RECEIVED April 4, 2011 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Filed, subject to approval
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 28, 2011
PRESENT: P. Degener, J. Dorenbosch, G. Miyashiro, P. Darlington, G. Loery
Staff present: R. Blick
Others: Chris Hocker
Chairman Degener called the March 28, 2011 meeting to order at 7:41 pm
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reviewed his written March report with the Commission.
- Upcoming events were reviewed.
- RecTrac: the system is in the process of being upgraded, the installation should be completed within the week.
- Brochure: the spring brochure is being finalized for printing next week.
- Brochure advertising: a private group has asked to advertise in the brochure. In the past, the brochure has contained blurbs with information about non-profit organization events. Mr. Degener suggested a policy regarding inclusion of advertising in the brochure and the cost of the ads. This will be scheduled for discussion at the next meeting.
- Topstone programing: plans are under way for programs by the Redding Garden Club, New Canaan Nature Center, and Brent Colley (Georgetown & Redding historian). Others are being contacted for other group presentations or talks.
- Topstone Picnics: the RES (Redding Elementary School) has scheduled a picnic at Topstone on April 30, and the Neighbors and Newcomer organization have scheduled their annual Lobster Party for the last week of June.
- Concert on the Green: sponsorship letters will go out shortly. Mr. Blick asked for suggestions of other individuals/organizations/businesses that should receive the letter asking for donations.
PUBLIC COMMENT & RAFC REPORT
Chris Hocker was present representing the Redding Athletic Fields Committee. Mr. Degener showed Commission members the draft copy of the brochure being developed by the RAFC to be used to solicit donations. Mr. Hocker requested that information about the planned artificial turf field be included in the Spring Park and Recreation brochure, along with a request for donations. A website has been established, www.reddingfields.org and a tax-exempt organization has been set up to accept tax exempt donations.
A STEAP grant of $400,000 was received to fund the project. In addition, approximately$500,000 will be needed to fund the project. A user group originally pledged $100,000 for the project, but that pledge is now in question; Mr. Hocker is following up with the organization to confirm the pledge. Other options for funding and fundraising efforts are being explored.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Mr. Blick was asked to provide a report for the next meeting on the usage of the “online” registration.
TOPSTONE PRESERVATION AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
Mike Hoffman (Hoffman Landscaping), a resident offered some suggestions for landscaping and improvements at Topstone Beach. He recommended that a Survey of the beach area be completed. Mr. Hoffman offered his firm’s services at a reduced cost.
Other issues include:
- Clean up needed: dog walkers are not cleaning up
- Scout project: Mr. Degener presented a proposal to the Selectmen for various projects including trail repair at the South end, the re-marking and cleaning up the trail around the pond, and removal of unusable grills. Mr. Degener added that the Park & Recreation Commission/Department is responsible for the marking and maintenance of the trails at Topstone Park, (with exception of the Saddleback “Westway” thru-trail.)
- Food Vendor: There is an opening for a food vendor to provide food services on the weekends – a new vendor is being sought.
Mr. Degener reported that he has contacted Environment Design Inc. regarding the move of the playscape to Topstone Park. He has met with Highway Department Superintendent, Bruce Sanford, regarding assistance with the site preparation. Mr. Degener would like the relocation of the playscape to occur during the spring break in April. The Greybeards organization has offered to assist with the work. Additional volunteers for this Town “barn-raising” type event will be contacted.
2011 PARK & REC TOPSTONE PATRON SURVEY
Mr. Degener is in the final stages of editing the Topstone Patron survey. The Commission member comments regarding the draft survey were circulated and will be incorporated in the revision. He expects the survey will provide useful information about the patrons of Topstone Park.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:55 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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