Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Time: 4:00PM
East Hampton Parks and Recreation office
Minutes
Present Board Members:
Chairperson; Jim Wild, Vice Chairperson; Rich Norkun, Mark Vickery, Tim Adams. Also present: Director; Ruth Plummer, Program Coordinator; Shawn Mullen, Town Manager; Jeff O’Keefe, Lake Commission Liaison; John Ciriello
Call To Order:
Jim Wild called the October 7, 2008 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to order.
Approval of the minutes of September 2, 2008 minutes:
Rich Norkun motioned to approve the minutes of the September 2, 2008 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Tim Adams seconded the motion. All approved (4-0).
Audience of Citizens:
None
Communications:
a. Gifts for Sears Park draft
This document was discussed and everyone has a copy. Ruth Plummer will look into re-wording some of the document.
Director’s Report:
Ruth Plummer gave her Director’s Report. Everyone has a copy of the report. Shawn Mullen gave a report on the status of Parks and Recreation programs. Everyone has a copy of the report.
Unfinished business:
a. Sears Park Boat Launch update
The Public Works Department has attempted to remove a large rock from the boat launch. The first attempt was unsuccessful. Rich Norkun suggested that a different type of gravel be looked into for the parking area. Ruth Plummer will look into the possibility of using Sta Mat pervious compacting gravel).
b. Air Line Trail updates
The Air Line Trail Ghost Run is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2008.
c. Phosphorous education
Ruth Plummer will check on the supply of soil sample kits that have been handed out around town. It also seems that many of the signs for Al G. Bloom have not been put up by local businesses. John Ciriello and Rich Norkun spoke about the walleye in Lake Pocotopaug and the reason that the Lake Commission has spent the money used for re-stocking the walleye for other purposes. Rich Norkun feels that the money should have stayed with this successful program that is used for both recreation and the health of Lake Pocotopaug’s fish population. Walleye are fished by many East Hampton residents and they help to control the perch population. Rich also feels that the Lake Commission should have communicated their spending of this money to the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board, this was not done. Rich Norkun and Ruth Plummer suggested that this program be evaluated yearly.
New Business:
a. Skate Park location assessment
Ruth Plummer distributed an Agenda Report that will be presented to Town Council regarding the location assessment of a skate park. It is Ruth’s recommendation that the town consider supporting a comprehensive recreational needs assessment study before taking action on this matter. Rich Norkun motioned to support Ruth Plummer’s recommendation. Jim Wild seconded the motion. All approved (4-0).
b. Comprehensive Sears Park improvement program
Jeff O’Keefe would like to see the Parks and Recreation Department look into including a Comprehensive Sears Park improvement program in the next budget. Jeff sees many improvements that need to be done at Sears Park and this should be included as a capitol project.
c. Maintenance position opening
The Parks Maintainer II position was posted and interviews were conducted. There is one strong candidate. This person will be offered the position pending a back ground check. The current Parks Maintainer I has given his notice. This position was posted and closed on Friday. The interview process will be on hold anticipating the Parks Maintainer II being in place to oversee the hiring process.
Other Concerns:
Ruth Plummer will be re-starting the Lake News and Notes program. However, the title will be changed to Wise Waterways and the format will be adjusted.
Committee Reports:
a. Recreational Facility
Nothing further at this time
Adjournment:
Rich Norkun motioned to adjourn the October 7, 2008 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Mark Vickery seconded the motion. All approved (4-0).
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