Colchester Parks and Recreation Commission
October 5, 2009
Town Hall
7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Chairman S. O’Leary, J. Barr, N. Kaplan, E. Kundahl, C. Ferrante, , L. Stephenson,
C. Williams, M. Kennedy, L. Dimock (7:07p.m.)
Members Absent: A. Spranzo,
Others Present: Jay Cohen, Park and Rec Director, Linda Hodge, First Selectman, Greg Cordova, BOS Liaison
1. Call to Order: Chairman O’Leary called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Citizen’s Comments: First Selectman Hodge thanked the commission members for everything they have done during her time in office. N. Kaplan expressed his thanks to First Selectman Hodge and Chairman O’Leary thanked her for letting the commission work independently.
(L. Dimock arrived at this time.)
3. Acceptance of the September 14, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes: E. Kundahl motioned to approve the minutes of the September 14, 2009 meeting amending Item 6 to read that people walking around the path near the 3rd base side of R6 are being hit by balls and the area near the 1st base side of R6 is actually the more dangerous side, seconded by N. Kaplan. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Reading of Correspondence: A report from Qualite was received. They have inspected the lights at the Recplex and have no concerns. The lights Colchester have are not he same model as those there have been problems with.
5. Committee Reports:
• Facilities: R 4 and R2 have an infestation of moles. Sink holes are returning. Treatment for grubs has been applied to areas where they have been identified. Preventative measures could be taken but the treatment would be extremely costly to do on all fields. The cost of repairs opposed to those of preventative measures should be calculated.
N. Kaplan said that there was an article in the papers in regards to surveillance cameras being used at skate parks where drug usage has been an issue. The cost of making cameras vandalism proof can be high.
C. Ferrante spoke with Tom Gunning who had indicated there was a danger to walkers near the 1st base side of R6. CYBSL has been told that if any suggestion is made by them for changes to the fields, such as preventative measures by R6, the league will have to pay for them.
• Finance/Administration: None
• Programs: The reception for sponsors is Thursday, October 8, 2009 and is being paid for through the sponsorship fund. Trick or Trunk will be held on Friday, October 30, 2009.
• BOS Liaison: The purchase of the additional acreage abutting the Ruby Cohen property was recently approved. The condition of the vehicles and long-term replacement plan is being looked at by Steve Sharpe. The mower might be part of that evaluation and plan.
• Dog Park: The Dog Walk had a great turnout.
C. Ferrante motioned to accept all committee reports, seconded by E. Kundahl. All members present voted
in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
6. Discussion and Possible Extension of Sports Lighting Warranty: The current warranty expires in 2012. There is uncertainty if the quote for extension is the cost if purchased at this time and if the cost will increase dramatically if by 2012. The commission members would like clarification as to how often maintenance will be performed on the lights under the warranty.
N. Kaplan motioned to table further discussion and possible extension of the sports lighting warranty, seconded by E. Kundhal. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
7. Director’s Report: Lines were repainted at the firehouse and commuter lot. Contract has been signed and soil borings completed for the track. Cody Camp Field work has received all approvals and work is underway. A CDC grant to fight obesity is available. The application will need to be preaccepted by the state and then by the Board of Selectman before applying at the Federal level. Cancellation of programs has increased due to lack of enrollment.
E. Kundahl motioned to approve the Director’s Report as presented, seconded by C. Ferrante. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED.
9. Recreation Supervisor’s Report (Quarterly): None
10. General Comments: Strategic Planning meetings have been set for the next three Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. at the Youth Center.
Per bylaws, nominations and elections of chairman, vice-chairman, and secretary will be held in November.
11. Adjournment: E. Kundahl motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by L. Stephenson. All members present voted in favor. MOTION CARRIED. Chairman O’Leary adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
Dawn LePage, Clerk
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