[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Artificial Surface Football Field Advisory Committee acceptance.]
The meeting of the Artificial Surface Football Committee was called to order at 5:30 pm by Bonnie Therrien, Town Manager. In attendance were Ronald Rodd, Neil Brickley, and Tony DiCicco. Also in attendance was Richard Webb, Michael Bongiovanni and Joe DiCarlo from Kaestle & Boos Architects. Councilor Julie Montineri was also in attendance.
Bonnie Therrien explained the charge of the Committee. Everyone introduced themselves and why they were interested in the Committee. Bonnie also explained the absence of the other two members of the Committee. Mr. Webb went over the preliminary plan options and stressed that these were only preliminary. Mr. Rodd asked for the square footage of the actual synthetic surface for each schematic. Mr. Webb explained the bleacher issue because if the bleachers are moved to make way for improvements to the field, then the bleachers would have to be redone to meet the building and ADA code. He explained that schematic C & D are the same drawings but C is a crown field and D is flat. He also reviewed very preliminary estimates for each schematic.
Mr. DiCicco asked whether bids would have to be done if we received a US Soccer grant. Bonnie said that the Town had applied for that grant but we might have to bid the project even if we receive the money.
Mr. Rodd asked whether lights would go into the field as shown on the schematic. Mr. Webb said these were the approximate locations as this is where they are usually placed on a field. The pricing proposal is for middle of the road lights. Mr. Rodd feels that bleachers should be redone to make them handicapped accessible. Bonnie also felt they should be done so we are in compliance with the law.
Mr. Brickley asked about the timeliness of having the field completed by the Fall of 2004. Bonnie said that she did have some concerns about making that deadline if the Committee is going to make good decisions and not rush the project. Many of the better contractors are already booked for installations for the season and cannot take on any other projects. Better to take the time to do the project right, then to rush it and make mistakes.
Mr. Rodd asked whether perk tests had been done. Mr. Webb said they only will be looking at the soil character and the height of the ground water. A perk test is not necessary.
Bonnie explained the options for the Commission as to meeting the Council deadline of having the field put in, in the fall. Mr. Rodd felt the Committee should do their due diligence and work slowly and do the project correctly. Mr. Brickley felt the opposite - the Committee should get going and make decisions with all of the information necessary, but meet often and get things done. He felt Option A made more sense dollar wise and the amount would probably be the most affordable for the Town. He asked if anyone felt Scheme A should be the recommendation to the Town Council.
Mr. DiCicco felt that the practice field should also be included (Scheme C) but the bleachers would have to be redone for that schematic.
Mr. Rodd asked if Scheme A could be done with the practice field included. Mr. Webb said yes.
Mr. Webb said that the soil tests will be completed within the next 10 days.
Bonnie explained that the Town Council may be appointing more members to the Committee and with 2 of the members not present this evening, it may make more sense to have another meeting with all members present. It was agreed to do this.
A motion was made by Mr. Brickley to adjourn at 6:59 pm; seconded by Mr. Rodd. The vote was unanimous.