Park and Recreation Commission -- Meeting March 12, 2014
Minutes of the Meeting
Commissioners in Attendance: A. Larson, (Chair) R. O’Connor, K. Graham, G. Bazzano,
D. Romejko, B. Nowak, C. Zimmerman, D. Rezende , A. Paterna
Also in Attendance: Director of Parks & Recreation: R. Favreau
S. Wagner, Council Liaison, M. Riley, S. Chalikonda, C. Beaulieu, K. McCann, T. Bartomeli
Review of minutes: January, 2014 minutes approved/no changes ; February 2014 No quorum, no minutes
Public Participation:
1. Cricket Club representative- S. Chalikonda asked about progress on Cricket Field
There has been some progress for using a field—private property near Rt 5., 195 Governor’s Hwy, Clear Edge Manufacturers, details being worked out… but still positive, and moving forward.
2. M. Reilly: expressed concerns about appointment of new PARC Commissioner
3. K. McCann: expressed concerns about appointment of new PARC Commissioner
4. C. Beaulieu: expressed concerns about appointment of new PARC Commissioner
5. Pickleball league representative- T. Bartomeli requesting more pickleball courts at
Ellsworth … can we expand court space? Also asked about tennis court
renovations at Rye St. Park… will those be lined for pickleball? That work is still
in planning stages and short of funds without anticipated USTA grant.
Reports:
Town Council Liaison: S. Wagner
Congratulations of passage of Town Ordinance involving recreation projects—all will be
referred to PARC for a sixty day time period. PARC reports findings to Town Council.
General discussion of appointment of new PARC Commissioner at Council meeting of March 3rd.
Open Space Task Force: D. Romejko
King St. Property.. while the OSTF meeting was cancelled, the Town Council has approved $135,000 for the purchase of that property.
Jones Farm Property—still a work in progress (location on Avery St. across from Kelly Rd).
STEAP Grant Funding Application: G. Bazzano
STEAP Grant has been submitted to the State of CT (deadline 4/15 for grant apps)for the Athletic Fields Project at Nevers Park.
SW already has $500,000 for development of the old post office site (Sullivan ave) and
has submitted another STEAP grant for an additional $500,000 for further work on the old post office site.
In addition: Town Council just passed an Ordinance to allow leasing and we believe the parameters are: $1Million must have 2/3 vote of Council, $1M to $1.5M by unanimous vote, and over $1.5M must go to town referendum.
SW FOOD Alliance: A. Paterna
1. Work on Nelson Property (Deming St.) planning continues for a Community Gardens
up to 72 garden parcels, including 12 raised beds for wheelchair gardeners- next steps:
meeting with neighbors, present to PZC and then Council.
2. SWFA will be hosting a statewide organization: CT Food System Alliance at
SWHS on Thurs. April 24.
3. SW Farmers Market Opening Day is Sat. June 21, 10am to 1pm @ Community Ctr.
SW Walk & Wheel Ways: R. O’Connor
1. Bike trailer for bike education program ready to go! Pictures displayed.
2. SWW&WW participating in a bike education training program and would like to send 2
Delegates to 3-day LCI training course by League of American Bicyclist.
MOTION to Approve: up to $600 for 2 delegates to attend training workshop.
Voted—PASSED
Report- Parks and Recreation Director: R. Favreau
1. Little League Shack construction—work in progress/winter delays!
2. Little League fields lighting guideline changes approved by PZC as part of the shack application—questioned by neighbors, probable continued discussion at next PZC or Council meeting.
3. Rotary Field Scoreboard—in progress/winter delays! The Scoreboard has been received.
4. Skateboard mini-park—ready to go… but again, winter delays!
5. During April School vacation —repairs/resurfacing of tennis courts #1 & #2 at Wapping School will be completed if all goes as planned.
6. Proposal being discussed with sports groups—to charge all players $5/season-to establish an account for athletic facilities/field improvements—in discussions with youth sports organizations.
7. Cricket Field—work in progress—very close to establishing a site for the Cricket Club
8. SW Parks & Rec Dept—now on Facebook! Visit and LIKE!
9. Adopt-a-Trail Program—trailer equipped with work tools—scout groups can ‘adopt’ a trail in
town—Parks & Rec Dept delivers trailer to site—scouts use tools to clear trails—return tools to trailer and Parks & Rec Dept picks up trailer after use.
10. Trails-New Site: MyTownTrials.com –town trails mapped—a QR code shows all trails—distances
11. PARC budget info will be emailed to all Commissioners.
Important DATES to remember:
1. Town Council meeting —Monday 3/24 for all Boards & Commission budgets for FY 2014-2015
2. PARC Master Plan sub-committee meeting – Tues., March 25, 6:30-8:30pm @ Center.
3. Budgets—Wed 3/26 Capital Budget projects presentation
4. Mon., March 31st, 6:30-9pm Town-wide Lacrosse Opening Night @ SWHS – master plan surveys
5. Wed., April 9, next regular PARC meeting, 7:30pm @ Town Hall
6. Wed 4/16: Parks & Recreation Dept budget presentation
7. Fri., April 18, Annual Egg Hunt @ SWHS Stadium, 10am-12pm
Discussion Topics:
1. A. Larson: Creation of new Sub-Committee to fine tune work on Master Plan (surveys, workshop dates, survey distribution locations, etc)… OPEN to all members—first meeting Tues 3/25 6.30-8.30pm at Community Center. MOTION to create Sub-Committee—Voted/Passed
2. Concerns and further discussion re: appointment of new PARC Commissioner.
Motion to Adjourn: at 10.45pm—Motion-Voted and PASSED!
Respectfully Submitted: A. Paterna
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