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Willington Parks and Recreation Commission
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Town Offices, 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, Connecticut 06279 (860) 487-3108
Committee Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 24th 2009
7:00 PM-approved
Attending Members: Joseph Colangelo, Mike Pinatti, Al Ference, Rich Mindek, and Bill Bilyak were present. Recreation Director Teri Gareau was also in attendance. Greg Suchy was not present.
Guests: Also in attendance were Lynn Nicholls, Public Works Director, Troop 82 Boy Scout Drew Brown, and his mother Debbie Brown, along with Selectman Dave Charette.
Meeting called to order at 7:04 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes from the previous WPRC meeting (2/24/09) were reviewed. Joe Colangelo made a motion to accept the minutes without changes, which was seconded by Bill Bilyak. All members were unanimous in approval.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
- The Commission welcomed Public Works Director Lynn Nicholls, Selectman Dave Charette, Boy Scout Troop 82 Life Scout Drew Brown, and Debbie Brown. Drew Brown has come asking the commission if there are any possible community service projects that he can complete that will help him achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Mrs. Brown was also in attendance on behalf of Troop 82 to gather ideas for several other scouts who will be looking for other possible projects in the near future. Selectman Charette, Lynn Nichols and WRC Members took a look at possible projects concerning the Senior Center grounds located off of Old Farms Road. The following ideas were suggested by all:
- Several raised bed-self contained flower gardens
- A minimum of 5 wood benches constructed along the designated walking path
- Practice driving range with net and/or putting green for golf activities
- Constructing horseshoe pits
Life Scout Drew Brown will be in contact with Lynn Nicholls regarding one of these project ideas and will he will let the Commission know what he has decided to do for his Eagle Project. All commission members thanked our guests, as they were leaving, for their willingness to volunteer for community service in Willington.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
- Update on Programs: The Karate winter 2009 session 2 is underway with 11 participants. The 2009Youth Basketball program is officially over and will will be evaluated at a later time. The new beginner and open Fencing session started January 17th. The new Vegetable Gardening class started March 3rd and will continue with 4 more classes, with 15 people enrolled thus far. Lastly, an Introduction to Dance class started March 18th and has 14 girls participating thus far.
- Dates to Remember: April 4th – Boat and Water Safety Course, April 7th; Herb Gardening Class at the Willington Public Library 6pm-8pm-Fee $10; April 19th –Traditional Archery-1pm-2:30pm at the Town Office Fields-$75; April 20th-24th – MLS Soccer Camp-9am-12pm at RRAC; April 28th –WPRC Meeting-7pm-Town Office Building; April 29th – Karate session 3 begins at the Hidden Dragon II
- Update on Projects: The 911 Reflective Signs fundraiser has done well-we have sold 61 signs. Information on “The Willington Word” quarterly town newsletter was sent out and received by the town’s people.
- Budget Information: The Recreation Department’s budget was accepted by the Board of Finance. The CIP request submitted for a walking path was also approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Willington Summer Camp is accepting applications for acceptance into this year’s program. Please see Director Teri Gareau for more information.
- Teri Gareau will have field maintenance coordinated in time for the start of the Little League Baseball/Softball seasons.
- It was determined that RRAC is to be used for town related events and activities. Outside groups will be charged a field maintenance fee for use. Concerns were raised over keeping the fields in good playing condition-we do not want the grass and field condition to worsen if it is over used.
NEW BUSINESS:
- The new Kayak Rental Program is underway. Please see Director Teri Gareau for rental information and rental policies.
- Another Boy Scout from Troop 82, Mike King, is also looking to complete his Eagle Project. It was discussed at this meeting that he would want to coordinate to build a rack to hold the 5 kayaks owned by the town. This idea was encouraged as we do not currently have a rack to house the kayaks.
- WPRC Vacancy: Based on an interview process of 4 possible candidates the commission conducted over the past few weeks, the vacancy decision was brought to a vote. In an open vote, we selected Josh Walsh. The Commission appreciated all the interest in this vacant position and are encouraging all those interested in town recreation to bring their ideas and volunteering to future events. A letter will be sent to all candidates.
ADJOURNMENT:
Joe Colangelo motioned to adjourn, which was seconded by Rich Mindek. The meeting adjourned at 9:01PM. The next meeting is scheduled for April 28th, 2009 at 7:00PM on the main level at the Town Hall Office Building, 40 Old Farms Road.
Respectfully submitted 3/26/09
Richard B. Mindek III
Richard B. Mindek, III
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