RECEIVED JUNE 15, 2009 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Redding Park and Recreation – Special Meeting Minutes
Date: May 18, 2009
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Susan Goldman, Todd Bennett, Meredith McClung, Kim Taylor, Elizabeth Sager, Lisa LeBlanc, Gary Miyashiro
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.
The Minutes from April 27, 2009 were reviewed and unanimously approved (Goldman/Miyashiro).
DIRECTORS REPORT: Mr. Blick discussed the movie night presented the previous weekend. It was agreed that going forward he will check with other event schedules to try to minimize scheduling conflicts. In addition, the possibility of a regularly scheduled date (i.e. the third Saturday of the month) will be explored.
As a follow up to a previous meeting, the Student Counsel at JRMS submitted a letter to the Board of Education (“BOE”) requesting that students be permitted to travel on the buses from JRMS to the RCC. Mr. Blick will draft a letter to be revised and submitted by the Commission to the BOE endorsing the Student Counsel’s request.
Mr. Blick reported on the use of “Constant Comment” as the new on-line communication source. His preliminary use of this system has been successful and he is able to forward information electronically to approximately 800 contacts.
The facilitator at Meadow Ridge is reviewing whether Redding residents will be permitted use of the pool on another weekday (in addition to Wednesdays), beginning this fall. Commission members requested that Mr. Blick notify residents in the fall of the various swimming options available in surrounding towns (i.e. Ridgefield and Weston).
As of the meeting date, summer camp enrollment was about the same as last year. Mr. Blick did report that more and varied camps are offered this year than in the past. He will be working with the Redding Pilot on a regular basis to update the camp information to the public.
TOPSTONE DAY: The second annual “Topstone Day” will take place on June 13, 2009. Mr. Blick and his staff have been working on planning and organizing various events and activities to be held throughout that day. Debbie will also be on hand to sell season passes to those who are interested.
OTHER MATTERS: Mr. Bennett suggested that we explore hosting some type of larger scale annual event similar to the Frog Frolic, perhaps in the fall. There continued a general discussion about the need for a larger volunteer bank to assist in large scale Park & Rec events. Mr. Blick advised that Sara has been assembling a list of volunteers to assist with teen activities, and perhaps that list could be expanded to address other activities. Mr. Blick also reported that the Boys and Girls Club will be hosting a carnival in the fall at the RCC.
Mr. Blick advised that the seniors will be raising their rates for classes to align with those of Park & Rec. Going forward, Mr. Blick and the seniors will work to coordinate schedules and pricing.
Commission members discussed a possible revision to the brochure cover to make it appeal to all ages.
In a further attempt to make the RCC more user friendly to the community, Mr. Blick will be meeting with the new Town Comptroller in June to work out what appear to be the few remaining perceived obstacles to easier use of the facility.
Commission Members and Mr. Blick will meet with the Board of Selectman (“BOS”) to open up a line of dialogue, in an effort to facilitate communication and establishment of goals and duties of the Commission. The Commission will present an annual report to the BOS beginning October 1.
LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE: None.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
The next scheduled meeting will be a Regular Meeting scheduled for June 22, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m. for Commission Members to attend the Executive Session of the First Selectman’s Meeting at Town Hall.
Submitted by Susan Goldman
5/26/09
| 
