Park and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of March 13, 2013
Commissioners in Attendance: A. Larson, (Chair) R. O’Connor,
D. Romejko, B. Nowak, C. Zimmerman, A. Paterna
Also in Attendance: Director of Parks & Recreation: R. Favreau
Town Council members: G. Bazzano, C. Beaulieu
Approval of minutes: February 2013 minutes- approved/no change
Public Participation:
SW-Cricket Club. They discussed a proposal they previously submitted (2007) regarding Cricket Field location and the Cricket Pitch. They would be willing to share field time, for
9 home games per year. They will send to Ray a roster and Cricket league info. The season runs spring/summer/fall.
1. Approval of minutes: of 2/13/13… Motion to Approve: R. O’Connor/2nd D. Ramejko/Passed
2. Report: Athletic Fields Sub-Committee project, by G. Bazzano.
Questions about SWHS football field: lights? Turf? Those questions are not being discussed at this time… No plans for SWHS in this plan. the sub-committee is focused on the 11 acres at Nevers Rd.
Neighbors who live right behind the field raised questions and concerns about the football field plans.
Further discussion…. On the 11 acres at Nevers Rd. design changes are being made to move some of the facilities away from housing adjacent to the proposed field location.
3. Open Space Task Force Report: There is a hold on the King property due to right-of-way issues on that site; the Dzen/Manarrino property—small area for blueberries with greenhouse at site.
Still open for discussion with developer and property owner.
4. Report by Park & Rec Director: Discussion of Fund Balance for PARC (see handout).
$200,524 available at this time…after present project are completed, (skate park, fence at My Friend’s Place, Rye St. tennis courts, SWWWW connector paths). Discussion of irrigation at Nevers, soccer/lacrosse fields, skate park design co. working on design and materials at the present time.
5. Town Council Liaison Report: G. Bazzano
Discussion of the proposed 63-20 Corp. to construct new facilities in town. Excellent presentation at last Town Council meeting. There will also be a resolution proposed at the next Town Council meeting (3/18/13)—to form a sub-committee to help plan a proposed Rec. Center for SW.
6. Return to Report: Park & Recreation Director: The scoreboard at Rotary Field is now identified as a ‘Non-Functioning Capacity’ and it is not possible to conduct repairs and needs to be replaced.
Farmington Bank (per C. Zimmerman) may donate to help with purchase of the new scoreboard.
The Parks & Rec. Dept. is hoping to set up a Facebook Account for Parks & Recreation Programs to improve access and visibility for town residents to all programs.
Two legislative bills being proposed:
1. Bill 5113 an Act Concerning Public Pools re: school use/school pools
2. Bill(s)—there are a six—restricting the use of Pesticides and BAN the use of Pesticides
on all school and perhaps public grounds—the Parks & Rec. Dept. presently uses world -recognized IPM (integrated pest management) techniques to maintain fields in a safe manner, as recognized by current laws and guidelines.
These bills would go one step further to a total ban on all products at all public properties.
3. the Parks & Rec. Dept. budget presentation to Town Council on March 4, 2013 provided a very good opportunity for some great discussions about the Parks & Recreation Department budget and programs.
Discussion Topics/Reports:
1. South Windsor Walk and Wheel Ways: R. O’Connor
Events of SWW&WW: Biking and walking events are listed in the Parks & Rec. Magazine.
Bike to work day; CT trails day 6/02; upcoming Bike Summit, where both Rob and Ray will be speakers; sidewalk plans for SW, including four corners (Sullivan Ave, Buckland Rd, Ellington Rd) to be developed into a ‘walk friendly area’.
2. South Windsor FOOD Alliance: A. Paterna
NEW SW Summer Farmers Market to be moved to a location @ the SW Community Center, on the grass area, just below the Boundless Playground. Approx. 20 farmers/vendors so far, begins Sat. June 29 thru Sat. Oct 12. Time: 10am to 1pm.
May 18, Spring Plant Sale @ SW Community Center/outdoor. 10am to 2pm.
Priest Farm: there is a proposal being discussed to develop that property into an Agricultural Center for the town. Many events, activities and programs could be held there, including:
the summer farmers market, community gardens, a demonstration farm, organic gardening classes, a food hub, and food co-op.
Community Gardens on Deming St./Nelson Property—PROPOSED with a farm preservation grant pending. We plan to meet with neighbors in that area to explain the project.
Announcements:
Sat. March 23 - Pequin Plunge donations welcome…contact D. Rezende
Mon. March 18 - Rec. Center proposal at Town Council meeting
Mon. April 8 - 7pm Capital Projects meeting
Mon. April 15 - General Budget meeting… vote on town budget.
Mon. May 6 - SW FOOD Alliance to present Master Plan to the Town Council.
Motion to Adjourn at 10:15pm
Next Meeting: 7:30pm April 10, 2013
Respectfully Submitted: A. Paterna (inadequate sub- for the Excellent, Efficient George Caye)
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