Marblehead League of Women Voters Observer Corps
Observer Corps Reports are provided by volunteers from the Marblehead League of Women Voters. To learn more about the League and its activities, see my.lwv.org/massachusetts/marblehead.
BODY: Recreation and Parks Commission
DATE: Jan. 19
LWV OBSERVER: Kay Rieper
Memorandum of Understanding with School Department
The MOU that the commission submitted to the School Department was returned and approved with the addition of a phrase about usage for school-contracted programs that is not acceptable to the commission.
School Superintendent John Buckey and School Committee Chair Sarah Fox will be invited to the next commission meeting, and then commission members will attend the next School Committee meeting to discuss this.
Care of the high school athletic fields is the first priority of the department, and in return the department needs the use of indoor spaces in the schools for winter programs.
Budget
Superintendent Peter James presented a proposed budget with cost increases. He will send a copy to each member.
Parks
James reported invasive branches were removed from trees near the high school entrance, and a wildflower mix was planted. The Vine Street area was cleaned up. After the tree burning, the area was cleaned up. A new sign was installed at the Rainbow Zone.
Recreation
Director of Recreation Jaime Bloch reported that January programming is well underway. Bloch has put toy bins for younger children who are waiting with their parents in the lobby while older children are participating in programs.
On Jan. 29, there will be a ski trip to Bradford.
The Daddy-Daughter Dance is back and will be on Friday, March 24.
Bloch still needs to hire a building attendant on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Piqued pickleball players
Pickleball players have been harassing commission members over the courts being closed once it has snowed. This is a safety and liability issue. Other towns contacted have closed their courts.
Other events
The retirement party for Rabbi Meyer, already approved for May 21, has requested a food truck. This was approved after making sure it is legal.
The request to hold the Home and Garden Show at the Community Center will be offered for the April 8 weekend for a fee of $5,000 to cover costs.