Chair Heinrich called the meeting to order at 8:24 PM. He also noted the presence of Athletic Director Joe Raycraft, Baseball Coach Abe Shobash, Track and Fields Task Force representatives: Phil Jardullo, Pat McGrath and John Burke.
On a motion from B. Hamm, seconded by J. Flis, it was unanimously voted to table approval of prior minutes and annual goals and objectives.
The PBC master plan calls for building a football/track complex behind the high school. In order to do this, the plan calls for relocating the varsity baseball field to O'Neil Field. S. Heinrich explained that the task force had walked O'Neil Field and had concerns regarding this plan.
J. Raycraft explained that there was no required minimum distance to the backstop on a varsity baseball field. He said the ideal is ten to twenty feet. The recommended distance to left and right field is 300 feet and to center field, 350 feet. It was noted that one team Merrimack High plays against has a field with 290 to left field. When asked preferences, Coach Shobash said the more outfield distance, the better. He would like 330 feet to left and right and 330 - 340 feet to center. He also suggested that the backstop be placed as far back as possible as high and safe as possible. He would like 20 feet to the plate but would give up distance to the backstop to enlarge the outfield. The coaches felt that a field orientation that presented sun difficulties to the fewest players was best. They preferred the batter and catcher facing west rather than the pitcher and fielders. They also indicated that there have been very few cases of batters hit by a pitch and only one or two of those hit have been hit in the head. It was noted that the field originally suggested in the PBC master plan is oriented more southwest than due west.
P. McGrath asked the coaches what other things needed to considered and/or included in plans for a new field. Some of the things mentioned were listed as "wish list items". It was noted that these wish list items could be added over a period of time, but should be planned for now. Coach Shobash stated "If we are going to build a new field, let's do it right once and for all."
The committee, the task force and the coaches all agreed that the field as suggested in the PBC master plan was the best idea. The committee decided to go before the School Board on August 14 in conjunction with the task force to request permission to build a new baseball/softball field on O'Neil Field and to name the PBC to oversee the project. Funding for the project would come from the athletic field trust fund. The task force will continue to raise funds and is still in need of an school district associated account to deposit these monies in.
A possible timeline was worked out:
D. Miller and J. Flis will work to put together some computer and three dimensional models of these projects.
D. Miller was asked to project some potential costs. He estimated as follows:
D. Miller noted that S. Isabelle might also be a resource to obtain cost projections.
There were questions about whether the project would require planning or zoning board approval. The clerk was asked to look into this area.
At this point, discussion turned to what will be needed to finish the lower field so that it could be used as a softball field. Scott Isabelle had sent word that he and Shirley Lemay are researching water guns and rain trains. They expect to purchase one within the month. The Village District will install a hydrant and a two inch line to the lower field charging for materials only. The field also needs about ten feet of dirt and a drainage ditch installed in the outfield and to have the infield cut out. Estimated cost would be approximately $1,000. There was concern about the current condition of the new field due to lack of water. If the field developed a good root system before the heat and drought conditions arrived, the field may be fine when water (or rain) is available. Otherwise, the new field will need to be re-seeded and may not be available as planned.
S. Heinrich reported that the School Board had picked August 28 for the work session on space needs hosted by the PBC. It was decided to hold a planning meeting on August 15, time and location to be announced. It was suggested that a preliminary agenda be prepared and sent to all members for input.
There was preliminary discussion about the possibility of requesting a new meeting date with the Technology Committee.
On a motion from J. Flis, seconded by D. Miller, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 9:30 PM.
Last Updated: February 2, 1998 by Wayne Morrison