from the eagle tribune;
Atkinson resident donates $25K for town park
By Doug Ireland direland@eagletribune.com
ATKINSON — What may have been a secret to some was probably not much of a surprise to others.
Months ago, voters were asked at Town Meeting to consider a $80,000 warrant article for construction of the East Road recreation area. Although residents knew an anonymous donor was footing $25,000 of the cost, it wasn't until the selectmen's meeting Monday that his identity was revealed.
It was longtime resident and former Planning Board Chairman Jake Collins.
For those who were surprised, they probably shouldn't have been.
Collins, who turns 88 this week, has been helping his community for years. He and his wife Una, who died in 2006, have contributed to local projects in many ways and for many decades.
But it was always without fanfare.
"Jake has made many anonymous contributions to the town over the years," Selectman Bill Bennett said. "Not that many people step up to the plate to that extent."
Collins, an Atkinson resident for 60 years, said Thursday he and his wife were never interested in receiving recognition for their efforts. They just wanted to help in any way they could.
"My wife and I started that a long time ago," he said.
Recreation Committee member Patti Mangini, who has been leading the recreation area project, said Collins approached her more than a year ago to express interest in helping to make it become a reality.
"It's a good thing that he's doing," she said. "He loves this town."
Once selectmen formally accept the donation, the $25,000 will be used in conjunction with $55,000 appropriated by voters in March to complete the project's second phase.
The first phase featured the development of two athletic fields funded by a $40,000 warrant article approved by voters in March 2009.
But residents rejected a $25,000 proposal to provide a 50-car parking lot and walking path around the two fields. Construction of an unpaved parking lot and walking path were approved this year.
The second phase includes installation of a well and irrigation system for the fields. Bocce courts also will be put in unless a water tank is needed for the irrigation system, Mangini said.
"It's going to be a nice park," she said.
The project's estimated cost is about $160,000, Mangini said.
Selectmen recently reviewed bids for the project's second phase but believe they are too high, Bennett said.
"We're trying to get bids at lower rates," he said.
The recreation area would not open until fall 2011 at the earliest, Mangini said.
Collins, a member of various local organizations over the years and a 17-year Planning Board member, said the East Road project will be an important asset to the community.
"It's necessary to keep the kids off the street and give them a place to play," he said. "It's a really good thing."
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71 comments:
There aren't many people who CAN step up to the plate this way, Bill.
I can think of one other family that could but their current mode of operation seems to be take and screw the rest of us.
Nice that they did this and even nicer that I don't have to pay for it!
Yeah you don't have to pay for it yet. Look at long term, maintenance, electricity.I'm hearing that they are keeping the barn...that will need work. Don't be so short sighted.
Don't we have enough ball fields at Woodlock?
I think these people who ask for the public to chip in do so with their own legacy in mind.
Do we need this? No.
No good deed goes unpunished...
Especially in Atkinson. The town is still out of control, it never seems to change no matter who gets elected.
Paranoid? Much?
hardly
it's the truth, look around you
And if you take the widest of these measures, which in plain English counts everyone who doesn't have a full time job, and blames that on economic reasons (as opposed to blaming it on being sick, old, or in training) then America's "labour underutilisation" rate went past 17% at about the time its "unemployment" rate hit 10%.
A rate of 17% presents everyone with a picture of an American economy where more than one in six people who want a job, can't get one.
"it's the truth, look around you"
I did. All I see is my cat.
To "Aug 5, at 9:06 AM and 3:44 PM," assuming there is any truth at all in what you say, how does gross exageration help your case?
It is clear that the majority of the voters, and rest of the population (by their apathy, contentment or ignorance) do not agreee with you. If your scale rates the current town of environment as "out of control" that does not leave much room for rating problems such as those with the town government of Bell, California; and other towns with real "out of control" problems.
Maybe Atkinson is "out of control" in your mind, because you can't control it; and that "it never seems to change no matter who gets elected" because it may not be as "out of control" as you think it is.
There are a lot of us that "look around" and it is clear that your "truth" is not shared by all, or even most. Yes, you are entitled to your opinions and paranoia, and we are entitled to ours and our non-paranoia.
So, enjoy whatever "floats your boat"--just don't expect us to get in it...and if you wan't to you will have to make a better, and frankly, more interesting, case.
"Just to put it in context, the general fund for the city of Bell is $15 million. So, Mr. Rizzo with his salary and compensation package, around $800,000 is about one-fifteenth of the budget for the city of Bell," De La Torre said.
"And Mr. Rizzo is obviously a little delusional about what the private sector would be (able) to pay anybody, certainly not $800,000.
And Mr. Rizzo is obviously a little delusional about what the private sector would be (able) to pay anybody, certainly not $800,000.
Certainly not double what the president of the United States" makes.
The stories of soaring salaries come at a difficult time for cities, which are making cutbacks amid a recession that has made many taxpayers ever more interested in what services they get for their tax dollars.
In Sacramento, the Bell salary controversy threatens to undermine the arguments made by city managers against state budget proposals that would take money away from municipalities. For months, city officials have lobbied the Legislature, arguing that they are suffering financially because of the economic slump and cannot afford deeper cuts.
"However, the Times story suggests this duress may not apply to all our cities, or that some cities are not allowing their economic plight to curtail Fortune 500-level salaries for their senior executives,'' State Senate President Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) wrote in a pointed letter to the League of Cities last week.
At a time of low public confidence in government, the Bell revelations pose another threat to the credibility of local officials.
"It just makes for a toxic environment," said Max Neiman, senior resident scholar at the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley.
July 20, 2010 - Citizens Protest
Hundreds of residents of one of the poorest municipalities in Los Angeles County shouted in protest last night as tensions rose over a report that the city’s manager earns an annual salary of almost $800,000.
An overflow crowd packed a City Council meeting in Bell, a mostly Hispanic city of 38,000 about 10 miles (16 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles, to call for the resignation of Mayor Oscar Hernandez and other city officials. Residents left standing outside the chamber banged on the doors and shouted “fuera,” or “get out” in Spanish.
It was the first council meeting since the Los Angeles Times reported July 15 that Chief Administrative Officer Robert Rizzo earns $787,637 -- with annual 12 percent raises -- and that Bell pays its police chief $457,000, more than Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck makes in a city of 3.8 million people. Bell council members earn almost $100,000 for part-time work.
City Attorney Edward Lee said the council members couldn’t discuss salaries in public without advance notice. The council then adjourned for a private session. About an hour later, the council members returned, and Hernandez read a statement saying the city would prepare a report on the salaries and seek public comment at the next council meeting, scheduled for Aug. 16.
Residents shouted in protest. Lee said he would have the room cleared if people continued to speak out of line. Police Chief Randy Adams said the fire department wanted to end the meeting because the crowd outside was blocking the door. ...
I care less about what is happening in Bell or any other town, than I do about what is going on here.
I also do not have to make my case to you or anyone else. If choose to make a statement about the corrupt and vindictive town leaders, I will do so.
The ongoing lawsuits are proof enough. The whispering by residents who are not directly involved yet aware of the corruption is all over. No one except the bravest would dare to go up against these people or they will become the next target. This is historically proven fact.
Watch for the next few lawsuits and then tell me that there's no problem here.
What we have is a bunch of dopes who protect the thugs because they do not do their homework and they are not personally affected, yet.
Paranoid? Much?
To "August 7 @ 10:23 AM:"
You are right you "don't have to make your case" to me or anyone else...and you didn't.
Self-righteous indignation does not change people's minds. Feel free to cloak yourself in it.
As for the lawsuits: "Innocent until proven guilty" and not all of them have gone, or will go, the way you hope. Filling a lawsuit does not automatically determine that the filer is right and the accussed is wrong. The lawsuits are not proof enough.
See how many townspeople's minds you can change by refering to them as "dopes." I doubt you will convince many. But then, as you say, you "do not need to make your case" ... and again, you didn't.
Atkinson pays 40K for legal insurance. What was it 3 years ago. What after 2 more years. What can judgments against the town cost. I don't want my tax dollars to go to pay out of control town officials who get sued. So stop doing what you are doing.
Thank You.
Again, you assume that all of the lawsuits are justly founded and legit. I question the motives of those filing the suits as much as I question those they are suing. Again, you say "out of control," a personal judgement clearly not always shared by either the majority, or the courts. If those filing the suits were only doing it for the "public good" they would donate all but their legal expenses and time wasted to the town. Not one of them has. What are their true motives? Have they really been wronged to the dollar degree that they are seeking? I think not!
Just stop what town gov does to people so they don't sue the town and I pay for it. Your explanation is unsatisfactory. What job do you have in town. I would like to meet you.
It still amazes me when I drive by the police station. It looks like a used car lot! Make me sick just to see such waste. With one officer on call during the day he must play musical cars to see which one he drives!
"If those filing the suits were only doing it for the "public good" they would donate all but their legal expenses and time wasted to the town. "
That's ridiculous. The people who are taking the brunt of the corruption and who are doing the work are entitled to collect.
Why doesn't the town just stop getting into lawsuits by stopping the corruption? They would save the town more than any single individual who pushes back.
so the new field w/bocce courts gets slammed thru w/the elderly vote as the woodlock sits in deteriation. it's a shame/scam that pope was abandonded for improvements {no paved parking} for 80 percent of those who use it. no water to the fields as they burn, no covered dug outs, etc etc etc yet we have new bocce/soccer fields for close to a million $$ but what the hell we got a 25k donation! people need to wake up. why isn't the reason the new fields aren't ready for use being publicized?
The East Road project was sold to and supported by the seniors on the strength of "a walking track, probably of stone dust of some other suitable material" that would encompass the entire area. As there are no good areas to walk in Atkinson, we supported it whole heartedly, myself included. My fear is that I will pass away before I see that walking track. Never mind getting the "Kids off the streets", how about us seniors!
Why do you need a walking path when you have the transport DIVISION OF THE PD?
They can give you a ride around the field.
So...those suing the town should be able to sue for any amount, regardless of the actual "damages" and you criticize seniors for exercising their constitutional right to vote, their right to support athletic facilities that would serve them too, and for making use of the elderly services that the "good" people of Atkinson have thoughtfully provided?
That suggests that some that visit this blog are very bitter opportunists with an attitude that says "I'll get mine" and "I am entitled to whatever I want, but I will complain about everything else, and even stoop to taking swipes at the seniors, because it serves my warped sense of what Atkinson should be...and that the majority that clearly doesn't agree with me--must be wrong."
Amazing!
It is comforting to know that these small-minded people are so paranoid that they only dare to venture out of their dark dens to this slimely, little, one-sided, biased blog. They, their kind, and their ideas, do not stand up well in the bright light of day, and in front of the real concientious and thoughtful majority that they self-righteously characterize of "dopes" because they don't share their "Chicken Little" assesement that Atkinson's "sky is falling!"
Wow, what a silly spin!
No one made any connection between suing and the elderly, where do you get these delusions?
And furthermore, nowhere here has anyone suggested anything remotely similar to your "I'll get mine" scenario.
Talk about disjointed arguments that don't stand up to the light of day.
You are projecting your hatred on your good neighbors.
Shame on you.
Look over the last few posts--it's all there.
Agreed, these things were not said by one individual but they do reflect the threads that appear on this blog.
The defenders of those that sue the town do not appear to agree that there should be some limits to what is reasonable.
My "good neighbors" work for the good of the town. They support the elderly affairs programs, the athletic parks, and do question the motives of the sue'ers as well as their targets.
I harbor no hatred, I just question the motives of some that hide behind this little blog sniping at anyone and anything, and those that suggest that suing the well-intentioned benefits the town.
You are part of the thread too and you are putting spin on every comment here that you don't agree with.
BTW, who exactly do you suggest put limits on what's reasonable? The law doesn't so it's open season.
Furthermore, you say you harbor no hatred and in the same sentence you say you question the motives of those who sue, and again in the same sentence you say that the ones being sued are well-intentioned.
You are totally one-sided and throwing stones at others while you are fooling no one.
BTW, the elderly did not get this field approved. Where do you get this unsubstaniated bull?
"Why do you need a walking path when you have the transport DIVISION OF THE PD?
They can give you a ride around the field."
Now I have this image stuck in my mind of Phil giving Adele a piggyback ride around the perimeter of the field.
ROTFLMAO
Giddyap horsey!!!
How about Mrs. Snicer getting a piggy back from Phil?
It doesn't matter who is elected next time around because the reins are still being held by the same ones since 2004.
Watch and see who is chosen for the next election and look and see who supports them.
The reason nothing changes is not hard to see.
How many people were removed over this time because they didn't go long with the powers that be.
No one has to believe this but the proof is right there if any one cares to look it up.
Until this regime changes it will be the same year after year.
Until someone with integrity and honesty
is allowed to be in charge
And that dear people is up to every voter in this town.
It will happen when the Chief of Corruption is gone, and he will be.
Those who want to run for office, run; and people vote for the candidates they prefer.
What could be fairer than that?
I would like to exchange links with your site atkinsonreporter2.blogspot.com
Is this possible?
Never know, Tim. Might happen, after I complete my latest weight watchers course!
I asked the selectmen what was holding up progress on the fields. They have some issues with the work the contractor did. Part of the contract money was held back in a contingency fund until the issues are resolved.
I know the fields there better than anyone from bush hogging them for some years. There was a 20 foot change in elevation from the high point in the center to the low point at south rear. My biggest fear is that they will call it macaroni before the regraded land has enough time to settle and we will have fields with a permanent basin in the south side.
Conservation met with recreation to discuss parking issues there and I raised the issue of access to put in the perimeter trail Adele referred to. Recreation assured us that that will still be possible.
Thank you, Tim. Maybe we seniors will be trotting around that track sometime next Spring!
All kidding aside, Atkinson's seniors work hard for the town. They raise money for many causes, serve on various boards and committees. Whenever asked to pitch in they do it willingly and well, no excuses and ask for very little in return.
Amen!
Unfortunately Adele,
What began as a noble program to help the town's elderly, while still helping them has also been turned into a political vote buying scheme by its director.
Some people blame the seniors rather than the person who corrupted the program.
Yeh, and "some people" will always make sure that any and every thread always comes back to blaming Phil (or Frank) for every real or imagined town ill...regardless of the original topic
I think that the reason the field is not in use is due to very poor field conditions. I stopped and walked it about a week ago and it is in very poor shape. There is no watering system there so there is no grass.
If anyone stops to take a look, be careful when you go back on to east rd.Cars are driving too fast on that rd.
There's a track right down the street at Timberlane. Why do any of you think we needed another one?
"There's a track right down the street at Timberlane. Why do any of you think we needed another one?"
There isn't going to be a track at East Road.
After watching the re-televised selectmens meeting, I have a question; Why is the gentleman on the rec.committee so eager to pay of the contractor who was supposed to water the lawn? If the job was done at his house would he find this acceptable and pay the contractor? The fact is, the contractor promised to water and he did not and he is still looking for money. I hope that Atkinson does not allow this contractor to work in town anymore.
"The East Road project was sold to and supported by the seniors on the strength of "a walking track, probably of stone dust of some other suitable material" that would encompass the entire area. As there are no good areas to walk in Atkinson, we supported it whole heartedly, myself included. My fear is that I will pass away before I see that walking track. Never mind getting the "Kids off the streets", how about us seniors!
I REPEAT - WHY DO WE NEED ANOTHER WALKING TRACK?
why not walk to foxwoods? no track needed and think of all the rec money we could spend on the kids for recreation instead of senior transport
I agree, we do not need another walking track. Just drive (or walk) the extra 1/8th of a mile to the school.
I agree, we do not need another walking track. Just drive (or walk) the extra 1/8th of a mile to the school.
what about all the trails behind the community center, bryant woods, and the sawyer land?
I didn't realize that Adele had referred to it as a "walking track". The plan has been to try to put in a walking path around the perimeter of the fields. What there is at Timberlane is a competition track for running. There is a pedestrian path around only part of it, and the access to that is down a senior-unfriendly hillside.
Bryant Woods is private, and any town recreational access to Timberlane facilities is at the whim of the school.
The conservation trails can be a bit tough if they're muddy and/or you're using a cane, walker, or wheelchair. Or pushing a baby carriage. Or a gal who's nervous about bogeymen in the woods. The fire lane at Pope fields is currently the best town option, but it's a bit remote.
I am looking into getting grant money to fund a path.
Tim,
You running for chief next?
Why not look for grant money for Pope field? Seniors can walk the monster library we have as that should tire them out. Put your brain with your heart and do whats right.
To answer the question a to why many seniors might not use the trails on the Sawyer land, or the Trinity House trail behind the community center: both are beautiful places to walk, but the Sawyer trail is impassable in many places now. I believe that the last work done on it was in the 80's as an Eagle Scout project. Trinity House trails is all uphill and very rough. Bryant Woods sidewalk is a good place to walk, but you have to find a place to park (I sometimes use the church parking lot, but they don't appreciate that).
The walking path for the East Road was part of the proposed project and should be part of it now.
Could you explain why I just passed the East road field and observed our town mowing company spend multiple hours mowing the weeds? Is seems senseless to throw our tax $$$$$$$$$$$$ at a weed field.... obviously the fields are not going to be ready this year and from what I understand the fields need to be ripped up and regraded. This feels like salt on my wallets wound!
Grant money is a good idea. Remember the Rec. Dept. and/or Conservation Dept. just got a donation from a town resident, not to mention the money it took to do the work that has already been done on east rd. With all that money we could have invested into Woodlock.
I'm interested in the story behind the story. There usually is one.
Why has Woodlock park become the forgotten project?? I really would like to know why.
It has served the public for many years. It seems we have to have bigger and better all the time.
In my opinion bigger is not always better.
I for one, am glad Tim gives so much of his time to the Town. At least he is one of the few we can trust to tell the truth as he knows it.
Give credit where it is due and stop looking for ulterior motives where there are none.
Seems to me Tim supports this abomination on east rd. Is he a sheep or a wolf? He stated he's looking into grant money for a path
when grant money to complete woodlock would be far more appropriate. I can just see the million $$$$ traffic light that will need to be installed after the 1st senior gets slammed trying to get in or out of the lot at east rd. It's already an accicdent magnet so lets add to the mess with an extra entrance and exit. This is a disaster in the making.
i agree, the whole project is a disaster from the start.
The Woodlock Rec area seems to be controlled by the soccer people.
Soccer is run by people living out of our town.
It appears that since 80% of the Woodlock Rec area is for baseball/softball it is not a priority of their interests. This is obviously my opinion but still quite a shame.
You would think our selectmen would make it a priority?
"Seems to me Tim supports this abomination on east rd. Is he a sheep or a wolf? He stated he's looking into grant money for a path
when grant money to complete woodlock would be far more appropriate."
Neither you nor anyone else on this forum gets to tell me what is appropriate for me to spend MY VOLUNTEER TIME on. If you want a grant to do work at woodstock get off your butt and chase a grant yourself.
This forum is to speak ones opinions and bring daylight to various workings of the town. If you don't like the heat then "get out of the kitchen". Looks like somebody hit a nerve on this one.
Do you play soccer?
Everybody is mentioning Soccer, Baseball Softball... It is my understanding that these new fields were for Lacrosse. Is this correct? Do we have a Lacrosse league in Atkinson or is this field going to be rented out to other towns for other things or other sports? Please enlighten me.
Thank you
"This forum is to speak ones opinions and bring daylight to various workings of the town. If you don't like the heat then "get out of the kitchen". Looks like somebody hit a nerve on this one.
Do you play soccer?"
I don't play soccer, lacrosse, or little league baseball. My only ambition is, to quote from an old Joni Mitchell song, "playing real good for free".
If you don't like what's on the stove, cook your own dinner.
"...is this field going to be rented out to other towns for other things or other sports?"
Yikes. Maybe I should be looking for a grant for a moat instead of a path?
Seriously, I don't think we rent out Pope Road and recreation has told me in joint meetings that there are no plans to rent fields at East Road.
Under RSA 508:14 the town is immune from nuisance lawsuits for injuries on recreational land, unless we charge for access. So if we are renting fields to anyone our insurance had better be reviewed.
NO matter what game we play or what goes on at EAST Rd. believe me, the tax payers will feel it when it comes time to foot the bills.
It will be like Topsy and grow,grow forever.
Tim,
If you are using a cane or walker, you should not be in a field at all. The Timberlane paved track would be a safer option and less liability for the Town.
To; NO matter what game we play or what goes on at EAST Rd.......
I agree, the taxpayers will feel it. Although I am sure it was much appreciated what Mr. Collins did. The money should have been allocated to Woodlock for maintenance and up keep. That is, if Mr. Collins would agree to that. Was the donation specific to East Rd. or specific to Recreation Dept?
hell yeah. u ever hear of someone chasing a penny across the highwaY?
well this had great intentions but its turned out to be pennies compared to the final cost to us and it was very specific.
for only the foolhearty would line up for this without looking at all costs first
tim
when u gonna play real good?
then we'll worry bout the free part
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