Park and Recreation Commission
September 11, 2017
Meeting Minutes
Present: Kevin Jones (Chair), Scott Palmer, Kate Schwartz, Rob Blick
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:48pm
PUBLIC COMMENT
A member of the public provided Rob Blick with feedback that during the acoustic event, they were disappointed that their children were unable to play on the playground. Rob Blick explained the reasoning behind this rule in regards to interest of the public.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Rob Blick gave an update of the following:
-The town lost Mark K, who worked field maintenance, birthday parties, open gym times etc. Due to ACA regulations, employees working over 29.5 hours per week are required to receive benefits. This scenario is not possible due to budget restrictions.
-An additional employee (son of Bob Paradise), has been hired part time to mow fields.
-The Redding Hive event was a success, almost hitting capacity in regards to attendees. A concern was raised about parking/safety issues. A suggestion was made to have a greeter and a person directing traffic. This will alleviate the vehicle congestion. In addition, a suggestion was put forth to have more vendors next year.
-The extended day program is having an increase in special needs students who require additional assistance. The extended day budget does not have funds available to pay for paras or one-on-one aids. A suggestion was made to add wording to parent handbook stating, this is not the responsibility of the extended day program to provide such services. Parents can provide support services at their own expense.
LETTER OF CORRESPONDENCE
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM July 10, 2017
Motion Palmer, Jones, Abstain. Motion approved.
PREVIOUS BUSINESS
-Kevin Jones spoke to Dave D in regards to obtaining quotes for tree work and fencing of the Redding Dog Park project. The project can’t move forward until this has been completed and voted on.
SPECIAL EVENTS POLICY AND PROCEDURE
Review of Topstone Park Regulations (Continuation of previous meeting)
-Scott Palmer suggested consolidating the most important Topstone Park and Camping regulations. Kate Schwartz suggested a cover sheet identifying the most important regulations, so visitors can be greeted with major regulations first thing. The comprehensive and full regulations would be behind this cover sheet. Committee agreed this was a good idea.
-Rob Blick will continue to review camping procedures.
-Scott Palmer in review of the special event regulations questioned the language “community at large” and the notion of a private event vs open to the public. Language will be change to “is available to Redding residents, businesses, or organizations”.
-Rob Blick suggested adding in “Park and Recreation director shall set fees and staffing needs”.
-Kate Schwartz suggested adding a contact information page on the special event request form.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS
-Discussion of increasing revenue in regards to programming. Increasing pricing, changing days, trips etc was discussed. Further discussion will continue to take place.
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Palmer, Schwartz, Approved Adjourned at 8:59 pm
Submitted: Kim Keil