PRESENT: Chairperson-Susan Goldman, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Lee Morgan, Liz Sager
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Val Zebrowski, Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.
The minutes from May 21, 2007 were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE: Mr. Blick said that he would like to make "No Smoking" be a part of the rules at the Concerts on The Green and Topstone Park. Smoking in these areas would be allowed in the parking lot area's only. The Park and Recreation Commission supports the decision.
DIRECTORS REPORT: After reviewing the Directors Report, the Commission discussed highlighted items including the $1,150 fundraising grant from the Connecticut Council of Tourism. Also discussed was a possible donation effort at Concerts on the Green. The subject came up about the cost of the recent renovations of the Gazebo. Rob would find out how donations would be processed and get the information to people in the concert hand out if the costs of this project have not already been covered.
Since the ban on the use of pesticides will now include, this item will be addressed in next year's budget. A projected start date for the pesticide free maintenance of the field is July 2009.
Mr. Degener inquired as to the AAU softball teams. Mr. Blick responded that registration is open to not only Redding residents but those from all towns, similar to premier soccer.
Redding might seek combine with Easton or Bethel for future adult softball programs.
Mr. Blick shared that a film crew for the movie "Old Dogs" will be filming at several locations in Redding, including the Community Center and the Country Club. This should occur in late August.
There have been problems with the well that the Community Center shares with the Historical Society. The users of the Community Garden have been asked to limit their water restriction to lessen the strain on the system. Mr. Blick will get a quote from a plumbing contractor with regard to the situation.
The Board of Selectman have decided that accepting donations such as park benches is appropriate, but gifts of this nature may not have a commemorative plaque on them. The Commission members are in favor of commemorative plaques that would be an appropriate demonstration of remembrance for residents that have had an impact on the community, and Ms. Goldman will draft a letter to the Selectman to that effect.
There was a question regarding future donations as to who would be responsible for their maintenance. The selectmen decided that this decision would be made on an as needed, individual basis.
Mr. Blick said that summer camp enrollment is down, but expects numbers to pick up once summer is underway. He did not know if the number of Topstone passes sold is also low.
Several openings have become available for Park and Recreation Commission members. The Commission welcomed Liz Sager, and in coming months several new Commissioners will be selected.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: No update.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE:
Quality Assurance efforts continue. Mary Jo Dix is working on version of a program manual similar to that of the camps for her Extended Day Program.
Ms. Craley suggested using a custom survey site for QA surveys. The sites will custom make a survey from information supplied with regard to the brochure, programs, etc., for a small fee. The survey could be promoted in the brochure or mail. The survey process could take up to a year to complete. Involvement from current participants as well as those who do not use the programs would be sought.
TOPSTONE PARK ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: No updates.
ORGANIZATION/PERSONNEL: No updates.
ATHLETIC FIELDS COMMITTEE: Blades and Goven are building their final recommendation to the town for a field plan for JRMS.
The Commission discussed the importance of receiving complete schedule information from user groups. This will assist in determining field need numbers and be a record of which fields were actually assigned.. A letter will be drafted to send out to user groups asking for complete and updated schedules.
COMMUNITY CENTER/GROUNDS COMMITTEE: No updates.
WEBSITE: Mr. Blick discussed methods of online registration.
POLICIES AND MANUALS: The Extended Day Staff Manual is 2/3 complete. An end of year summary will also be part of the submission.
Staff in house training continues at Topstone Park on Sundays and Wednesdays, and after July 4th training will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The first QA survey will be done by the next Commission meeting in July.
NEW BUSINESS: A new item will be added to the agenda for discussion. "Georgetown Athletic Facility" will address concerns with regard to the proposed facility to be built in Georgetown as part of the development of that area. Both Mr. Degener and Ms. Craley have attempted to have discussion about this topic with Mr. Solar and the Wilton YMCA respectively without much feedback. Ms. Goldman will attempt communication with the YMCA and schedule a meeting and Mr. Degener will approach Mr. Solar again.
The meeting adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Submitted by vaz
6/28/2007
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