Redding Town Hall
100 Hill Road, P.O. Box 1028, Redding, CT 06875
Parks and Recreation Minutes 05/27/2008




RECEIVED JUNE 10, 2008 @ 12:27 PM
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages

 Redding Park and Recreation – Special Meeting Minutes
Date: May 27, 2008
Town of Redding, Connecticut


PRESENT:  Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Kevin Connolly, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Susan Goldman, Liz Sager, Jarod Smith

STAFF:  Rob Blick, Director; Val Koniecki, Recording Secretary.

The meeting was called to order at 7:38 p.m.  

The Minutes from April 28, 2008 were reviewed and on motion of Ms. Goldman and second of Ms. Sager the minutes were unanimously approved.

DIRECTORS REPORT:  Mr. Blick reported that the docks were put in at Topstone Park. Travel Camp is filling up quickly. Mr. Connolly announced that he will resign his position as Commissioner because he is likely moving. Ms. Morgan will begin the process to find a replacement.

LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE:  Mr. Blick reported receiving one letter of complaint with regard to cancellation of the wrestling class. The problem was solved to everyone’s satisfaction.

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. The focus will be changing the perception of Topstone as just a place to swim. Camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats and fishing are some of the other activities that can be enjoyed at the park. A member of the Boy Scouts will be helping with trail maintenance and a mapping program. Private swim lessons, more flashlight hikes and non-resident memberships were all discussed as additional options. The cost of printing a brochure for Topstone will be approximately $1,900.
On motion of Mr. Degener and second of Ms. Craley, the Commission voted unanimously to allow non-residents to use Topstone Park.  

    
GEORGETOWN-WILTON YMCA UPDATE:  The Commission discussed a proposed plan for a Wellness Center in Georgetown and use of the pool at Meadow Ridge. The Wilton YMCA will not build a facility in Georgetown. The Commission agreed that a facility is needed in Georgetown.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM:  Ms. Morgan reported that there has been no movement on this. A fundraiser brochure has been circulated by the Boys and Girls Club. The program is still expected to begin in the fall. Ms. Goldman will contact Joe Macchio by email and Mr. Smith will speak with him.

FIELDS: There is no update.

EXTENDED DAY-KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: Kindergarten registrations are due by August 22nd. The program begins September 8th. Mr. Blick received request from several teachers who utilize the after school program. If a slot was not available through the registration process they could use the gym at the Community center for their babysitter to come and use the gym with their children. Mondays and Wednesday’s the gym is not occupied. The program would begin at 12:30 p.m., and the age requirement for babysitters has not been determined.

BUDGET-CONTINGENCY PLAN: Mr. Blick said that there would be a budget vote on May 28th, and that if the budget did not pass, a contingency plan involving additional fee increases may be necessary. The Commission discussed a variety of scenarios. The proposed changes included all after school programs and there would be no change in fee’s for Topstone, camp or fitness classes.

PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment;

The Commission briefly discussed administrative matters.

The next scheduled meetings will be June 23rd and July 28th, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Submitted by vak
6/1/2008