PRESENT: Chairperson-Susan Goldman, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Steve DiCostanza, Donna Marie Macchio, Lee Morgan, Tushar Shah
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Val Zebrowski, Recording Secretary.
GUESTS: Peg O’Donnell, Anne Marie McCarthy
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.
The minutes from July 23, 2006 were reviewed and unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Comments from the public included inquiries about policies and procedures at Topstone Park, and the proposed Dog Beach at Topstone Park.
Peg O’Donnell spoke with regard to the high school age programs. She said she is very pleased with the programming, and that attendance should be encouraged. The Monday Night Basketball Program will begin after an October 30 pizza party welcome to perspective participants. Sixty percent of associated costs of this program will be paid by 2 local businesses.
Anne Marie McCarty expressed concern over a recent incident involving a camper at Topstone Park. She feels that the staff may not realize the seriousness of the responsibilities of their positions. When campers are at Topstone Park, the atmosphere can become somewhat boisterous, and it is important that camp counselors and Topstone Staff be vigilant.
Ms. Goldman assured Ms. McCarthy that the policies and procedures at Topstone Park will be thoroughly reviewed by a subcommittee, and that any necessary revisions will be made. Some suggestions were to always be sure an adult staff member is at the Park during hours of operation, improved testing system for swimmers, and to eliminate Topstone as one of the activities available to campers.
LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE: There were no letters or correspondence.
DIRECTORS REPORT: There were no questions about the Directors Report.
FINANCE COMMITTEE/BUDGET: No updates.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: Ms. Goldman met with Ms. Macchio for discussion. Topics included increasing the number of preschool programs. Also discussed was the deletion of the reading readiness program.
TOPSTONE PARK ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: Mr. Blick has received positive feedback about cleaner bathrooms and the widened beach.
ORGANIZATION/PERSONNEL: No updates.
ATHLETIC FIELDS COMMITTEE: After a presentation to the RAFC by Blades and Goven, Mr. Blades presented a preliminary cost estimate at the August RAFC meeting. The recommendation is $4.3 million, which includes turf and lights at JRMS, a new field at RCC, expansion of 2 other fields at RCC, and improvements to the drainage and irrigation systems at RCC. For $2.5 million, the turf and lights at JRMS can be done. Fundraising will be a large part of whatever option is chosen, and the RAFC is looking carefully at all of them. Eventually a proposal will be written, but only after all of the preliminary information has been reviewed.
RCC GROUNDS COMMITTEE: The grub issue is being addressed. Treatment has been done, and testing within the week will show its effectiveness.
WEBSITE: No updates.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. RCC Policy Changes- After review of the preliminary changes, Tina Miller had questions about a few of the points. The BOS approved most of the changes that were asked for.
2. Commission Policies/Charter-Ms. Goldman will be working with Mr. Smith.
3. Georgetown Recreational Facility Update- Ms. Goldman received a call from the new Executive Director at the Wilton YMCA, and will make an appointment to meet with him.
4. Topstone Incident Review Policy procedure- A subcommittee of Ms. Goldman, Mr. Miller and Ms. Craley will meet as early as next week to review current Topstone policy and the recent camper incident.
5. High School Aged Programming- Discussed in Public Comment
6. Dog Beach at Topstone- A proposed Dog Beach at Topstone is in the preliminary planning stage. The area will be over the dam to the left. Concerns include year round use, dogs off leashes swimming close to the trail area. A fenced in area would be supported, but could be difficult to maintain in the water. The issue will likely have to go before the Conservation Commission. Only after their approval, would a trial period of perhaps September 15 through April 15 be considered.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
Submitted by vaz 9/1/2006
|