MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF
THE NEWTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
TOWN HALL SOUTH
December 7, 2009
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Marks called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
Commission Members present: Marks, Barczak, DiNicola, Crick Owen, Yochum and Yanni, Jr.
Commission Members absent: None
Staff present: Samuelson
Staff absent: Mangold and Reggiano
Public: Kaia Fahrenholz and Jan Brookes
2. ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES
(m/s/c: DiNicola/Barczak) “Motion to accept the minutes of the October 13, 2009 meeting as presented.”
(m/s/c: Crick Owen/Yanni, Jr) “Motion to accept the minutes of the November 10, 2009 meeting as presented.”
3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
- Kaia Fahrenholz introduced herself to the Commission as the chairperson for the Dog Park sub-committee. Ms. Fahrenholz reported that Parks and Recreation conducted a contest to name the Dog Park and to come up with a logo. There were 198 submissions. The committee narrowed it down to three and then agreed upon “Park and Bark”.
(m/s/c: Barczak/Yochum) “ Motion to approve the name of “Park and Bark” for the Newtown Dog Park and to move forward with fundraising.”
- The location of the park was discussed and although the Watertown Lane property is the desired location the committee will look into other properties and come back to the commission with their findings. Chairman Marks asked Ms. Fahrenholz to keep Director Mangold and Assistant Director Reggiano updated on their progress.
4. CORRESPONDENCE
None
5. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
None
6. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
None
7. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PARKS REPORT
- Report was handed out to all members.
- The demolition has started on the tennis courts at Dickinson Park. The high school has requested the use of our tennis courts for the spring. Only Treadwell Park courts will be available for use. They will stagger their schedule. Dickinson Park courts should be done by Memorial Day.
8. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF RECREATION REPORT
9. BUDGET 2010/2011
- As revised budget has handed out to all members. The budget was reviewed. The equipment was prioritized and the projects were not listed in any order.
- The Commission agreed that the budget and the cuts would need to be explained to the Board of Selectman, as well as our increased responsibilities.
- Chairman Marks has requested that Director Mangold get the following information from the finance director; The total capital expense numbers over the last 5 years that was budgeted for Parks and Recreation; The total budget for the last 5 years for Parks and Recreation; Total Town and Board of Education budget for the last 5 years and what is the percent is Parks and Recreation of the total Town budget.
(m: Barczak) “Motion that Parks and Recreation submit the budget as shown at a 15.2% increase ($280,263.60)”
- After further discussion Commissioner Barczak rescinded his above motion.
(m/s/c: Crock Owen/Barczak) Motion to reduce proposed budget down to 5.64% with total budget at $1,948,180.80 for 2010/2011 by reducing the capital expense budget items: 300 Gallon Turf Spray Rig - $41,000.00, Small walk behind aerator - $14,000.00, Treadwell paver plaza and tennis court retaining wall - $35,000.00 and field renovations to Pee Wee #1 - $43,500.00 and cutting the additional maintainer in account 01-550-1004 at $42,244.80.”
- This budget amount is at 2007/2008 levels with increased responsibilities.
(m/s/c: Barczak/Yanni, Jr.) “Motion to adjourn.” The meeting was adjourned 7:40 pm.
Respectfully submitted by,
Donna M. Benson
Clerk
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