Facing a room full of residents loudly opposing the plan, Rochester’s Select Board Monday approved accepting a $35,000 donation from the local non-profit “Tri-Town For Protecting Children” for the Park Commission’s proposal to reconstruct the Gifford Playground.
Board chair Brad Morse began the discussion by telling the crowded room that this was not a public hearing, but he would entertain questions. Attendees did not hesitate to respond.
Many objected to the town accepting a donation from what they called a “political” group; “Tri-Town For Protecting Children” includes members who have actively advocated for certain candidates in last year’s town election.
“How can you accept a donation from a group that not everyone agrees with all their views?” resident Susan McQuire said, rising from her seat. She said the plaque that will later name the group making this donation is like an endorsement of a specific group and should not be allowed.
Nathaniel Reece, a candidate for the Park Commission in last year’s election, objected to the design and the fact the public has been unable to provide input on it. He protested that this playground is not necessarily going to be accessible to disabled children.
Board chair Brad Morse said the board was merely approving the donation acceptance. The design is the Park Commission’s responsibility, he said, and those concerns should be brought to that board. “The Board of Selectmen do not design the playground,” he added.
McQuire said the town could scrap this plan in favor of broader-based donations and a more “holistic” design. Selectman Adam Murphy agreed the playground needs to be ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant. He asserted the current plan is better than what is there now.
The 3,649 square-foot playground’s full cost will be $81,881.70. While half of that cost is being borne by the local non-profit “Tri-Town For Protecting Children”, and the other half is being paid for with the town’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.
Town Administrator Cameron Durant noted the ARPA funds being designated for the playground project will not be available next year; they need to be spent now. But, he added, the project doesn’t need to be built by the original target date of April 2025, just that the contract is signed by then.
Before the approval vote, Durant added that he will try to organize a Park Commission meeting in which the concerned residents will be able to participate.
In an interview after the vote, Reece clarified, “there was no advertised donation campaign to residents or local businesses to seek more funds. So, it begs the question, is this playground project about getting the best playground possible for the youth of Rochester? Or is it about just having a single donor on the plaque who can take all the credit for it? How did the Eckerts (of “Tri-Town For Protecting Children”) get invited to the Park Commission meetings without any other residents being aware donations were being accepted?”
He noted that the Eckerts fund conservative candidates in town politics and send out a large number of fliers and advertisements for candidates. He said they were also key players in getting the TTAR Little Library removed in front of the Rochester Library last year. “So, for some town residents, they see this plaque as a divisive poster to the entrance of a park that should be there to bring everyone together,” he said. “However, the purpose of my attendance tonight had to do with more than the park itself. The only issue I have with the donation is that more donations weren’t pursued. The Select Board said this is a starting point and more donations can be accepted. But the playground is designed, so what is left to fund raise for at this point?”
In other action, Cameron noted that the January 6 town meeting might be postponed. He said two town boards with plans for town meeting articles might need more time to finalize and submit them.
The board approved $8,152 of town ARPA funds for a Police Department drone.
The selectmen approved allowing the volunteer group Rochester Helping Angels to sell items for charity at two tables in the Town Office Building conference room from December 4 to December 17.
The board approved creating an Opioid Task Force Committee, consisting of the town administrator, the police chief, the public health nurse and two residents, one of whom must bring ‘lived experience’ to the new panel’s decision making.
The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, November 4 at 6:00 pm at 67 Dexter Lane.
Rochester Select Board
By Michael J. DeCicco