Town of Newtown, CT
3 Primrose Street, Newtown, CT 06470
10-11-11
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE NEWTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
TOWN HALL SOUTH
OCTOBER 11, 2011
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Marks called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm
Commission Members present: Marks, Brookes, Barczak and Crick Owen
Commission Members not present: Yochum, Yanni and DiNicola
Staff present: Samuelson, Reggiano and Mangold
Public: Coleman
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Scott Coleman, Chairman of the Trails Committee updated the Commission. There is a need to move forward with Toll Bridge. They should be able to proceed and Rob is hoping it will be resolved next week. He will advise the Commission at the next meeting. John Reed of the Fairfield Hills Authority has been approached regarding a trail around the circumference of the campus. This is not in the budget till 2014. In the meantime, the plan is to mow the trail very short and mark it. He would like to see ten foot easements in front of commercial properties.
Mr. Samuelson said they are redoing the trail at the Sandy Hook School and also looking to connect Fairfield Hills to Dickinson. Ms. Mangold will raise this at the next trail meeting to show people where the trails are to keep them interested. Mr. Marks added that people should be advised that there is a trails plan in place. This should stay in the Master Plan.
Elizabeth Stocker has information about brown fields. They plan to see if anything can be done with the Batchelder property.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Mr. Marks advised that based on feedback fields should be used unless there is a problem with wear and tear. This should be controlled. There is a need to come up with a potential policy. How to charge, size of fields, residents/non-residents. There is a need to set things up before proceeding. Mr. Samuelson, Ms. Mangold and Ms. Reggiano will sit down with the Board of Education and set up a mutual fee structure. The emphasis should be on not for profit organizations.
Mr. Samuelson agreed to put a sign with the town logo and Parks and Recreation information on the field near NYA indicating that it is a town field.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ms. Reggiano updated the Commission on revenue generated through the summer. The Commission agreed that the inclement weather could have had a bearing on the decline in numbers. She is now in the process of preparing for the winter season.
Dog Park Update: Five dogs walked in the Labor Day Parade. October 22 they are planning to have a Halloween Dog Party. They have received permission to hold a haunted hayride fundraiser on October 29. The girl scouts will assist and they have met with the Odyssey Group to hire actors.
DIRECTORS’ REPORTS:
Mr. Samuelson distributed his Parks and Fields Report dated October 11, 2011. He advised that the new equipment is expected next week so they plan to start work early November. Strobe lighting will give players a fifteen minute warning of final lights out. Mr. Marks will send a letter to all concerned explaining this new procedure.
Ms. Mangold and Ms. Reggiano went to a meeting held by Jodi Rednick about customer service that applies to both private and public organizations. She felt there is a need to keep people happy. The next session will explain how to get sponsors and explain the benefits. An example is a local dentist who asked if he could distribute toothbrushes at the Halloween party. This should be classified as promotional material instead of sponsorship. It was suggested that this should be applied to all holidays and activities. She expressed gratitude to everyone for the cooperation between departments.
She has a booth at the upcoming Health Fair where they will raffle off dog sweaters for Park and Bark. The Harvest Festival is a positive event. They are taking a booth November 10 at the Destination Newtown, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. She will be meeting with the Christmas Tree Committee tomorrow.
She has received a letter from the President of the Newtown Youth Basketball Association asking to find a time slot. They are no longer using space at the Academy. Ms. Reggiano is looking to see what is available. The Babe Ruth Football could not get a convenient time and are also asking for time at the school. Mr. Marks noted the cost of janitorial services on Sundays
Mr. DiNicola joined the meeting at 7:06 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS (Continued):
Update of Newtown Plan of Conservation and Development/Mission Statements: Ms. Mangold received a letter from Lilla Dean, P&Z regarding POCD asking for a written report. She has studies and will put the information together. There is a December deadline.
Capital Improvement Plan – CIP: Nothing to discuss at this time.
Sports Group Meeting Information: Mr. Marks distributed a letter dated September 30, 2011 addressed to various groups. A second letter will be sent if the response is light. Ms. Brookes asked about ice-hockey. If there is a demand, a feasibility study and cost effectiveness should be prepared. If there is a high demand, it might be better coming from the private sector.
Mr. Samuelson noted the declining school population. Camp participation is down, however sports is up.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:
(m/s/c: Crick Owen/DiNicola) “Motion to approve the minutes from regular meeting of September 13, 2011 and special meeting of September 21, 2011 as amended”
NEW BUSINESS:
2012/2013 Budget: Ms. Mangold distributed “2012-2013 BUDGET WORK SHEETS” dated October 4, 2011. Mr. Marks had graphs showing the P & R percentage of annual budgets over the years indicating a reduction in amounts. This will be updated to be submitted with the final Budget. Ms. Mangold and Ms. Reggiano will work on it together and address it at the next meeting.
OTHER:
(m/s/c: Barczak/Brookes) “Motion to adjourn”
Respectfully submitted by:
Margaret Wilkin
Clerk
MOTIONS OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEWTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
TOWN HALL SOUTH
OCTOBER 11, 2011
(m/s/c: Crick Owen/DiNicola) “Motion to approve the minutes from regular meeting of September 13, 2011 and special meeting of September 21, 2011 as amended”
(m/s/c: Barczak/Brookes) “Motion to adjourn”
Respectfully submitted by:
Margaret Wilkin
Clerk
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