TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
February 22, 2005
DOCUMENT APPROVED via Commission Approval
The Meeting was called to order at 7:07 P. M. by Chairwoman Foster in the Park & Recreation Office, East Windsor Town Hall, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
PRESENT: Chairwoman Foster, Commissioners Briggs, Hayes, Simpkins, Szymanski; William Raber (representing the Park & Recreation Office staff); and Groundsman Tetro.
ABSENT: No one.
GUESTS: None
ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM:
A quorum was established as all Commissioners were present.
ADDED AGENDA ITEMS: None.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MOTION: To APPROVE the Minutes of Regular Meeting dated November 11,2004 as written.
Simpkins moved/Szymanski seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
MOTION: To APPROVE the Minutes of Regular Meeting dated December 20,2004 as written.
Simpkins moved/Hayes seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
APPROVAL OF MINUTES (continued):
MOTION: To APPROVE the Minutes of Special Meeting dated January 10,2005 as written.
Hayes moved/Szymanski seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
MOTION: To APPROVE the Minutes of Special Meeting dated January 17,2005 as written.
Simpkins moved/Foster seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
OLD BUSINESS/Groundsman Tetro’s Longevity Pay:
* Chairwoman Foster noted Groundsman Tetro had been hired in 1992 but didn’t receive any longevity pay until 2002; she has been discussing a one-time retroactive payment with various Town officials. Letter being sent to the Town Treasurer.
* Chairwoman Foster reported she attended the Year End Department Meeting held annually by the Board of Selectmen; she summarized her presentation for the Commission.
* Groundsman Tetro reported he has researched the cost of temporary skating rinks and found the cost to be approximately $1500 plus an additional $500 for the bumpers. They can be made to any custom size.
He has spoken with First Selectwoman Roberts regarding possible location in the field of the newly acquired Town property across from East Windsor Park on Reservoir Avenue, or at Scout Hall on Abbe Road.
NEW BUSINESS/a) Park Office Report:
General:
* Just under 600 people attended the Winter Carnival; the Knights of Columbus sold out of food; Jenna and her friends from college painted faces from 10:15 to 3:15; ice sculpturing was well received. Mr. Raber noted there were some problems with the communication from the school office; the Commission agreed to add language for attendance at school events to the Park & Recreation forms. The only complaint received was someone was unable to get back to their home on Depot Street as it was closed down for the Carnival. Mr. Raber noted the school
system made daily announcements that ice skating would be available at the pond, which may have contributed to the good attendance.
* The Commission discussed possible locations for the Easter Egg Hunt, finally settling on the Broad Brook School gym from 1:00 to 3:00 on March 19th. Commission to pay janitor’s fee. Event will include photos with the Easter Bunny, face painting, a coloring station, and handouts of candy.
* Mr. Raber advised the Commission the Police Athletic League/Doug Humprhies (PAL) would like to appear at the April 18th meeting to discuss co-sponsoring events with the Commission. The Children’s Place has signed on for programs.
* Mr. Raber reported he has been approached by an individual who like to run a step dancing class; the Commission requested Mr. Raber discuss the proposed program with her. Chairwoman Foster questioned what her cost would be to teach the class, and if she expects a specific attendance.
* Mr. Raber reported he has also been approached by Sharon Brown, who runs a dog walking group. The group presently walks at Flaherty Field Trials, but would like to walk the group at the East Windsor Park. The Commission declined use of East Windsor Park but suggested the Kogut property across from the park on Reservoir Avenue.
* First Selectwoman Roberts is participating in a group run by CIRMA; she is sharing information recently presented on waterfront liability.
* The Commission discussed their progress on selection of a new park director.
MOTION: To ADVERTISE THE PARK DIRECTOR’S POSITION again in the Journal Inquirer and the Hartford Courant, with the salary for the position; replies to be required by March 15th.
Simpkins moved/Szymanski seconded/ VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
NEW BUSINESS/a) Park Office Report (continued):
General (continued):
* Chairwoman Foster noted receipt of memo from First Selectwoman Roberts regarding the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to study town facilities. One member of each of the following boards/commissions will comprise the Commission: Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, Board of Educaton, Parents and Teachers Organization, Senior Citizens group, Park & Recreation, Public Safety, Town Engineer, Planning and Zoning, Water Pollution Control, and Economic Development. Commissioner Briggs volunteered to represent the Park & Recreation Commission; Commissioner Hayes and Chairwoman Foster will be back-up members.
* Chairwoman Foster reported the Charter Revision Committee is looking for input from this Commission for their March 14th meeting.
* Chairwoman Foster reported she is scheduled to attend a Budget Hearing March 16th. Salaries are being increased 3%; Chairwoman Foster is looking to Groundsman Tetro for support documentation regarding increased cost of gas and oil, etc. She will advise the Board of Finance that the Commission raised $3,000 by itself (not funded by the Town) for the summer concert series.
* The East Windsor Rotary Club is running a Sports Fair, Saturday, June 18th from 9:00 to 6:00 at the East Windsor High School. The Commission could staff a booth at this event.
* The Dance Club wants to perform on Community Day, May 7th, and would like to hire a DJ. The Commission requested Mr. Raber research the availability of Kevin Hale.
Leagues:
* 2005 Softball League - The Commission considered the cost of running the Softball League, including the cost of new balls, lights for night games, service fee for the person scheduling the various league; the Commission decided to increase the fee for the 2005 season by $50/team to break even. The Commission reiterated that Groundsman Tetro cancels the games as necessary as he knows the conditions of the fields. The Commission will meet with the person who organized/scheduled games last season to discuss job requirements.
NEW BUSINESS/a) Park Office Report (continued):
Programs/Events:
* Park & Recreation Secretary Morell is putting together a report of expenses for the Dance Program, which has brought in $3,000 including $753 from a fund raiser. Commissioner Hayes suggested a line item is needed to reflect the $500 donation given to St. John’s Church for use of their hall. The Commission is looking for a report of profit and
expenses for the year 2003 - 2004, and what is spent from the Program Account for this program.
East Windsor (Reservoir) Park:
* Pavilion rental determined to be $100 per side, plus $2 gate fee per person.
MOTION: To keep Pavilion rentals the same for the 2005 season.
Hayes moved/Simpkins seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
* Mr. Raber advised the Commission he and Park & Recreation Secretary Morell are preparing a letter to send to previous park staff regarding 2005 employment.
* Groundsman Tetro reported the Kids Fishing Derby will be held April 30th at East Windsor Park. The Commission will co-sponsor the event with the Broad Brook Angling Club; the Commission gave a $250 donation last year.
MOTION: To DONATE $250 for prizes in conjunction with the Broad Brook Angling Club Kid’s Fishing Derby.
Hayes moved/Simpkins seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
Groundsman Tetro is looking for angling memorabilia as next year is the club’s 75th Anniversary.
* The Multiple Sclerosis Bike Tour will use East Windsor Park as a rest stop June 5th.
Pierce Park (Windsorville):
* Commissioner Simpkins would like to keep the present flag pole at Pierce Park, Windsorville, and move the new one to the Windsorville Green, as the new one is too small to support the larger flag which is flown at Pierce Park. The Commission concurred with Commissioner Simpkins’ suggestion.
Abbe Road Soccer Complex/Broad Brook Pond Park/Osborn Park (Warehouse Point)/Prospect Hill Park (Warehouse Point):
No report this evening.
NEW BUSINESS/b) Groundsman’s Report:
See discussion points under Park Office Report.
OLD BUSINESS: None.
CORRESPONDENCE: None.
MISCELLANEOUS: None.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: To ADJOURN this Meeting at 8:32 P. M.
Szymanski moved/Simpkins seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Peg Hoffman, Recording Secretary
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