Minutes
Present: K. Jones, V. Alward, C. Hunter, J. Board, L. Valenti, R. Brier
Also present: Rob Blick
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:34 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the December 7, 2015, meeting be accepted as presented. Board, Brier. Approved. 4-0-2. Mrs. Valenti & Mrs. Alward abstained.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his written report.
- Winter programs are underway. The turnout for high school basketball will field six teams and is set to begin on January 8.
- Ski Trips: enrollment has been slow, likely due to the warm weather. The first trip has been cancelled due to the lack of snow.
- Operating Budget 2016-17: the skating rink has been included in the operating budget, with an estimated cost of $12,000. Mr. Blick is doing further research on water issues to be sure there is water access to one of the fields.
- Budget Workshop: Friday, January 8, 8:15 am. Commission members were encouraged to attend the workshop.
- Topstone Bathroom project: Mr. Blick met with the architect to review recommendations for the bathroom renovations. The proposal included using composting toilets at the facility. The initial cost of the composting toilets and installation is about $8,000. These toilets will require tank pumping only one time a year compared with the current pumping schedule of 9-10 times a year. The conversion to composting toilets should pay for itself over a two year period. Discussion followed, and the commission members were in agreement that the conversion would be a good one.
DISCUSSION OF SKATE PARK INITIATIVE
Mr. Jones suggested that the commission support the concept of a skate park, but not include it in the budget. He will contact Aiden Sheahan, the student who proposed the skate park, and suggest that a user group move forward with the funding of the project. The Park & Recreation Commission will explore areas that have the potential to be used for a skate park. Mrs. Valenti was asked to check further on the size requirements for the park.
DISCUSSION OF ICE SKATING INITIATIVE FOR 2017
The ice skating rink is in the proposed operating budget for 2016-17. The cost is $12,000. Mr. Blick is researching water issues.
DISCUSSION OF TOPSTONE PARK FEES FOR 2016
Mr. Blick recommended an increase in the fees to Topstone Beach users for the summer of 2016. The plan included offering an “early bird” registration and renewal of passes at the current prices before the end of the current fiscal year (June 30, 2016) or a specific date. After that time, the pass fee will be $130 for residents and $300 for non-residents. The daily gate fee will be $6.00 for residents and their guests, and $15 for nonresidents.
CORRESPONDENCE
None
DISCUSSION OF OPERATING BUDGET 2016-17
Mr. Blick reviewed the proposed operating budget that will be presented at the Budget Workshop on January 8, 2016. The proposed increase is 3.8%, or $13,001. This increase includes the $12,000 skating rink.
Projected Revenue, $613,300
Projected Expenses, $964,244
Net cost to the town, $350,944
The budget reflects an increase in camp registration fees and the phasing in of the increase in Topstone fees. The numbers recognize the decline in school age children in Redding.
Mr. Blick also noted that the budget carries over $50,000 in expenses that generate no revenue. These include:
- Tree Lighting event -$ 1,100
- Weekend custodial/RCC – $21,500
- Police, concerts and events – $5,250
- Special events – $800
- Free family concerts RCC – $1,000
- Movie night – $850
- Concert on the Green – $2,000
- Concert on the Green bathroom – $750
- Open gym youth/family – $4,800
- Ice Rink at RCC field – $12,000
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Alward, Board. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary