Park and Recreation Commission
March 6, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Present: K. Jones, K. Schwartz, R. Brier, C. Hunter and J. Dorenbosch (at 8:08)
Also Present: Rob Blick and 2 members of the public
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:34pm
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his written report. Mr. Jones stated he has received several positive comments regarding the Basketball program, especially the High School program, which has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years.
LETTER OF CORRESPONDENCE
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dave Daignault presented a new location for the proposed Redding Dog Park, involving an area at Topstone Park. The area is far from any neighbors that would complain about the location, is accessible from the main entrance and is suitable for the size and scope of the project. Some parking would also be available adjacent to the park location.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM Feb 6, 2017
Added Mrs. Hunter’s name to the attendance of the February mtg.
Hunter, Schwartz, Approved 3-0-1
Abstained Brier
DISCUSSION OF PREVIOUS BUSINESS
None, as previous issues are listed separately on the agenda
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED PARK AND RECREATION BUDGET CUTS
The proposed budget cuts for Park and Recreation include reductions in three basic areas. Concert on the Green funding has been reduced by $3,000.00, which will force the elimination of three concerts from the summer schedule. Topstone funding was reduced by $2,000.00, which will result in the loss of 1 hour of operation per day, for the entire season. Additionally, it will remove one full week of half-day operation at the start of the season. $2,000.00 was also removed from the organic management of school properties, reducing the funding for both RES and JRMS by $1,000.00 each.
DISCUSSION OF MARCH/APRIL FIELDS DRAINAGE ASSESSMENT
As discussed with the First Selectman, the drainage assessment of RCC fields should be happening in the next month to two months, in an effort to get the drainage project underway as soon as possible.
DISCUSSION AND ACTION REGARDING DOG PARK SITE MOVE
Based on the negative reaction from a neighbor of the original Dog Park site at RCC, in addition to unreasonable and unprecedented requests from the town Planning Commission, Mr. Jones proposed a vote to give the Commission’s support the newly proposed Topstone sight for the Redding Dog Park.
Motion Brier, Hunter, Approved 5-0-0
DISCUSSION OF PLAYGROUND SITE
Mr. Jones presented the proposed site for the new children’s playground, which is at the corner of the RCC building, in the grass area directly to the left of the Heritage Center.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS OR INITIATIVES
Mrs. Schwartz asked members of the Commission to come up with some interesting fundraising ideas to raise the funds lost in the budget cuts, to maintain the Concert on the Green series.
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Hunter, Brier, Approved 5-0-0, Adjourned at 8:34pm
Submitted: K. Jones