Town Of Redding
REDDING, CONNECTICUT 06875
Redding Park & Recreation Meeting Minutes, 10/24/05, 1st draft
Redding Park and Recreation – Meeting Minutes
Date: October 24, 2005
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Susan Goldman; Tushar Shah, Lee Morgan, Jarod Smith, Joe Dolan, Paul Degener.
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Val Zebrowski, Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:37 p.m.
The minutes from September 28, 2005 were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE:
· Ms. Morgan received a phone call from a resident who was upset because she could not gain access to the building or her scheduled class because the building was locked. Mr. Blick explained to the Commission that there have been some issues with custodial staff and that he will follow up. The resident had some further concerns about how cancellations are handled, and she would like to see more of a commitment by the Park and Recreation Department to adult fitness.
OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business to address.
DIRECTORS REPORT: Mr. Blick reported that preparations are ongoing for Trick or Treat Street.
There are enough volunteers, and the pizza party afterward will be held at the Community Center this year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT:
JBHS BUILDING COMMITTEE: There are no updates, and there was some discussion as to if this committee is still necessary. It was decided it could be eliminated; its business handled by the fields committee
FINANCE COMMITTEE/BUDGET: Tom Morrison is no longer on this committee. Mr. Smith will now be a part of this committee, and will meet with Mr. Blick and Mr. Degener to begin budget discussions.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: Discussion about issues with shared space. Programming has increased while the amount of available space has remained the same. All members are in agreement that no programs should be cut, whether Park and Rec. or Senior programming. Ms. Goldman would contact Ms. Ketcham to help make decisions regarding priorities during certain key times.
TOPSTONE PARK ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: There is no report. The season is over.
ORGANIZATION/PERSONNEL: No updates.
ATHLETIC FIELDS COMMITTEE: Mr. Dolan and Mr. Degener reported on the status of this
committee. There was a meeting arranged by Don Takacs for September 29th between the Board of
Selectman and Region 9. The purpose of the meeting was to find a way for the town to have greater
access to the JBHS fields, whether it is by turfing, expanding the number of fields, or completing the
fields that have not been finished. The importance of finding a solution was discussed. The JBHS
Fields Advisory Committee was formed and will investigate fields use at that location. Estimates for
field design from landscape architects are anticipated. Falcon Pride will proceed with their
fundraising efforts without involvement by the town.
Wilton has installed a turf field at their stadium location. The approximate cost was $700,000.00, and
Mr. Dolan estimates an additional 20 hours per week field usage time. The field is in use until 10 p.m.
every night, by various groups including adult soccer and lacrosse. This also means less use on the
grass fields, which allows them to rest.
The committee is also looking into a partnership with the town of Easton/Region 9 for use of JBHS
fields. The location of the charter between the two towns is unknown at this point.
L. Morgan left the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
The Fields Advisory Committee will update the Board of Education in November, and Mr. Blick
asked to be kept informed if a presentation is to be made by Falcon Pride. Mr. Dolan will now be on
the Board of Finance, and will no longer be on the Park and Rec. Commission.
Mr. Blick had attended a meeting to assist Region 9 field maintenance. The budget they presented was
very simple and we asked for a more detailed plan to be put together. He is unsure exactly what was
done regarding revisiting the use of an IPM on the Barlow property.
Mr. Smith asked to be brought up to date on the RAFC, and will be provided with all documentation.
RCC GROUNDS COMMITTEE: The seeding has been completed. Grub control is in effect, as there
has been an ongoing problem with grubs and skunks digging up the ground to get to them.
WEBSITE COMMITTEE: Mr. Shah and Mr. Blick are working together to update the website.
NEW BUSINESS: There is no new business.
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Submitted by vaz, 10/26/05
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