Athletic Fields Sub-Committee 6-5-2012 Minutes
Madden Room – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:07 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Ray Favreau, Director of Parks & Recreation
John Caldwell, Superintendent of Parks
Gary Bazzano, Town Council
Keith Yagaloff, Town Council
Mike Mundo
Bob Goldman
David Hodge
Karen Isherwood, Civil Engineer
Dana Weber
Brogan Canty
Eric Lajoie
Others Present: Cindy Beaulieu, Town Council
3. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
None
Mr. Bazzano explained that a petition was given to the Council from residents in the Mountain View Road and Hillsdale Road neighborhoods opposing the installation of synthetic and lights at the Stadium Field at South Windsor High School. Residents voiced their concerns and opposition of having expanded use on the field.
Mr. Bazzano explained that the main goal for this Committee at this time is to get more fields. Snythetic will be discussed, but getting more fields is the main concern.
4. Items for Discussion
a. Update on 11 acres on Nevers Road
Ms. Isherwood explained to the Committee that she had walked the site with Jeff Folger and then explained the different conditions on the site. A plan was presented to the Committee as shown in attached Exhibit A. There are three
ITEM:
4. a. (continued)
fields proposed with 188 parking spaces. If the site were used for fields, it would have to be leveled off.
Answering various questions, Ms. Isherwood explained that only the larger field had test pits done on it because that field is being considered for turf.
The Committee discussed the size of the large field and felt that the width of the field should be expanded to 220 feet. The Committee discussed other variations for placing fields on the 11 acres. Mr. Mundo suggested that the area be accessible by walking trails from other areas at Nevers Road Park. Mr. Bazzano felt that these fields could be used by both the Town and the Board of Education. Ms. Isherwood informed the Committee that it would be tight to put lights in that area. Mr. Bazzano suggested putting lights just on the larger field. The Committee then discussed varying the plan and also discussed the creation of a stadium field.
Mr. Favreau reminded the Committee that the goal was to maximize the number of fields in Town. The Town already has a Stadium Field and should not replicate the field.
A resident came forward and stated that creating off campus fields with turf would be more favorable for everyone.
b. Musco Sports Lighting
1. Preliminary lighting plans
2. Preliminary cost estimates
3. Zoning approval for lights at identified sites
Mr. Favreau stated that he met with Musco Lighting and has received cost estimates as shown in attached Exhibit B. Mr. Favreau then stated that he feels it is better to light turf fields.
Ms. Isherwood stated if the Committee proceeds with lighting, it needs to be shown on the plans and shielding would have to be provided for neighbors. The Planning & Zoning Commission approves lighting.
ITEM:
4. b. (continued)
Mr. Bazzano felt that the Committee should get approval for the lights at the High School and/or the 11 acres and then decide which field should be synthetic because it does not make sense to have synthetic without lights.
The Committee decided it would be best to meet with the Board of Education regarding lighting and turf before any decisions are made regarding which field or fields should go before the Planning & Zoning Commission for lighting. A decision regarding turf can be made after the lighting is decided upon.
c. Synthetic Turf Cost Estimate
Committee members reviewed the cost estimates for synthetic fields, as shown in attached Exhibits C and D.
After a lengthy discussion regarding the complex at the 11 acres, Mr. Favreau stated he would put a cost estimate together for construction of a synthetic field, parking lot and security lights.
d. Preparation for meeting with Board of Education
Mr. Bazzano announced that the meeting with the Board of Education will be on June 12, 2012 at Timothy Edwards Middle School, Room Alt. #6. Mr. Bazzano stated he believed the meeting would be held after the Board of Educations Regular meeting around 9:00 p.m. If there are any changes, the Committee will be informed. The Committee is looking forward to hearing the opinion of the Board of Education.
e. Update on the Stadium Field & All-Purpose Fields at high school
Mr. Caldwell explained to the Committee that the All Purpose Field at the high school was not draining. The sod had such a thatch layer in it that water could not get through it. The contractor that built the field supplied all of the materials, all the fuel and all of his men. The Town paid for the removal of the sod only and the contractor has paid for everything else. The field was stripped, drainage of the field was fixed, it was laser graded and it was seeded. The cost to the Town was $8,400. The goal is to have a playable field in the fall. There should not be a lot of practice on that field.
ITEM:
4. b. (continued)
The Stadium Field has been over seeded and two applications of fertilizer have been put on it. A weed killer will be put on the field this coming week.
Mr. Caldwell stated that he feels the Board of Education would be in favor of the Stadium Field being turfed but not lit. It would increase their play and keep them home.
Mr. Bazzano said that he received an email from Craig Zimmerman stating their needs for fields. Mr. Zimmerman will be coming up with a plan. Councillor Yagaloff felt that funding should be established for this project. Mr. Favreau explained that the synthetic fields could be used for baseball.
5. Unfinished Business
None
6. New Business
None
7. Set Next Meeting Date
None
8. Adjournment
At 10:54 p.m. Mr. Lajoie made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Weber seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Council Clerk
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