TOWN OF EAST WINDSOR
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Special Meeting
February 26, 2007
DRAFT DOCUMENT – Subject to Commission Approval
Chairman Foster called the Meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Park and Recreation Office, Town Hall, 11 Rye Street, Broad Brook, CT.
PRESENT: Chairman Foster, Commissioners Hayes and Szymanski; Director Green, Groundsman Tetro and Mary Lou Morell from the Park Office.
ABSENT: Commissioner Simpkins.
GUESTS: Michael and Marshal Balf, 45 Dean Avenue, East Windsor, CT; Eileen Yates, 41 Dean Avenue, East Windsor, CT and Tracey and Rob Faber, 49 Dean Avenue, East Windsor, CT.
ESTABLISHMENT OF QUORUM:
A quorum was established as three Commissioners were present.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The Balf, Yates and Faber families were present to oppose the construction of a basketball court in the grass area of the park adjacent to the Town Hall Annex.
Concerns expressed were the fact that there is a basketball court presently at Warehouse Point Park which is just street over from this location; there have been numerous vandalism attacks on the equipment at the Town Hall Annex location and that offensive language is used and play extends at all hours into the night. Mr. Balf stated more kids use the ball field as opposed to the basketball court. A discussion followed as to whether other facilities were considered for this area such as a skate park, refurbished baseball diamond, expanded children’s playground or an area to play football.
Commissioner Foster stated that the basketball court was not an additional facility but a betterment and is being moved for safety reasons with a buffer to be installed around the perimeter. There will be no lighting to encourage after dusk hours play and signage could be installed noting park hours.
After much discussion it was agreed that the Commission will schedule a neighborhood open discussion at the Town Hall Annex at the end of March to discuss facility use at the Park.
Town of East Windsor
Park & Recreation Commission 2
Special Meeting – February 26, 2007
APPROVAL OF MINUTES/Special Meeting of January 17, 2007:
MOTION: To APPROVE the Minutes of the Special Meeting dated
January 17, 2007 as written.
Hayes moved/Szymanski seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous.
ADDED AGENDA ITEMS: None
ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN: Tabled to next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS/a) Large Mower Purchase/Sale of Used Mower:
Park Director Green stated the 1994 Toro mower has been sold to a private party and the new Toro mower is ready for delivery.
NEW BUSINESS/a) Financial Accounts Review:
The 2007-2008 Budget proposal was reviewed as submitted to the Finance Board.
A budget reduction plan was not submitted as a revenue increase was offered by opening the East Windsor Park to non-residents on holidays and weekends as a consideration.
The monthly Budget by Department for January, 2007 was handed out.
NEW BUSINESS/b) 2007 East Windsor Park Fees:
The fees were reviewed and no changes suggested. It was noted that most
fees were increased for 2006.
NEW BUSINESS/c) Park Director’s Report:
Park Director Green handed out an article from Connecticut Magazine
which rated communities of 6,500 – 10,000 in population in the areas of
education, crime, leisure services, cost of living and economy. It was noted
that East Windsor ranked 23 out of 23 in the overall rating and was 22 in leisure services.
Town of East Windsor
Park & Recreation Commission 3
Special Meeting – February 26, 2007
NEW BUSINESS/c) Park Director’s Report (continued):
Programs:
Park Director Green reported on the following programs:
February Ice Skating: 120 in attendance which includes adults.
St. Patrick’s Day Limerick Contest: Open to Kindergarten to Adults. Write a limerick about East Windsor which will be judged by Town employees and displayed at the Town Hall.
Summer Camp Director: Interview of an interested candidate will take place
tomorrow.
Waterfront Director: Interview of an interested candidate will take place in the next few weeks.
Spring Newsletter: The town-wide newsletter will cover activities from March to
July.
Summer Camp: Park Director Green would like to expand this favorable program to four days, Monday through Thursday. Camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with extended hours starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. The fee will be
$55 per camper for the 9-3 time period.
Leagues/East Windsor (Reservoir) Park/Abbe Road Soccer Complex/Osborn Park (Warehouse Point)/Pierce Park (Windsorville)/Prospect Hill Park (Warehouse Point)/ Broad Brook Pond Park:
No further discussion.
NEW BUSINESS/d Groundsman’s Report:
Groundsman Tetro returned to work on February 26, 2007 from sick leave.
Groundsman Tetro reported it was necessary to get back up for snow removal
services during his absence due to fact that the Highway Department is down
one man. Groundsman Tetro expressed concern for coverage during vacation/
illness.
Groundsman Tetro reported vandalism at East Windsor Park in the back field.
A truck gained entry to the Park through a private yard on Highland Avenue and
did donuts on the field. It is not known what damage may have occurred due to the
snow cover and there may be sufficient frost to protect the ground.
Town of East Windsor
Park & Recreation Commission 4
Special Meeting – February 26, 2007
NEW BUSINESS/d Groundsman’s Report (continued):
Leagues/Abbe Road Soccer Complex/Osborn Park (Warehouse Point)/Pierce Park (Windsorville)/Prospect Hill Park (Warehouse Point/Broad Brook Pond Park:
No Discussion this evening.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
MISCELLANEOUS: It was noted that the party for former First Selectwoman Roberts is
Saturday, March 3, 2007 at the Nutmeg Restaurant beginning at
6:30 p.m. Cost: $40/pp.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: The bills were reviewed and approved by Commissioners Hayes and Szymanski.
ADJOURNMENT: MOTION: To ADJOURN this Meeting at 8:55 p.m.
Szymanski moved/Hayes seconded/VOTE: In Favor: Unanimous
Respectfully submitted, __________________________________________
Mary Lou Morell
Recording Secretary
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