Town Of Redding
REDDING, CONNECTICUT 06875
Redding Park and Recreation – Meeting Minutes
Date: December 21, 2004
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Joe Ventricelli; Paul Degener; Charlie Fields, Joe Dolan, Susan Goldman, Dan Carter
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
The minutes of the November 29th meeting were unanimously approved. Ms.Goldman noted the incorrect spelling of her name.
PUBLIC COMMENT/LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE: There was none.
DIRECTORS REPORT: Mr. Blick was asked if the RBGC could have the information regarding the acceptance of credit cards. Review of the selectmen’s concerns about accepting of the Nice Ice surface- injuries, supervision and benefits, rules. Rob will be calling around to get their input and let the selectmen know. The commission supports trying this out. If the answer is no, then the RBGC might be interested.
JBHS BUILDING COMMITTEE: The vote is tomorrow. Commissioners reminded each other to vote, twice if necessary.
FINANCE COMMITTEE/BUDGET: No report
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: No report
TOPSTONE PARK ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: No report
ORGANIZATION/PERSONNEL- Discussion regarding how best to compensate employees who are underpaid. This will be placed on the agenda for next meeting perhaps to be discussed in executive session.
ATHLETIC FIELDS Committee – The Redding Field Usage Report was presented to the selectmen on Monday, December13 and was well received. Also represented was a review of the other possibilities considered to alleviate the field shortage during key peak times. Multiple steps will be taking place simultaneously. The RBGC was asked to pursue getting zoning variance allowing them to have four games simultaneously rather than three. Don Takacs is meeting with JBHS/ Region 9 to find out if there is anything that can be done to help with the development of fields there. Ms. Ketcham said she would look into furthering the discussion with WRFH regarding enabling the town to use the field there. She also asked if the costs and benefits of turfing and lighting the JRMS fields could be better quantified.
An RFP is also being drafted considering use of the northern portion of the Couch Hill Preserve for the development of playing fields. The commissioners felt regardless of what eventually might be developed on the property that the RFP for developing alternatives for the placement of fields, access to those fields and the costs of the alternatives should be worded broadly. They felt it should at least include the northern portion of the property (not limited specifically to just
“the northern woods”. It was clear that going beyond the northern meadow (or even using the northern meadow for access) might not make certain constituencies happy. The commission felt that limiting the design alternatives, at this point, is a waste of taxpayer’s money and will anger another very important group in town. Mr. Carter articulated the view that we must not limit the scope of the RFP in developing alternatives to be considered on the property especially involving access and price. These alternatives would have to at least be considered and quantified so that the selectmen can balance the concerns of those whose interests for the property include preservation for passive use and conservation.
COMMUNITY CENTER GROUNDS COMMITTEES: Mr. Degener reported that he saw Skip Filinowski putting down sod last Saturday, December 18 at RES. He questioned the idea of putting down sod so late. The majority of the sod was put down nearly a month ago but he needed to finish a small section. Rob reviewed his concerns and relayed Skip’s assurances that in the spring the turf should be playable by May 1.
WEBSITE COMMITTEE: Nothing shared. Commission members were asked to check out the town web site before next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS – Mr. Blick shared with the commission his initial draft of the budget. The commission supported the budget as presented. A letter, written to Larry Kulawicz recommending that more money be budgeted to maintain the school fields, was discussed. The question of how to address the lack of field maintenance in the school budget was discussed. The commission felt there was a high probability that the Board of Education will not budget appropriately for the maintenance of the school fields. It was decided to put $15,000 in the budget so that the athletic fields will be properly maintained. This would cover the likely costs associated with maintenance other than the mowing of both school fields.
The commission elected Joe Ventricelli as chairmen for the next year when the subject would be brought up for consideration again.
The next meeting might be moved to Thursday, January 27 if it appears that the selectmen will be discussing the field issue at their meeting on January 24.
Meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m.
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