The Stoneham Board of Selectmen are considering bringing a skating rink and a winter carnival to the Town Common this winter.

Selectman Tom Boussy discussed both activities at Tuesday night's meeting at Town Hall.

"My idea is to invite local restaurants, booster clubs...get a DJ and raise a few bucks for (local organizations)," Boussy said of the Winter Carnival, adding that it would be a first step toward revitalizating the downtown area.

Boussy suggested the event be held on a Saturday night, possibly in January sometime. 

Selectman John DePinto, who requested the item be added to a future meeting agenda, asked how the town would go about promoting businesses sponsoring the winter carnival. Town Administrator David Ragucci said the town would start by contacting the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce and go from there.

Skating Rink 

Ragucci provided an overview of the costs associated with setting up an ice skating rink at the Town Common. The total cost of the project would be about $5,200, according to Ragucci, and that estimate includes building the rink, electrical work and replacing sod at the site after removing the rink.

The Stoneham Department of Public Works would handle the project, according to Ragucci. 

The town administrator also discussed one possible issue related to ice rink maintenance.

"We don't know quite how to maintain it," Ragucci said, explaining that the town uses an anti-freeze in fire hydrants that wouldn't allow the town to use them.

The Selectmen plan to discuss the winter activities again at their Sept. 25 session.