ROWLEY — What one month ago was approved by selectmen to be a maximum $33,000 expenditure for public skating rinks in town has ballooned to a $100,000 endeavor that includes snowblowers, lights, construction of a new shed, replacement liners and other equipment. And selectmen are wondering just how this happened.
On Feb. 1, Selectman Dick Cummings suggested having two public skating rinks in town — one for advanced skaters and one for beginner skaters — on the soccer field behind Pine Grove School. The board gave preliminary approval to the rinks, along with agreeing to ask the Community Preservation Committee for between $27,000 and $33,000 to fund the project.
They also required that Cummings come back to the board with complete details of the project before final approval. The CPC money comes from funds, secured through taxes on residents, that are designated to be used for recreational use.
At Monday night's selectmen's meeting, Cummings and Glen Fougere, who represents the rink project for the Parks and Recreation Committee, presented to the board a proposal for two rinks that was nearly triple the approved amount and included numerous items that were not discussed or approved at the Feb. 1 meeting.
"Don't get me wrong. I am all for having the public skating rinks for the benefit of the children in town," said selectmen Chairman Dave Petersen. "But this project has spun out of control, becoming an ever-changing proposal with multiple items added week by week. I would be derelict in my duties of being responsible for taxpayers' money if I accepted this proposal as it is."
Petersen also expressed concern that the group was rushing into getting the project approved so it could be on the town warrant for the May 3 Town Meeting, without doing due diligence in planning and budgeting. Selectmen Stuart Dalzell Sr. and Bob Snow concurred with Petersen's concerns, indicating that they didn't understand how the costs could have mushroomed to triple the amount and that they needed to see more detailed plans before anything would be approved.
Cummings had submitted a proposal Monday afternoon that outlined the increased needs for the rinks, along with highlighting the core vision and values for the project, and stating that "if we are going to do this, we should do it right," to explain the substantial cost increase.
Switching to a rink that could be converted to a roller skating rink in the summer added to the cost as well.
"The CPC funds are there for recreational use, and this is a great way to give the children in town and their families an avenue for outdoor activity for many months of the year," Cummings said. "We have the volunteers enlisted and the support we need to make this happen for the kids."
Cummings said the CPC allowed for $100,000 in the first year to establish the rinks and an additional $17,500 in both 2011 and in 2012, but if all the money were not spent, it would go back into the CPC fund.
Concern was also expressed about damaging the soccer field, where the skating rinks would be set up from November to February, and the need to be ready in April each year for soccer. Then if the roller rink were to be set up after the soccer season, the grass would have to be reseeded again in the fall. Fougere, who is also involved in the soccer program in town, noted that fall soccer could take place at Eiras Park to allow for the grass to grow back.
Several residents, and a couple of children who are ice hockey players, attended the Monday night meeting and expressed their interest and support in seeing this project through.
"Again, I am not opposed to the concept of the rinks, but I think it is necessary and prudent that before the board approves this project, we see a sensible timetable, including definitive fixed setup and removal costs, along with maintenance and equipment costs and other variable costs," Petersen said.
Cummings indicated he would further hone his proposal to include more details and present it again to the board for approval. He also noted that he applied for Healthy Communities grants from both Home Depot and Lowe's and that the requests were accepted and were now under review.
