MINUTES  - MAY 13, 2003
HIGH SCHOOL – 7:00

Members present: Tuck, Heitin, Pietal, Bergeron, Bluestein, Gillen, Goodman, Hearne, (Garza).  Member absent: Fixler  

1. Tuck reported that she had received a call from a resident opposed to Articles 29 and 30, soccer association lease. The resident objected to the Finance Committee’s recommendation that stated that the majority of neighbors concurred, saying that they had not been involved and had not had knowledge of what was in the agreement.

2. Gillen excused himself from the discussion of the soccer leases, did not sit with the FinCom members and did not participate in the discussion.

3. Neighbor Susan Kennedy asked that the FinCom reconsider its recommendation as she believed it had been based on inaccurate information. As evidence, she referenced a October 17 letter to the Selectmen signed by thirty neighbors expressing concern, a November meeting with the Selectmen expressing objections and a petition in opposition. She added the belief that it was inaccurate to say that there was no cost to the Town as it provided services such as mowing, watering and maintaining the parking lot. She maintained that the parking was inadequate and the traffic intolerable.  She reported that around a thousand outsiders would be attending tournaments. She saw no need for another field for rotation based on her perception of the excellent condition of the present fields. She also objected to the effect on a ground water protection district.

4. Neighbor Steven Kennedy reported that there had been one meeting with residents with no follow up.  He said that residents had asked to be included and that, as they were not notified, he assumed the issue had died.

5. Soccer Association member J. Bronstein stated that the agreement has a working committee and that a couple of neighbors would never be satisfied. Soccer Association Chairman B. Silver reported that the Association pays directly for fertilization and makes twice yearly payments to the Recreation Department for town services, such as mowing and trash removal.  He added that the 140 car lot for the third field would be open whether that field was being used or not.

6. In reply to questions from Tuck about the stage of the agreement, Selectman J. Roach said that he thought they would set up a committee involving the Recreation Department, the Soccer Association and neighbors.  He stated that he had thought things were going well and that the Selectmen had been under the impression that there had been agreement.

7. Steve Kennedy said a neighbor mentioned as in favor of the fields was a member of the Association.  He added that at least twenty neighbors had signed a petition in opposition.  He expressed difficulty in understanding the proposed rotation and urged only two fields be used at a time and no tournaments. He pointed out two fields planned at East Elementary and one at the Cottage Street School. Another neighbor expressed the belief that 12 of the 13 neighbors in the immediate vicinity were opposed to the proposal.  She pointed out an incredible waste of water, traffic problems and the need for a paid police detail. Association member E. Hershfield saw an opportunity for a better situation and urged that there be teeth in the agreement.  Resident S. Liao said the relationship started with the home owners association did not continue.

8. In answer to a question from Pietal, Conservation Commission Chairman M. Arguimbau, accompanied by Conservation Agent G. Meister, said that the Association had decided to switch the parking lot and field in accordance with the ConCom’s request.  She said that the Conservation Commission was satisfied with the plans.

9. In answer to Heitin’s question regarding the effect of not having the proposed additional field, Silver said that Field #1 was breaking down with six months of heavy use and three of less use and needed a rest. 

10. Tuck said it appeared that a group of people had not been included in the process and that communication had failed. She urged that the close neighbors be included in the agreement and the agreement followed.  Hearne urged control by the Selectmen and Pietal urged that the selectmen address the concerns.

11. The meeting adjourned at 7:55