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Committee Report - Parks and Open Space - 3-22-10
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March 22, 2010 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEEON PARKS AND OPEN SPACEThe Committee on Parks and Open Space held a meeting on March 22, 2010, with Chairman Rebekah Gewirtz presiding and Committee Member Alderman Maryann Heuston also present and voting. Also present were Administrative Assistant Matt Dias, Director of Community Relations Carlene Campbell, Ellen Schneider of OSPCD and interested members of the public.188881 - amendments to the 2008-2013 Open Space & Recreation Plan: Ms. Schneider discussed the city?s proposed acquisitions and projects during the extension period, proposed public/private partnerships, planned pedestrian route and Otis Park. Chairman Gewirtz stated the need for renovations to Kenney Park on Highland Avenue and Ms. Schneider said that the plan could be amended in the future if needed. Chairman Gewirtz would like the public to weigh in and would like to know if there?s a need for a public hearing. Ms. Schneider is going to report back to the committee on whether or not a public comment period is required in response to extending the plan and making additions/changes to it. Members will be informed at the next Parks and Open Space meeting.188956 - parameters of the Dilboy Stadium lease:Ms. Campbell stated she staffs the Dog Owners Task Force that deals with off leash dog runs and she discussed her conversations with the City Solicitor regarding this issue. She also told the members that the Department of Conservation and Recreation will not pay for a dog park at Dilboy Field and noted that 2 other dog parks will be built in the near future. Funding for the construction of a dog park in West Somerville would come from the general fund. Alderman Heuston suggested looking into ways that CDBG funds might be used for a dog park in West Somerville.Alderman Heuston?s motion that the Administration research CDBG eligible areas in West Somerville, in the vicinity of the North Street housing complex adjacent to Dilboy Stadium, was approved.Chairman Gewirtz ?s motion that OSPCD prepare a cost estimate for creating a dog park at Dilboy Field and report on same at the next meeting of the committee, was approved.188863 - fruit tree planting grant:Mr. Dias discussed the city?s hiring of an arborist and said that the arborist should be hired and funded by CDBG funds and the general fund by the fiscal year end. Chairman Gewirtz questioned whether the city already had an arborist and Mr. Dias corrected himself and said the plan was to hire someone with a different title, i.e., Green Infrastructure Planner, to specifically work on the city?s tree inventory. Mr. Dias noted that there are some health concerns with fruit trees such as problems with rodents. Chairman Gewirtz suggested referring the issue of fruit trees to the Tree Preservation Committee to get their feedback. Alderman Heuston?s motion that the Administration provide more detailed information on the scope and nature of a fruit tree planting grant so that the city may make better decisions on pursuing these types of grants in the future, was approved.The next meeting of the committee will be on April 5th at 7:00 PM.No papers were acted on.