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WINSLOW MEMORIAL PARK COMMISSION
Minutes of December 10, 2007
Attendance: Nelson Larkin, Ernie Savory, Wayne Hollingworth, Bill Ross, Peter Polovchik, Jane Grant, Lynn Glover, Carla Dupuis, and Bart Carhart
Absent: Rick White

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 PM

The Minutes of the Commission’s Meeting of September 10, 2007 were approved unanimously.

The Commission next heard a proposal presented by Daric Ebert for “a small (100’x50’) enclosure where dogs could run free”. The proposed enclosure would be made of 5ft chain link fencing. Mr. Ebert proposed three alternative sites for the enclosure (in the volleyball court area, the horseshoe pitch area or across from the beach in a grassy area used for event parking). After discussion and without taking formal action, the Commission indicated that the enclosure was not appropriate for the Park.


Park Manager’s Report
Bart reported that gross sales through November of 2007 were $266,944.86 over $20,000.00 more than the same period in 2006.
Harb Cottage was not rented yet for the winter season (November 1st through May 31st, 2008), Two parties were close to committing to the November 1st date, but backed out because of high utility costs, estimated at $400.00 per month (includes heat, phone, and electric). One party was also concerned about the isolation. For the November 1st date, Bart indicated he had advertised the cottage for $1000.00 per month plus utilities. For the December 1st occupancy, he advertised the Cottage for $800.00 plus utilities. Two parties have shown an interest but can not commit because of problems closing on their own real estate sales. After discussion, it was agreed that if a January 1st rental date needed to be advertised, the rent would be reduced to $600.00 plus utilities. (The Commission will continue its discussion of adding insulation, extra heating sources, etc.)

Concerning the 2008 camping season, Bart indicated that 262 families have signed up for the Harb Cottage lottery. Applications sent to these families, are to be returned postmarked no later than December 10th. To date, 130 applications had been received for the 18 week rental period. The lottery is planned for December 14th, 2007. Forty eight families have signed-up for the seasonal site lottery. Applications, which were due December 17th, have been received from 21 families that are currently seasonal campsites. After the December 17th deadline the number of available seasonal sites (total of 30) will be determined and made available for the lottery which is planned for December 21st.

Bart reported that over 50 shrubs were planted at the “field sites” (29-39) and that approximately 75 rosa rugosas were planted along the fence row overlooking the beach. Also, the exterior of Harb Cottage and the Farmhouse were painted. In addition, in three rooms at the farmhouse, the floors were sanded and refinished and the rooms painted. At Harb Cottage some interior painting, electrical upgrades and general cleaning were undertaken. At the playground, the “x-wave” and a new sand box were installed and some brush trimming along the shoreline was undertaken to enhance views of Casco Bay.

Results of the 2007 Survey of Park users were reviewed. Some 339 completed survey forms were returned. Concerning the ratings of the staff, overall 96% rated the Park’s staff as “good to excellent”. Some comments were critical of staff as being rude and unfriendly. (This issue will be addressed in customer service training this spring.) In the rating of the Park’s facilities (bathroom, showers, playground, picnic area, beach, trails, campsites, etc.), with the exception of the bathroom-shower facilities, 96-100% of all the other facilities were rated good to excellent. 20.7% of the respondents rated the bathroom-showers as poor to fair with comments that there are not enough showers and restrooms and that they were not kept clean enough. Concerning the cleaning of the restrooms/showers, additional staff hours were assigned to cleaning and more will be devoted next season. The problem is most notable during the busy weekends in July and August when floors get wet and sand is tracked into the facilities. Concerning the issue of not enough facilities in the campground area, the “family oriented design” (each room contains a shower, toilet, and sink) is also less efficient than a group oriented design (showers, toilets, and sinks included together in one large room). For example, in the “family oriented design”, one person using the sink for shaving ties up the toilet and shower, which can not be used by others. This issue is heightened during the eight weekends in July and August. During the 2006 and 2007 seasons, three extra port-a-johns were brought into the park (one port-a-john is maintained year round). This has helped to address the problem.
After discussion, including a review of waterless vault pre built restrooms; the Commission recommended the continued use of port-a-johns with the addition of screening to disguise the units and to provide privacy for the users. Also, at the existing restrooms/showers the system ventilation should be maximized and the possibility of constructing an “outdoor” shower facility similar to the shower/changing facility at state parks will be evaluated.


OLD BUISNESS
Except for the increased frees approved at it’s September 10, 2007 meeting, the Commission decided to keep the 2008 user fees the same as those in 2007.

NEW BUSINESS
The Commission approved the Nidola Girl Scouts request to utilize the Park for a camporee during the weekend of May 16th through the 18th, 2008.
The Commission approved the use of the Park for the 2008 Lobsterman Triathlon. Organizers of the triathlon have proposed a two day event for Saturday September 13th and Sunday September 14, 2008. The Saturday event would include the regular triathlon and associated events (lobster bake, awards ceremony, etc.) and, for those who are staying over at the campground, a barbeque dinner, campfire and a band concert Saturday evening. The Sunday event would be a shortened triathlon for youth and “novice thiathloners”. Organizers will be asked to provide more details.

After reviewing the State’s “Health Beaches Program” whereby Park staff would be trained to take water samples at the Park’s beach to monitor water quality for swimming and usage, the Commission unanimously agreed to participate in the Program for the 2008 season. Samples will be analyzed at a certified regional laboratory. Should a sample exceed the standard, additional testing will be conducted and an advisory is posted at the beach informing swimmers of the exceedence. With the exception of the cost of Park staff taking the samples, all costs are borne by the state (via federal EPA) to fund the program. Bart indicated the state funding was not likely to continue after the 2008 season.
A request by the Gatehouse staff for an awning over the Gatehouse’s side door to protect staff from the rain was approved. An awning along with a small “porch” and “planter” will be utilized to keep RV’s from hitting the awning.

PUBLIC COMMENT
NONE
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05PM

Respectfully submitted,
Bart Carhart