Park and Recreation Commission
Minutes of the Meeting of August 14, 2013
Commissioners in Attendance: A. Larson, (Chair) R. O’Connor,
B. Nowank, S. Parlapiano, D. VanHorn, D. Rezende, A. Paterna
Also in Attendance: R. Favreau, J. Caldwell
Town Council members: G. Bazzano
Approval of minutes: July 2013, minutes- approved/no change
Meeting called to order at 7.30pm by Al Larson
Public Participation: None
1. Special Report: Dr. Kate Carter, Superintendent SW Schools
Strategic Plan, 2011-2014 for SW Schools
This is an update of the 2007 Strategic Plan for SW Elementary Schools
The goal is to develop strategies for proposed construction, and identify a timeline
This report is part of the outreach by the Bd. Of Ed and the Superintendent—to assess the needs of many town groups—and examine how some of those needs could be integrated into the
school plans.
-items for consideration:
reduce the number of Elementary schools (5 to 4 schools)
right now, 3 of the 5 Elem schools are NOT ADA compliant
right now, 3 portable classrooms at PR Smith will be closed due to deterioration issues—and
structural engineers say they are unsafe for students
-Recreation facilities @ new Elem School could be part of the mix
as plans develop, what are the ‘win-win’ situations that can be gained by talking with many groups in town—
-Discussion—about access to fields and facilities @ SW Schools by town groups
-Discussion—5 schools to 4 schools, can be completed in phases, using a staggered construction schedule—and perhaps not work on all 4 schools at once
-Discussion—construction will be based on enrollment projections for the town—with all possible scenarios to be considered, and determine what is the optimal size school
-Discussion—How much will the project cost?
-Discussion—Consider the Safe routes to Schools projects
-Discussion—is there a target date in mind, based on enrollment projections?
-Discussion—all of these factors must be based on student and community needs
-Discussion—any school closings will NOT be based on numbers alone—the educational needs of students must always be considered
-Discussion—will full size gymnasium @ elementary schools be eligible for State of CT reimbursement? We are not sure about that right now… but it will be explored
All members of the Park & Recreation Commission expressed thanks to Dr. Carter for
Including our group in these discussions.
2. Report by Park & Rec Director
--Park/Rec hired two new workers
--now posting vacant secretarial position, will now also be an accounting specialist
--will be ordering the Rotary Rides baseball scoreboard soon, looking at options
--bikes ordered (under budget allocation) for SWWW bike program with schools
--SW Jr. legion team won the tournament this past weekend (8/10-8/11)
3. Report/SWWW—none
4. Report/SWFA—will begin construction of schoolyard gardens at TE on Aug 22
all wood donated by Plunkett-Webster Lumber in SW
5. Report—Gary Bazzano—Athletic Fields project and public hearing
--the public hearing will be held on Monday Sept 16 at 7pm Town Hall
--the project includes: 2 turf fields (one w/lights), Miracle Field, Cricket Pitch, parking (gravel),
concession stand; some fencing-
the plan is on the town website…total cost approx. $2.4million
there may be some fund raising events for the Miracle Field
at the public hearing: lighting rep will be there; turf rep will be there;
Motion to adjourn at 9.30pm—approved!
Respectfully Submitted: A. Paterna (an inadequate substitute—
for the Excellent—Efficient—Effortlessly Effective-- George Caye)
REMINDER: LAST CONCERT OF THE SUMMER…. Thursday August 15, 2013
THE NIFTY FIFTIES! Hope to see you there!
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