Park and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting
April 13th, 2011
Meeting called to order: 7:35pm.
Commissioners in Attendance: George Caye, Al Larson, Rob O’Connor, Dan Rezende, John Caldwell, Andy Paterna, Katie Graham, Ryan Kane
Also in Attendance: Nancy Yario, resident and Kory Loucks, Journal Inquirer
Approval of Minutes: Minutes for March meeting approved.
Public Input: Someone asked what it costs for the ECHO program in town. Ryan explained that the town doesn’t pay anything. The old group used to charge $25/coach. The program gives free coaches training in youth basketball for all levels of coaches.
Nancy Yario: Questioned how our funds are allocated. Wanted to know who authorizes monies for all the PARC projects. Andy explained that when a project is before the commission they get a price for the project, okay the project then it is sent before the Town Council for approval or disapproval of the town funds for the project. She would like us to have a new Recreation Facility built in town like the one in Mansfield. She wanted to know why we approved $25,000 for the water for the Bark Park. Andy told her that was not the figure but she showed him costs for the project. She wants to keep all the town programs affordable for everyone. She said that Deep River built a Skate Park for $17,000 and we should be able to built one for that price.
OSTF: Nelson Property: John said the barn on the property has been removed and the area is clean. The money came from OSTF funds.
Report of Council Liaison: None
Report of Parks & Rec. Director:
- VMP: Planned opening is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend. The pool is being inspected this week.
- Craig Pepin Memorial: The unveiling of the plaque at the Little League Complex is scheduled for Saturday April 30th. Area and stonework around the flag pole is almost complete. All the stone block and glue for the Memorial Wall was donated by New England Silica. Thanks to Parks for all the work at the complex and all the fields in town.
- 40th Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Will be at the High School Stadium Field on April 22nd beginning at 10 am.
- 27th Annual Fishing Derby: Will be on Saturday April 30th at 9 am at the Dzen Tree Farm Pond.
- April first opening day Rec. registration: 83% was on-line, $110,00 in transactions- best single day yet.
- Budget: Set to be presented to the Town Council at their April19th meeting. Ray encourages all PARC members to attend.
- The Parks Department will begin to over-seed with rye grass on the High School All-Purpose Field.
- TE Tennis Courts: Getting quotes now for the final repairs.
- SWW&WW: 1) Friday May 13th will be a bike to High School Event starting a t 6:30
am at St. Margaret Mary parking lot. Geisslers is supplying
refreshments for the event.
2) May 15th: Community ride starting at the High School. A twelve mile ride through town. Their will also be a ribbon cutting during the ride for the Bike Lanes on Sand Hill Road.
3) June 5th: CT Trails Day. There will be walks throughout the state. We have one scheduled on Major Donnelly from 1 to 4. Andy asked if there was a way to make the trails and Gazebo more handicap accessible.
4) Parks Crew has deployed the bike racks at specified locations in town.
5) SWWWW will be hosting the pre-concert bike rides at Evergreen Walk again this summer.’
6) Motion was made to spend $875.60 for promotional items for the events schedule throughout this year. Seconded and passed unanimously.
7) Greenway Designation: Looking to get a resolution from the Town Council at their April 19th Meeting.
Master Plan: Town Council still has a spending freeze. No action on the plan at this time.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm
Next Meeting: 7:30pm May 11th, 2011
Respectfully Submitted
George S. Caye
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