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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NEWTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION’S
DOG PARK SUBCOMMITTEE
3 MAIN STREET, NEWTOWN CT
MARCH 16, 2010
PRESENT:
Parks & Recreation Staff: Rose Ann Reggiano, Amy Mangold
Subcommittee Volunteers: Kaia Fahrenholz, Monica Roberto, Catty Garcia, Kim Jaeckel, Kathryn Simonds, Ruth Hutchinson, Benay Yaffe, Sue Thompson, Barb Kinzig, Rick Carlson.
- Reggiano reported that soil tests came back clear, per Liz Stocker.
- Fahrenholz met with Herb Rosenthal, and reported that partnership with Canine Advocates is in good standing. Herb will keep us up-to-date on all Pound progress, going forward. Mangold offered assistance with town commissions as well. A common goal is to have the forthcoming site map include both pound and park territory, for ease of understanding by the approving committees, and to save expense.
- Isolated concerns that pound dogs may get agitated by park dogs will be carefully mitigated by a full visual barrier of trees along the physical fence adjoining the two parcels. Fahrenholz has reached out to State Police Dog training representative to open line of communication, as park does not wish to distract or undermine dog training activities (across the street).
- Commission and resident concerns about the relatively small size of the proposed site are mitigated by study data that show the average dog park in CT is less than two acres.
- Reggiano reported a fund balance of $2405.
- Dinner For the Dogs! , the April 17th dinner party/silent auction hosted by the Hutchinsons, has received 26 (out of 50 max) reservations. Volunteers will mail out another 40 invitations to Newtowners who frequent the Southbury Dog Park (names/addresses provided by Friends of Southbury Dog Park). Dinner Party sponsors include HomeTown Wine & Spirits, which will donate all wine. Chintz & Printz has donated materials for the silent auction showcase. Caraluzzi’s has been asked to donate flowers. Park & Bark contest winner Chloe Freedman has agreed to make an appearance.
- Proposed May event: Strut Your Mutt dog walk on May 22 following the 5K Rooster Run in Fairfield Hills. Reggiano to confirm with Newtown Police and Fairfield Hills Authority they will permit this additional event. Roberto, Garcia, Simonds & Reggiano to organize event.
- Proposed Post Card Mailing: Reggiano and Fahrenholz to coordinate using the 2009 Newtown Registered Dog list, which contains 1850 names.
- Proposed Lecture/Book Signings: Lauren Baluzy, owner of the Blue Z coffee house, is eager to host and provide an evening reception space. Fahrenholz to plan.
- Proposed Park & Bark Calendar: K-8 photo contest for a 2011 calendar (The Dogs of Newtown Park & Bark!) Fahrenholz to plan.
- Proposed June Comedy Night: Fahrenholz to research options for an evening outdoor reception with two professional comedians, in the Youth Academy Park.
Next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2010.
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