Park Committee General Meeting
8/16/07

At the August 16, 2007 Park Project Meeting, Michael Jahn went over what the park committee is and what we are looking to do. There was one correction, the fence is going to be on the road side of the park only.

The fence that will be erected will be a 5ft wrought iron mimicked fence. The main reason for installing the fence is to keep anyone from driving into the park. The town has located a $5,000.00 grant from Nancy Calhoun’s office that they will use to pay for the fence. The outside area should be paved at some point. The rear of the park was designed as a catch basin/overflow for the old stream. This will remain along with the original drain being cleared periodically. There will be lights installed by the mailboxes, at the town expense, within the next few weeks. (Note: Unbeknownst to us at the meeting time but the lights had already been installed.) Contracts have gone out the company doing the engineering study upgrade for the proposed sewers. They will be making suggestions to the county for the type of system that will work best here. “Mini plants” seem to be the most popular style. They should be getting started on the paperwork project some time after labor day. The cost of setting the system up will be high and will need funding from the federal government because we are a unique area we are hopping for lots of help.

Mr. Bohan is planning to add some money for the park to next years budget. He reminded us that the best way to get anything accomplished is to keep showing interest in the project with our meetings and going to town meetings and reminding them. The town now has a grant writer helping them. They have quite a few ideas they are pursuing. Johanna went over the importance and financial incentive that can come from being a grant writer. She has had two people approach her, stating that they know how to write grants and are willing to help.

Mr. Bohan has a contact at the Boys and Girls clubs of America; he will call them and set them up with Johana A woman from Paradise trail asked what could be done to prevent the wash out that always happens there, which was 100% worse this past spring. Jim Farr, the town engineer can be called to give his input and suggestions. The residence of the road would be responsible for any repairs that they want to do.

Mr. Bohan reminded everyone that Road maintenance agreements can be signed and attached to your deeds. If everyone signs it and reneges on paying for repairs the road residence can go to court and have a lien put on the property if the person doesn’t pay their portion. It was recommended by Mike to hold a Road Maintenance Meeting.
A director is trying to work with the county to set up a Road Maintenance district which would be funded by our tax dollars.

The Yellow Line on Mt. Lodge road should be replaced soon.

Johanna went over the list from last meeting of playthings the children of the park have suggested. We are all hoping that the older children will take a real interest in the park and stop the vandalism. Mike went over the Neighborhood watch and what they plan to do for the park. Mr. Bohan reminded us that once things start getting fixed up they tend to snowball and move faster in the right direction. Tim O’Keefe has spoken with Congressman Hall. He is more than willing to help and needs drawings and total costs.

Johanna wants to talk to the National arts council for artwork including sprinklers. The other added suggestion is for a bike/walking path on the outskirts of the park.