Town Of Redding
REDDING, CONNECTICUT 06875
RECEIVED APRIL 1, 2008 @ 10:14 AM
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Redding Park and Recreation – Regular Meeting Minutes
Date: March 24, 2008
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Kevin Connolly, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Greg Frierson, Susan Goldman, Liz Sager
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director; Val Koniecki, Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m.
The Minutes from February 25, 2008 were reviewed and the following correction made:
Liz Sager was not present.
On motion of Ms. Goldman and second of Mr. Degener the Commission unanimously approved the Minutes as amended.
DIRECTORS REPORT: There was a brief discussion as to Topstone lifeguards and their certifications. Two types of certification are required, Pool Lifeguard and Waterfront Lifeguard. Mr. Blick will contact the Red Cross to see if they can run a Waterfront Lifeguard class in Redding.
On motion of Mr. Frierson and second of Mr. Connolly the Directors Report was approved.
LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE: There were no letters or correspondence.
YMCA UPDATE: Ms. Morgan gave a brief report of the results from the March 4th meeting with Bob McDowell from the YMCA. The discussion centered on the proposed new YMCA facility in Georgetown. The size of the facility and the pool were also discussed. After school programs would offer youth fitness and gymnastics and not child care. The results of the usage study will be forwarded to Mr. McDowell, who will contact Ms. Morgan after the Y’s March board meeting.
CAMP MANUAL: Ms. Craley reported that the first draft of the camp manual is complete. The final draft should be done by the end of April.
EXTENDED DAY: The Commission discussed the Extended Day Program and the new registration and waitlist procedure. There are approximately 73 children enrolled in the program daily, with 14 slots in the lottery. The number of children on the waitlist range from approximately 8 for 5 day per week usage to 1 child for 1 day per week usage.
Discussion shifted to the after school program at the Boys and Girls Club. Mr. Frierson explained that at this time, the Board of the RB&G Club is trying to evaluate process and procedure involved in after school programming. Establishing fees, transportation to and from the schools, managing staff and predictable attendance are all issues under review. Commission members will be meeting with the B&G Club board to discuss process and procedure, and will share information contained in the Park and Recreation manuals that may be helpful.
There have been a few members of the public that have expressed concern. First Selectman Natalie Ketcham wrote a letter that was recently published in the Redding Pilot, addressing this issue.
PARK AND RECREATION SURVEY: The survey should be done before the next budget. Katharine Dusenbury Miller will assist with the survey.
TOPSTONE ENHANCEMENT: Mr. Degener reported that the sub-committee met and discussed goals, objectives, tactics, publicity and projects with regard to improving the membership and increasing the usage of Topstone Park. Next steps include development of a brochure and publicity campaign. At the next Commission meeting, members will brainstorm enhancement and activity ideas.
QA AUDIT REPORT: Ms. Morgan reported that the audit looked good and there were no negative aspects. Ms. Craley noted that Mr. Blick has done a very good job implementing the quality assurance piece into Park and Recreation programming.
Mr. Smith was unanimously voted to be the new member representing the Commission on the Redding Athletic Fields Committee.
BUDGET CUTS: The Commission discussed further cuts to the Town budget involving Park and Recreation activities. Mr. Frierson will contact the Board of Finance with regard to keeping items in the budget that would increase revenue to the Town.
FIELDS: Mr. Degener reported that the RAFC is waiting for results of a DOT study before moving forward. One of the topics discussed at the March meeting was crumb rubber used for artificial turf fields and possible associated hazards. .
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment;
The Commission briefly discussed administrative matters.
The next scheduled meeting will be April 21, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Submitted by vak
3/31/2008
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