Filed, subject to approval
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
May 18, 2015
Commission members: Degener, Chair; Hunter, Jones, McClung, Board
Staff: R. Blick
Mr. Degener called the meeting on May 18 2015 to order at 7:56 pm.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the April 27, 2015 meeting be accepted as submitted. Jones, McClung. Approved. 4-0-1. Mr. Board abstained.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick provided his monthly report for May. He highlighted the most recent information:
-Fields: an issue with a water pump on the North end section will hopefully be resolved this week.
-Topstone: Hydro raking was completed, with a large amount of muck removed by the Highway Department. Staff was on site today attending to the docks and lines. Seven lifeguards will attend Lifeguard University sponsored by the CT Recreation and Parks Association. . The Park & beach will be open for Memorial Day on May 23, and for weekends following that until school is ended.
-Camp registration is slow but steady.
-Concert on the Green, first concert is June 14.
-Mark Twain Library is hosting some of their events at the Community Center while their parking lot is being expanded.
-John Read Middle School, Rob is working with the school for their use of the Community Center gym while work (flooring, bleachers and padding) is being done at the school. Limited time slots are available for their use.
Motion: move that the Park & Recreation Commission accept the Director’s Reports as submitted. Board, Jones. Approved. Unanimous,
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON ATHLETICS FIELDS
The RCC turf field was defeated in the referendum vote. The STEAP Grant for improvement of athletic fields will expire in July unless an extension is applied for. The remaining STEAP grant is $339,000. The Board of Selectmen has asked the Park & Recreation Commission to weigh in on what improvements should be considered for the remaining funds. The Commission members discussed the three primary uses: expansion of RCC #2 to a regulation size competition field, drainage work on RCC #2 & RCC #3, and the pavilion shelter. Mr. Degener stated his preference for the field expansion. Other members were concerned about the costs and lack of cost information for the drainage work and the expansion of the field work. After further discussion, agreement was reached on a motion to send to the Board of Selectmen.
Motion: move that the Park & Recreation Commission approve a preference for use of the STEAP grant for an expansion of RCC #2 to a regulation size competition field and a repair of drainage issues, dependent upon itemized estimates. Board, Hunter. Approved. Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Blick noted that the individual requesting use of Topstone Park/Beach for a company party was pleased that they will have use of the beach at 5 pm and were willing to pay the extra fee.
FOOD DRIVE
Mrs. McClung has worked out an arrangement for the summer campers to bring food for the Town Food Pantry.
TOPSTONE PARK
The Greybeards will be doing trail work on Saturday, May 23, 2015.
The beach will be ready for opening this weekend. Additional sand will be added, some now and more late in the season.
DISCUSSION OF TEEN CENTER
Mr. Board reported that the Chairman, Joe Dolan, is in the process of arranging a meeting of the Committee.
COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
Mr. Degener announced his intent to resign from the Park & Recreation Commission effective following the June 2015 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Jones, Hunter. Approved Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Submitted by Mary Maday, Recording Secretary