PRESENT: Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Kevin Connolly, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Greg Frierson, Susan Goldman, Liz Sager, Kim Taylor
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Val Zebrowski, Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
The Commission briefly discussed ideas for benches sponsored by residents.
The minutes from November 28, 2007 were unanimously approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT/LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE: There was no public comment. There were no letters or correspondence.
DIRECTORS REPORT: After review, the Commission discussed the Directors Report. Mr. Blick reported that he received a request from Natalie Ketcham to get new lights for the town's Christmas tree. New LCD lights are more energy efficient and last longer than traditional lights.
Mr. Blick received a request from JBHS Lacrosse for field use.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: The Commission discussed the proposed Park and Recreation budget. Mr. Blick presented his first draft of the budget that will be submitted to the town for FY 2008-09. The budget is up slightly this year, partly due to field maintenance requirements. The Commission reviewed the major items and made some slight revisions. These items included:
- Topstone lifeguard staffing, lifeguard uniforms and obtaining an outside lifeguard instructor.
- A decrease in fitness classes. Discussion included the possibility of all such programs being run solely by Park and Recreation.
- Proposed online program registration. The updated quote to implement this program is $11,000. Mr. Frierson talked about the advantages of online registration, and that it would need to be pilot tested.
- Sandtrenching. Quotes have been received and range around $110,000. Proposed fields include Field #3 and half of Field #2. The other half of Field #2 drains adequately at this time.
- Added weeks of Travel Camp
- Increased hours for a weekend custodian due to additional building usage
- Increase in program fees.
Capital projects for the Long Term Planning proposal include new maintenance and landscaping equipment. The Commission discussed owning vs. contracting out for the work. The Commission agreed that new equipment should be made part of the proposal. Other items include a skate park, tennis courts and permanent gym storage
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION COMMITTEE: No updates.
TOPSTONE PARK ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE: No updates.
ORGANIZATION/PERSONNEL: No updates.
ATHLETIC FIELDS COMMITTEE: The RAFC met on December 4 and are still waiting for information from the DEP, who must approve the field plan. Wetlands continue to be an issue.
COMMUNITY CENTER/GROUNDS COMMITTEE: No updates.
WEBSITE: No updates.
POLICIES AND MANUALS: The Commission discussed changes and revisions for the Topstone manual. Discussion included a change in hours, with the addition of regular training hours for staff and lifeguard rotations. Mr. Blick will make the changes.
The Extended Day program Manual is still being worked on. The next draft should be available by the January meeting. Part of the discussion included implementing the Boys and Girls Club for overflow of the program. This will average 10-15 children per day, perhaps 2-3 days a week. The Boys and Girls Club can put together a program in 3 months. The Commission discussed bringing their concerns for the outgrowing program to the Board of Education. Capacity issues have already been discussed with school principals. Ms. Morgan will contact the BOE and the Boys and Girls Club with regard to moving forward.
NEW BUSINESS: No updates.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by vaz
12/20/2007
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