RECEIVED January 25, 2012 @8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Filed, subject to approval
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
January 23, 2012
Commission members: P. Degener, Chair; J. Dorenbosch, P. Darlington (8:05 pm), S. Goldman,
G. Miyashiro, G. Loery, Staff present: R. Blick
Mr. Degener called the meeting to order at 7:40 pm.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to recess to executive session for a report from the Personnel Subcommittee.
Dorenbosch, Loery. Approved. Unanimous.
Rob Blick and Laura Anderson invited to attend.
The meeting recessed at 7:40 pm
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 8:15 pm
No additional action was taken. Ms. Anderson left the meeting at this time.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move to approve the minutes of the December 19, 2011 meeting as submitted. Dorenbosch, Loery. Approved. Unanimous.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick submitted a written report.
- Town Budget workshop: several P&R Commission members attended with Mr. Blick. Mr. Blick explained the reduction in programing, especially summer camp, is related to the reduction of children in town. The enrollment in the elementary school has been declining and will continue to decline for the next few years.
- Basketball: 60 participants in the high school league, up from 52 last year; 208 in the grade 3-8 leagues compared with 217 last year.
- Facilities: Mr. Blick met with the new Highway Superintendent, Jeff Hanson, to review communication related to weather cancellations and use of the Community Center and athletics facilities. Mr. Blick also met with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Josefsberg, to review the P&R role in coordinating athletic spaces and maintenance of JRMS & RES athletic fields.
- Open Space: Mr. Blick met with the new Open Space Manager, John McLeran. Mr. McLeran will be surveying the Town’s open space and assessing current conditions, particularly looking for invasive plants, safety concerns and inadvertent development such as illegal dumping. The Open Space Manager position is a joint position between the Town of Redding Conservation Commission and the Redding Land Trust. Mr. Degener asked that any report concerning Topstone Park be reviewed by the Park and Recreation Commission prior to submission to the public. Mr. Degener noted that the Park and Recreation Commission manages Topstone Park, not the Conservation Commission. Mr. McLeran will be invited to a future Park and Recreation Commission meeting.
- Ski Trips: last week’s ski trip was cancelled due to weather conditions.
- Lyrics Coffee House: the last coffeehouse was attended by over 70 people.
Motion: move to accept the Director’s Report. Dorenbosch, Loery. Approved. Unanimous.
RAFC UPDATE
The group has worked up a plan for various recognitions for donations, including signage on or near the field. A review by the Zoning Commission will be requested since that body regulates signage in town.
2011-2012 BUDGET
Mr. Blick reported that no changes to the proposed budget have been requested.
Mr. Blick added that there is a new developing group in town for the sport of Rugby. This sport is a spring sport and is working under the umbrella of the Easton Redding Boys’ and Girls’ Club. There may be a conflict for field time with Lacrosse, but Mr. Blick feels that the issues can be resolved.
2011 PARK & REC TOPSTONE PATRON SURVEY
Mr. Miyashiro, Ms. Darlington and Mr. Bennett were asked to start working on a presentation of the survey results for review by the full commission and eventual presentation to the Board of Selectmen in the spring.
TOPSTONE PRESERVATION AND PLANNING
The cost proposed by Hoffman Landscaping will be reviewed by a subcommittee and presented at a commission meeting. In light of the absence of Mr. Bennett and Mr. Palmer, this item was tabled to the next meeting.
A revision of Topstone Staff Manual was completed at the end of last summer by Kelly O’Donnell & Bobbi Cieri. Mr. Blick suggested a subcommittee be asked to review the changes. Mr. Degener suggested that he and Mr. Palmer do the review prior to the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. McClung, Dorenbosch. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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