PRESENT : Lee Morgan (meeting facilitator), , Jarod Smith, Kim Taylor, Paul Degener, Elizabeth Sager, Greg Frierson, Kevin Connelly, Rob Blick (Park and Recreation Director)
Meeting Called to Order: 8:45PM
The meeting began with introductions and welcoming of new members, Greg Frierson and Kevin Connelly.
Rob Blick gave out an updated phone/e-mail list of all Parks and Recreation Commission Members. All were asked to check information for accuracy. The list included term end dates for each member. Some were incorrect. Rob was going to update them using town records.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Rob heard from a neighbor requesting a memorial bench at Topstone for Sally Tripp. A discussion was had regarding the history of this topic in order to update new members. The Commission will follow up with Susan Goldman to see if she sent a letter to Town telling them that commission disagrees with the decision to not accept this gift as Sally was an especially good citizen to the town and a bench would be a good idea and may be needed in the area it was requested for.
A discussion of whether or not Rob heard from Redding Soccer Club regarding them informing him about the soccer schedule was had. Rob has received some of the information and is still waiting for parent agreements. The importance of Rob knowing the schedule was reiterated as he has to coordinate Relax, soccer, baseball and softball. Joel Barlow on occasion closes fields due to conferences and Rob needs to contact users, he also needs to be able to schedule maintenance all of which can't be done if he doesn't know who is using the field.
QUESTIONS ABOUT DIRECTORS REPORT:
Is the Trick or Treat Street Full?
It isn't as of right now but we always have a good turnout and in the past and plan to again this year. The event is well promoted.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance -
Rob and committee is gearing up for budget time
Program Development and Strategic Planning / Topstone Park Enhancement Committee -
There was a discussion about the gradual decline in Topstone and camp utilization. Lee communicated that Susan would like to set up 2 committees in order to look at Topstone and Extended Day issues.
The goal of the Topstone committee is to promote all the work we have done enhancing manuals and creating quality assurance programs.
The goal of the extended day committee is to "think of outside the box" solutions for accommodating all that want to participate in extended day. Several commission members volunteered. Lee will get back to commission members as to what committee they will be on.
Rob reported that he got together with his staff and they have started to look at solutions for the 2008/9 year. He will share his results with the newly formed extended day committee, collaborate and present possible scenarios in the near future.
Athletic Fields Committee -
Paul Degnar gave a report that our current plan is in a "holding pattern" until after election and we are very close to being able to put the plan in front of the State
There was a discussion that there is some concern that the public doesn't understand that there are 2 field projects and we may, in the near future, want to send a letter encouraging a joint proposal. Paul encouraged the committee to attend the field meeting which are the first Tuesday of every month.
Web Site Committee -
Rob reported that the e-mail list is functioning and he has 300 names. Rob is going to sign the commission members up so that they can receive e-mails being sent. All commission members agreed to have their e-mail added.
Greg Frierson volunteered for this committee as it is an area of expertise for him.
Policies/Manuals -
The Extended Day Manual has a few minor edits before it is done. The commission will request it get done by November 15.
The Topstone Manual worked well this summer.
Rob has e-mailed Shannon Craley the Camp Manual that is currently being used. She will review it, format it in the new format and send it back to Rob for revisions and completion.
Budget -
Rob has thought of some preliminary things he would like to be included in the budget; $ for in-service training at Topstone, a bench at Topstone, hydroraking, and well for the garden club (8-10K)
Kevin Connelly volunteered to join this committee.
Georgetown Land Development -
Shannon Craley and Paul Degnar met with Steve Solar and viewed current health club plans. YMCA is unsure of the budget numbers and final project info so it is assumed this is why our letters have gone unanswered. Steve will keep us informed and encourage the YMCA to communicate with us.
The next Redding Parks and Recreation Meeting is the Monday after Thanksgiving, November 26. All agreed that this was fine.
Meeting adjourned 10:28PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by: , Commission Member
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