letters for the advertising banners with the exception of amending the notice to follow up with the advertisers in Mid- February instead of in the spring
Michael Motherway and Unitil are still researching electrical usage and how to eliminate the high cost of the field lighting
On September 19^th, there is a charity “fun run” as well as a baseball tournament. Please support this local charity. The town hall and KES parking will be utilized on this day.

Meeting adjourned: 11:25pm.