Representative Walter Timilty appeared before the Board of Selectmen last week to notify them of two issues, one of which was the filing of an amendment to the supplemental budget that would grant the town a 25 year lease for the Ulin Rink on Unquity Road.
In a conversation this week-end Representative Timilty confirmed the bill passed with the amendment. The 25 year lease is a great accomplishment according to Town Administrator Kevin Mearn and Selectman John Shields who were also present and praised Timilty for his efforts. “This is huge,” said Shields.
The lease will allow for a management concern to make the necessary investments to upgrade the rink and secure its long-term viability. The rink is being managed by Curry College under a 5 year permit the SCR granted the town. A temporary permit for such a short period of time precluded potential bidders from submitting proposals to manage the rink as there was no opportunity to recoup investments made in capital improvements in that length of time. In fact, Curry has appeared before the board and stated that they cannot continue to manage the rink under current constraints (Please see related post here.)
With the granting of the lease, the town will likely issue an RFP for organizations to bid on management going forward. Curry is assumed to be a leading contender in that process.
Senator Brian Joyce in an email to constituents also spoke to the bill authorizing the rink. He also cited that $1.8 million has been appropriated to continue improvements at Houghton’s Pond for ball fields, comfort stations, and parking.
“Improving Milton’s athletic facilities while saving Milton and state taxpayers millions of dollars has been a top goal since my days as a Milton Park Commissioner,” said an elated Senator Joyce. “Sometimes the slow pace of government and the resistance to change can be frustrating, but perseverance and determination paid off.”
In addition to the recreation initiatives, the legislation also improves local aid for many municipalities, including Milton. The additional supplemental budget funds will mean an additional $196,505 for the town.
The other issue Timilty raised before the board was a hearing on Bill H.1770. This bill is intended to prevent the construction on a turbine on town land that abuts the Granite Links golf course. The bill reads in part:
No person, or private or public entity, shall construct, maintain or operate a wind turbine closer than 2,640 feet to the Granite Links golf course leasehold, during the term or any extension term of either of the municipal leases entered into between Quarry Hills and the City of Quincy and the Town of Milton.
A hearing is scheduled for 10/20/2011 at 10:00 AM in Barnstable High School, Knight Auditorium