RECEIVED DECEMBER 9, 2008 @ 2:34 P.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Redding Park and Recreation – Special Meeting Minutes
Date: November 18, 2008
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Todd Bennett, Shannon Craley, Paul Degener, Susan Goldman,
Kim Taylor
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
The Minutes from October 21, 2008 were reviewed and unanimously approved on motion of Mr. Degener and second of Ms. Craley.
DIRECTORS REPORT: There was no written report available. Mr. Blick provided an update to the Commission. Discussion included the basketball program, which has experienced a decline in enrollment.
The budget presentation to the BOS went well. Mr. Blick summarized the current budget numbers for the Selectmen. One highlight was that the possibility of raising the cost of camp at the Selectmen’s request.
LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE: There was discussion as to a policy for moving children from one activity to another, either between classrooms or buildings. At the present time, this is not possible as an instructor must remain in their classroom during the transition between back to back classes, and cannot accompany program participants to a secondary activity to make sure they get there. This issue was tabled to another meeting.
PARK AND REC PROGRAMMING TRENDS: Existing programs have seen a decline in attendance. Mr. Blick provided current enrollment numbers to the Commission. Some sessions have had to be cancelled due to low or no enrollment. Mr. Blick said that 4:00 p.m. classes are often difficult to fill and usually have lower numbers regardless of the age group. Providing a survey for the public may help determine what residents are looking for from the Park and Recreation Department. The survey would have to address current or past participants and those that do not utilize Park and Rec services. Survey questions will include those about activity times, costs, convenience, quality of instructors, age and number of children per household, driving times to activities, and household incomes. The cost of the online survey is approximately $150
per year, which includes unlimited responses, unlimited questions, and phone support. For $350 per year, you can access online survey experts who have a degree in making up surveys.
A short letter from the Commission will be accompany the survey, requesting that residents complete it in order to improve services. A letter will also be sent to the Editor of the Redding Pilot.
Another area that needs to be addressed is services for middle-schoolers and pre-schoolers, two groups that are considered under serviced.
The next scheduled meeting will be a Special Meeting tentatively scheduled for December 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Submitted by vak
11/25/2008
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