Athletic Fields Sub-Committee 6-26-2013 Minutes
Madden Room – South Windsor Town Hall
1. Call Meeting to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Gary Bazzano, Town Council
John Caldwell, Superintendent of Parks
Ray Favreau, Director of Parks & Recreation
Matthew B. Galligan, Town Manager (conference call)
Bob Goldman, South Winsor Soccer Club
Karen Isherwood, Volunteer Civil Engineer
Members Absent: Brogan Canty, student athlete
David Hodge, South Windsor Panther Football
Eric Lajoie, South Windsor Boys Lacrosse Club
Al Maximino, South Windsor Little League
Mike Mundo, parent of youth athlete
Jim Ray, parent of youth athlete
Chris Wanner, South Windsor High School Athletic Director
Dana Weber, South Windsor Girls Lacrosse Club
Keith Yagaloff, Town Council
Craig Zimmerman
Others Present: Cindy Beaulieu, Town Council
Matthew Riley
Mary Sullivan
3. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
A decision regarding the June 6, 2013 minutes were postponed until the next meeting.
4. Public Participation
Mary Sullivan, Wyndemere Court came forward to state her concerns regarding this proposal. Ms. Sullivan has environmental concerns, the raising of taxes and just does not want this proposal near her residence.
A gentleman from Wyndemere Court stated he thought this parcel was purchased by the Town for open space.
ITEM:
4. Public Participation (Continued)
Mr. Ray Favreau explained that this parcel was purchased separately but is part of Nevers Road Park.
The next question was if it could be possible to create ball fields further away from the residence in the wooded area?
Mr. John Caldwell explained that there are wetlands in the wooded area.
Two gentlemen came forward to request that the sub-committee review creating a field for Cricket within this proposal.
5. Items for Discussion
a) Finalized Plan
Ms. Isherwood presented a newly revised plan (Exhibit A) to the Committee highlighting the revisions. A fence ha been added to the western boundary with a gated access. Fencing around the overflow parking. A Miracle Field was added to the plan. A 50’ buffer along the residential property line was added to the plan.
Committee members reviewed the aspects of a Miracle Field which would be used by people who are handicapped. Deputy Mayor Bazzano explained that this proposal was brought forward by a resident of South Windsor who is willing to put in $175,000 for this field. The total cost of the field is $350,000. Also discussed was the ability to include in the plan a field for cricket.
Committee members discussed the plan and the changes that would be proposed are a chained link fence will be replaced with a low wooden guardrail along the parking, extend the gravel area, a gated entrance that will go across the narrow driveway, signage saying no vehicles beyond this point, and shift the synthetic field and grass field away from each other to create a clay pitch area which will run north to south to support the creation of a field for Cricket.
Ms. Isherwood stated she would check if the access driveway and the turf field can be in the 50’ buffer area.
ITEM:
5. a. (Continued)
Committee members discussed a variety of ways to finance this project. Deputy Mayor Bazzano stated that different sports groups are willing to make donations towards this project. Other ways to finance this project will be reviewed such as STEAP Grants, LoCIP funds and leasing. Mr. Galligan will apply for a STEAP Grant and suggested that the Committee look at leasing the lights and turf through the different companies that would be supplying each item.
b) Steps to be taken for approval by the Town Council
The Committee decided that a public hearing would be held at the first Town Council meeting in September regarding this proposal. A resolution will also be brought forward at the same meeting.
6. Unfinished Business
None
7. New Business
None
8. Set Net Meeting Date
The Committee will decide on the next meeting through email.
9. Adjournment
At 7:22 p.m. Ms. Isherwood made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Favreau seconded the motion; and it was approved, unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah W. Reid
Council Clerk
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