Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Time: 4:00PM
Town Hall Meeting Room
Minutes
Present Board Members:
Chairperson; Rich Norkun, Vice Chairperson; Tim Csere, Daniel Roy, Mark Vickery, Len Heroux and Tim Adams. Also present Director; Ruth Plummer, Program Coordinator; Shawn Mullen, Town Manager; Jeff O’Keefe, Town Council Liaison; Scott Minnick and Lake Commission Liaison; John Ciriello.
Call To Order:
Rich Norkun called to order the May 5, 2009 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
Approval of the minutes of April 7, 2009:
Tim Csere motioned to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2009 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Len Heroux seconded the motion. All approved (6-0)
Audience of Citizens:
None
Communications:
Shawn Mullen presented a facility request for the use of Sears Park pavilion for the East Hampton Nursery School on June 8, 2009 from 11AM – 1:00PM. Len Heroux motioned to approve the request. Tim Csere seconded the motion. All approved (6-0).
Director’s Report:
Ruth Plummer presented her director’s report. Everyone has a copy. Shawn Mullen presented a report on the status of Spring and Summer programs. Everyone has a copy.
Unfinished Business:
a. Phosphorous education
Ruth Plummer is working on the new Wise Waterways publication. Ruth Plummer is working on getting signage in at the boat launch at Sears Park concerning invasive weeds. The Parks and Recreation Department is handing out educational packets with each Sears Park sticker sold.
b. Master plan for Sears Park update
The Sears Park master plan workshop was very successful. From this point Ferraro and Hixon will sift though all of the comments and present a final plan.
Nothing further at this time.
New Business:
The spring and summer 2009 Parks and Recreation brochure has been sent home though the River East News Bulletin. Enrollments are coming in at a steady pace. The Parks and Recreation Department has numerous applications for summer employment, however there are just 4 available positions this year.
- 09-10 fiscal year budget update
There will be an update at the next regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory board. The budget is being voted on tonight.
- Jim Wild memorial discussion
It was discussed that the Parks and Recreation Advisory board needs to do something in the memory of Jim Wild. Suggestions were if there was to be another picnic shelter to be included in the Sears Park Master Plan that this be dedicated to Jim Wild. Rich Norkun also thought that a plaque or something similar would also be appropriate. Ruth Plummer will discuss these things with Dottie Wild.
Ruth Plummer presented many positive aspects of including a temporary skate park in Sears Park for the 2009 Summer season. This led to a lengthy discussion. After the discussion Tim Csere motioned that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board support a temporary skate park in Sears Park as long as the ramps are constructed properly and approved by the Parks and Recreation Director. The motion was not seconded. (0-6). No action will be taken. Following this motion and no action taken, Len Heroux motioned that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will not support a temporary skate park in Sears Park. Tim Adams seconded the motion. (4-1-1).
The Department of Environmental protection is currently looking into what should be done with Loos pond.
- Survey results from Sears Park questionnaire
Updated results of the Sears Park questionnaire were passed out to all board members and discussed.
Other Concerns:
- John Ciriello said that the Lake Commission would like to try and organize a bottle and can pickup to benefit the food bank in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation department. John will discuss this further with Ruth Plummer.
- Mark Vickery brought up the possibility of using bio-degradable cups and plates at the Sears Park Concession stand this season to stay with the “going green” approach. Ruth Plummer will look into this.
- Len Heroux brought up the current conditions of both the Middle School and High School baseball fields. Len feels that the fields are in need of repairs and a group of volunteers would like to help with the necessary work. Some financial backing may be necessary to complete these projects. Ruth Plummer is currently working on this with the Parks and Recreation maintenance staff and two volunteers. Ruth’s strategy is to disrupt the current baseball season as little as possible while eliminating any possible safety hazards. Ruth acknowledged that there is work to be done that was not accomplished last fall by the department.
Committee Reports:
Nothing further at this time
Adjournment:
Rich Norkun motioned to adjourn the May 5, 2009 regular meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Tim Csere seconded the motion. All approved (6-0).
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