0:08A primary focus of the meeting was the conflicting applications for field usage, particularly between Georgetown Youth Lacrosse, Triton Youth Soccer, and Ma Rush Soccer. The committee noted issues with the current application system, which does not display scheduling conflicts, hindering decision-making. A historical understanding of field usage was highlighted, noting that Triton Youth Lacrosse typically uses fields one and two, while other soccer groups utilize the remaining fields. Committee members emphasized the necessity of resolving these conflicts before the upcoming season to ensure equitable access for all groups. Provisional permits were approved for the present groups, contingent upon their submission of required documents and agreements on field-sharing.

41:32The meeting also addressed the committee’s budgetary needs and projections for the fiscal year. Historically, the committee has ended with a surplus, but there was confusion about the consistent $50,000 annual budget allocation. A proposal was made to create a more detailed budget document based on historical spending patterns. This would involve compiling past financial data to help project future budgets effectively. The committee expressed a desire for clarity on recurring costs versus one-time expenses and stressed the importance of preparing ahead for expenditures, particularly regarding maintenance and improvements. An emphasis was placed on using historical data and applying an inflationary rate to ensure accurate financial projections.

1:19:55Concerns about the condition of local playing fields and the management of waste disposal were also raised. A member of the public highlighted issues such as overflowing dumpsters and hazardous equipment left near the airstrip, posing safety risks. The committee acknowledged these concerns and discussed steps to improve waste management, including potential monitoring solutions and better communication with relevant departments.

22:42Further discussions included the potential expansion of recreational activities, like ping pong, and the installation of a new water bubbler. The committee considered accessibility standards for a future playground project and explored community involvement opportunities, such as a book drive proposal by the Community Service Club. The idea was to have club members help stock library shelves, fostering a diverse reading environment.

59:43Lastly, the committee reviewed a proposed fee structure for field usage, prompted by research on local rates in neighboring areas. The current fee for “Friends of Newbury” is $10 per hour, while non-friends pay $25. Discussions centered on ensuring clarity in the language used in the fee document to differentiate between personal and organized group use and the possibility of adjusting fees based on full-day usage to optimize facility use and generate revenue.