Park and Recreation Commission
May 1, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Present: K. Jones (Chair), K. Schwartz, C. Hunter, J. Board and R. Brier (at 7:37)
Also Present: Rob Blick
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:34pm
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his written report: Park and Recreation grounds crew members helped at JRMS to get grass cut the past two weeks, due to a temporary staff shortage at JRMS. Thanks to donations, the three Concert-On-The-Green performances lost due to budget cuts have been reinstated. The Concert Fundraiser later this month will stay on as scheduled in an effort to continue the support of the concerts series in future years. The Skateboard Park effort is considering a gofundme page, the commission stated again that a 501c3 fund is available for them to use.
LETTER OF CORRESPONDENCE
A letter was sent to Park and Recreation asking about hosting parties at Topstone, particularly end of the year parties for Redding students. Due to the number of staff needed to safely host such events, it is imperative that any group planning to use the park for such events contact Park and Recreation as soon as possible. Normal day pass fees will remain in effect.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM March 6, 2017
Hunter, Schwartz, Approved 4-0-1 Abstained: Board.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM April 3, 2017
Hunter, Jones, Approved 2-0-3 Abstained: Board, Schwartz, Brier.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS
None.
DOG PARK
The BOS recommended the Dog Park begin their fundraising and sent the initiative back to Park and Recreation. The Commission discussed the steps that need to be taken prior to final approval. Mr. Jones asked the Dog Park initiative to contact Mr. Blick to walk the site and map out the specific area for the park, while marking the boundaries to allow future site walk-throughs. Mr. Board motioned to send the Dog Park initiative back to the BOS with a recommendation to refer the Park to Conservation.
Motion to send Dog Park back to Board of Selectman with the recommendation to refer the Dog Park to Conservation: Board, Hunter. Approved 5-0-0.
RCC DRAINAGE PROJECT
The Commission received a proposal from a second company, Clarke (CT). Mr. Jones commented that it looks very similar to the first proposal received from Malone and McBroom. Mr. Jones will continue to have conversation with the First Selectman as the project continues.
REDDING HIVE EVENT
Mr. Blick originally brought the Hive event to the attention of the commission two months ago, an Arts and Crafts event, which was to take place at the RCC. As discussions with the organizer continued, Mr. Blick determined the event may become too large to host inside at RCC. He suggested the organizer move the event to Topstone. The organizer is currently seeking a permit from Zoning.
POLICY FOR EVENTS AT TOPSTONE
Mr. Board volunteered to draft a policy for all future events at Topstone to be presented at the June meeting
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Scwhartz asked about vendors for food and/or ice cream at Topstone this summer. Mr. Blick commented that we have had some issues with vendors in the past, asking to be the exclusive provider for certain items, only to have that person not show up on a regular basis, then complain when other vendors have shown up in their place. Mr. Blick stated we are open to negotiating with legitimate vendors who will fulfill their commitments at the park. Mrs. Schwartz will ask a vendor she is familiar with to contact Mr. Blick.
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Board, Brier, Approved 5-0-0, Adjourned at 8:37pm
Submitted: Kevin Jones