Park and Recreation Commission
June 5, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Present: Kevin Jones (Chair), Scott Palmer, Kate Schwartz (7:49), John Board, Jan Dorenbosch (8:07) and Ronna Brier
Also Present: Rob Blick, Kirsten Cowan
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:38pm
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his written report: Fields doing well overall with the rain, however 40 sprinkler heads needed to be repaired. Mr. Blick met with Planning commission about recreation facilities and plan of development. The plan will be approved next year, they are just beginning to update their 10 year plan as per state statute. The fundraiser for the concert on the green series occurred on May 13 and was successful. The summer series kicks off on June 18th. Mr. Blick discussed the success of Redding Hive, which occurred on May 14th at Topstone Park. The event was very well attended. The dog park is moving forward at Topstone. Ms. Pemberton is suggesting that the Daignaults move forward with fundraising. Topstone park is now open on the weekends. New signs have been made and were installed on the gates.
LETTER OF CORRESPONDENCE
A second grade class would like to put a free library on the community center grounds. A castle shaped bookshelf stocked with books for siblings to read while waiting for sporting activities to conclude. Mr. Blick is waiting to get more information from this class as to the size of the proposed structure, upkeep etc.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM May 1, 2017
Motion Board, Brier, Approved 4-0-1 Abstained: Palmer.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS
None.
POLICY FOR EVENTS AT TOPSTONE
Currently there are regulations for Topstone Park and Topstone Beach. Discussion in the month of May led to Mr. Board offering to draft a new policy. Mr. Board drafted a new policy specific to large events for the Town of Redding. The commission reviewed existing regulations (2011) while taking into account the need to add policy for renting to groups for special events. Mr. Blick suggested making changes and additions to the current regulations rather than rewriting a new set. There were two main issues of discussion. The first is that larger parties need to be approved by the Zoning Department, which has its own procedure. In second, the Parks and Recreation department needs to be aware of the event to ensure adequate staffing and availability of the date. Discussion ensued about the need for a clear application process that is simple, yet concise. The commission discussed how to make changes to the proposed policy that can better outline special events booked through the Parks and Recreation department. Issues to be addressed include the definition of special events as it pertains to the size of people attending the event and timing of application between Zoning and Parks and Recreation to ensure availability of the date as well as appropriate staffing. It was suggested perhaps a checklist be included with the application to ensure that applicant is aware of any additional permits or requirements outside of Parks and Recreation. Mr. Board explained that he spent a good deal of time creating a comprehensive proposal, but acknowledged that perhaps a working medium is what is needed. Mr. Jones recognized his effort and time spent on the proposal and will work with Mr. Board to consolidate and create a simplified yet comprehensive policy that will better address a process for allowing special events at Parks and Recreation facilities.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS
None
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Palmer, Board, Approved 6-0-0, Adjourned at 9:10 pm
Submitted: Ronna Brier