RECEIVED OCTOBER 1, 2009 @ 12:33 P.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Redding Park and Recreation – Special Meeting Minutes
Date: September 15, 2009
Town of Redding, Connecticut
PRESENT: Chairperson-Lee Morgan, Susan Goldman, Todd Bennett, Meredith McClung, Elizabeth Sager, Lisa LeBlanc, Gary Miyashiro, Paul Degener
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m.
Paul reviewed with the Commission Members his notes from the meeting held August 3, 2009, as follows:
-The Director’s Report was reviewed pertaining to lessons at Topstone, the lifeguard competition and concerts on the Green;
-Topstone enhancement: Ideas are needed to improve attendance/use of Topstone, including: designation of “one month” pass and “evening” pass; food vendor; sailing lessons; “Friends of Topstone” membership; advertise Topstone in area recreation brochures; family activities;
-The mission statement of the Department was discussed with follow up needed;
-Rob is to supply a list of “accomplishments” to discuss at future meetings.
The meeting continued with members discussing further thoughts/action on Topstone enhancement:
-Rob discussed: engaging an ice cream vendor for site visits; comprehensive cleaning of the boats; clearing out of brush behind the guard shack/changing area, with Highway Department to remove stumps; contacting community members for testimonials to be used for publication; obtaining sailboats for use (this will require a separate waiver to ensure the operators are properly certified); Rob will provide the Commission with a proposed pricing schedule for different types of summer passes (i.e. the new evening or monthly pass option); Rob will promote the food vendor for next season, and will look into options for the content of the soda machine.
Regarding hydro raking, members were concerned about the extensive growth (lily pads) that appears to overwhelm the water area. Rob will contact a professional to solicit an opinion as to what options there might be.
Members would also like to investigate the installation of a playground area to attract more families to Topstone, and would also like to look into the possibility of removing/unlocking the gate during the off season to encourage use of the Topstone area for hiking, etc.
The Topstone Enhancement Committee (Paul, Todd, Liz, Lisa) agreed to meet at the Park on September 21, 2009 to further discuss enhancement goals and actions.
Members thereafter discussed submission of the Commission’s annual report to the Board of Selectmen. The Report would include the points raised from the survey conducted this year by the Commission; an increase in activities for middle school age children; steps that were taken to reduce perceived obstacles to the use of the Community Center by community members; and enhancement plans and activities for Topstone. The goals for the Department would include: continuation of enhancement plans and activities for Topstone, with the ultimate goal to increase attendance at Topstone; explore an outdoor basketball facility; continue to promote the use of the RCC by the community and address any continued perceived obstacles to its use.
OTHER MATTERS: Lee mentioned correspondence regarding the requested use of the RCC by the league of woman’s voters. The individual who requested use of the facility felt that Rob was not responsive to the request. Discussion continued on this particular matter with the result that Rob will use every effort to encourage use of our facilities and will communicate that to the public in a more positive and diplomatic manner.
Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Lee informed the Members that she would be resigning from the Commission, effective immediately. The Commission appreciates all the hard work and dedication she has shown. Members will have to select a successor Chairperson at the next meeting.
The next scheduled meeting will be a Regular Meeting scheduled for October 26, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Submitted by Susan Goldman
9/23/09
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