Town Of Redding
REDDING, CONNECTICUT 06875
Redding Park and Recreation – Meeting Minutes
Date: November 20, 2003
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Siobhan Streams; John Anderson, Charles Fields, Paul Degener.
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Debbie Clark, Administrative Assistant.
The meeting began at 7:40 p.m. without a quorum.
The minutes from October 23rd could not be accepted without a quorum.
PUBLIC COMMENT/LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE
· Ms. Streams received a complaint phone call from a travel coach. He feels that the travel teams are not getting enough time in the gyms. Ms. Streams responded that in fact they have more time.
Discussion ensued about the need to keep the gym available for a whole spectrum of activities and age groups. Even if a particular open gym time has less of an enrollment, it is still important that the gym be available for those residents.
· Ms. Streams also received a commendation from a parent in regard to Trick or Treat Street. She felt that it was a very well run program and her child had a great time.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT: Mr. Blick thanked Steve Pierce at Wilton Park and Rec. He made it possible for our adult softball league to finish their season on their field. Mr. Blick also commented on how hard Laura Anderson has worked making the BB League teams with the assistance of the coaches. The Commission had recommended that she enlist the coaches help this year.
COMMITTEE ISSUES:
COMMUNITY CENTER BUILDING COMMITTEE: Mr. Blick passed out the minutes from the last Building Committee meeting and shared some of what was discussed. The Commission reiterated how unhappy they were about “how” the decision had been made to accept the fields. The Commission was not invited to attend the meeting and Mr. Blick had not been given proper notice and therefore it was impossible for him to attend the meeting. Ms. Streams shared these concerns with Ms. Ketcham. She also shared her concerns with Ms. Ketcham about the funds withheld from Mercedes. Will the amount be sufficient to fix the fields? How will Park and Rec be affected? Ms. Ketcham assured Ms. Streams that if more money was needed it would not come out of the Park and Rec budget. Ms.
Streams will send a letter to Ms. Ketcham reiterating this. There was much discussion about what needs to be done with the fields and who is responsible. Who will determine the remedial procedure? Ms. Streams will write a letter to Ms. Ketcham asking these questions and asking for specifications.
Mr. Blick has been getting estimates from experts as to what the cost will be to properly fix the fields. He will also get together with Mr. di Costanza to enlist his expertise about remedying the problems on Field 1.
JBHS BUILDING COMMITTEE LIAISON: There was no discussion.
COMMUNITY CENTER STEERING COMMITTEE: There was no discussion.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Aside from field expenses, there have been no changes to the bottom line. Expenses have gone up less than revenue. Mr. Blick passed out and went over some budget notes. Included were credit card expense estimates.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: The committee has not met.
TOPSTONE PARK ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: Problems with the well are being looked into.
ORGANIZATION/PERSONNEL COMMITTEE: There was no discussion.
ATHLETIC FIELDS COMMITTEE: There is a meeting on Tuesday November 25th. The survey has been completed on the Couch Hill Preserve Property and will be discussed.
Mr. Blick will report on the probable availability of the RCC fields and the high school.
GYM FLOOR COVERING COMMITTEE/MARK TWAIN BOOK FAIR: Ms. Streams spoke with Jane Hickok. Due to the expense that they will be laying out for the gym floor covering, The Mark Twain Library Board would like Sam Calloway to be involved before any decision is made in the selection. The Board wants to be sure of the quality of the covering as well as looking out for the best interests of the community. It is also crucial that the covering be fairly simple to roll and unroll. Mr. Roman and Mr. Calloway will be involved in the discussion when its time for a decision to be made.
BUSES FROM JRMS: This will be further discussed at the next Board of Ed meeting on December 2nd. There will be discussion about what administrative problems or additional costs, if any, will be incurred.
YOUTH BIRTHDAY PARTY PROGRAM: Ms. Ketcham told Mr. Blick to go forward with his plans to let the Park and Rec Department run birthday parties at the RCC. Within three days there were three parties scheduled.
Meeting ended at 9:40 pm. Recording Secretary: Debbie Clark
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