Just random thoughts because I am too tired. The room was packed, so I welcome random thoughts from those in attendance.
Jim Cannon asked Kristen Linfante to resign. I asked Kristen Linfante, Dave Brumfield, and John Bendel to resign. Note to self. I don't think they are going to resign.
The room was filled with Brookline residents upset about the Castlegate property, newcomers upset with appeals, and people opposing the artificial turf. Citizen comments lasted until 11:30 PM.
Let me back up a minute. A few important facts from the Discussion Session. The organic infill will be more expensive because the cork has to be kept moist or it will disintegrate. A watering system has to be added. Additionally, every year a 1/4" additional infill has to be added. That will be an additional charge. Right now, the organic infill is at $1.57 million. The Commission has decided to ask an expert, someone who is not a toxicologist, questions about the safety of the turf. They were going to bring him in, but it would be more cost effective to just submit some questions to him instead. Why the Commission is only worried about costs when it comes to our children's safety, is beyond me.
Originally, the sports people had until May 13 to raise $250,000. Now, I believe it is until June 15. John Bendel said that in his presentation, May 15 was listed, but that has changed. No mention about 25%. It looks like they are holding to $250,000.
I got some answers tonight. The project can be "de-voted." The SAB can be dissolved. Even though residents are upset with the turf project in Ward 2, Steve Silverman supports the turf project.
Gateway said that the fields never flood. A resident will be sending me photos that tell a different story. I hope to receive them tomorrow, I mean, later today.
110 signatures opposing the turf project were handed over to the commissioners. Keep in mind, we only started this on Thursday evening. Dave Brumfield doesn't pay attention to petitions. He was reminded of how he announced for Dave Franklin on August 27, 2012 that Franklin's petition had 300 votes. See There is a new service available at commission meetings! Interestingly, Dave Brumfield paid attention to that petition. We will continue to get signatures. Dave was the only one who said that he didn't pay attention to petitions. Thanks to those of you who have signed the petition so far.
I loved to watch Dave Brumfield squirm when a resident asked him to define "fairness." Dave was speechless. I doubt that the camera will be on Steve Feller when Kristen was asked to voluntarily challenge her underassessed property. She said that she will wait for DMS who makes that decision. Steve Feller was very upset with her.
I really need to get some sleep, so I am encouraging others to submit their take on the meetings. I will continue my mission to stop the installation of toxic turf. Also, I will continue to advocate for commissioners' resignations. Good night.
Update April 29, 2014 8:18 AM I just received the photos of the flooding at the fields. The resident wrote, "I wish we had the pictures of Wildcat too, but this does give some perspective of the big issue that watershed is...these were taken in 2013."
I forgot to add that during the discussion session, they talked about adding an e-layer under the turf. Wasn't that an issue with the high school field?
Update April 29, 2014 11:40 AM I want to bring this to everyone's attention. At the Sports Advisory Board meeting on October 3, 2013, a vote was taken as to WHERE this turf should be installed. Click on Turf Project on the Agenda listed with the video. The subject of artificial turf has been discussed for years, but the location was not determined until that October 3, 2013 meeting. Kelly Fraasch admitted that she did not know about the project until a few days before the first meeting in November. Remember she was barely included in any of the emails in my mother of all RTKs when I asked for any communication about artificial turf from November 1 - January 24, 2014.
Update April 29, 2014 3:33 PM The following is James Cannon's comments from the 042814 Commission Meeting. He respectfully asks for Kristen Linfante's resignation.
Here are my comments from the 042814 Commission meeting. I put Kelly Fraasch and Steve Silverman on the hot seat and demand that Brumfield, Linfante, and Bendel resign.
Steve Diaz gives a lesson in Civics 101 at the 042814 Commission meeting.
