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WINSLOW MEMORIAL PARK
Minutes of October 16, 2006
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Attendance: Nelson Larkins, Lynn Glover, Ernie Savory, Jane Grant, Peter Polovchik, Carla Dupuis and Bart Carhart, Park Manager.

Excused: Wayne Hollingworth and Rick White

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m.

The Minutes of the Commission’s Meeting of September 11, 2006 were approved unanimously.

Park Manager’s Report

Bart reported that 207 families have signed up for the Harb Cottage 2007 Lottery and that 43 families are on the seasonal campsite lottery. There are 18 rental weeks during 2007 at Harb Cottage and usually around 3 or 4 seasonal sites open up.

During the free camping weeks for Freeport residents (weeks of June 5 and September 18), 50 families took advantage.

Harb Cottage has been rented to a couple for the winter of 2006-2007 (November 1- May 31, 2007).

Gross sales for the camping season through September indicated an increase of 14% over the previous year (May through September $197,014 / 172,733).

The second memorial bench (Kaufman) is scheduled to be placed in the near future.

Whiting Tree Service started removing dead trees (previously identified) and Bart reported he had authorized an additional $500 for dead tree removal that threatened electric wires. After discussion, the members suggested obtaining price quotes on the cost of removing most, if not all, dead trees in the Park.

Concerning items raised at the previous meeting Bart offered the following information. There was mowing along the western trial between the Maintenance Garage and the boathouse. A Staff member reported that this had been done prior to instructions not to mow in that area. Concerning the report of “rudeness” on the part of a Park employee, Bart indicated that after speaking with Lynn, he had spoken to the employee about the complaint. There was insufficient information to identify the specific event. Concerning the impact of large groups at the picnic shelters and their possible impact on the septic system, Bart indicated that while, at times, their may be waiting periods before using the bathrooms, septic discharges have been accommodated satisfactorily. (Septic tanks are pumped periodically and there are no signs of any sepage).

Old Business

The Commission reviewed the Draft “Customer” Survey for the 2007 season. During these discussions, several revisions were identified and will be incorporated into a revised draft which will be presented at the Commission’s next meeting.

Concerning the proposed sign at the end of Staples Point Road, Bart presented a landscape plan proposed by the Freeport Community Improvement Association (FCIA). The Association is developing a price quote for Commission consideration.

The Lobsterman Triathlon appears to have been a success and organizers would like to continue the event. The Park and the Town are to be reimbursed for their staff efforts and the organizers paid the day use fee for all participants.

Concerning limitations on sheds, platforms etc. the members discussed the issue and will continue the discussion at a later date.

The issue of user fees was also discussed and will continue at the next meeting where a decision needs to be made.

New Business

None

Other Business

An item mentioned for possible consideration included some sort of roof to protect gatehouse staff from weather.

Public Comment: Park staff members John Card and Charles Goodwin attended the meeting and provided useful information



The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Bart Carhart