RECEIVED DECEMBER 1, 2009 @ 11:35 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Redding Park and Recreation – Meeting Minutes
Date: November 16, 2009
Town of Redding, Connecticut
LOCATION: Town Hall Conference Room
PRESENT: Chairperson- Paul Degener; Liz Sager; Todd Bennett; Meredith McClung; Gary Miyashiro; Lisa LeBlanc
STAFF: Rob Blick, Director;
The meeting was called to order at 6:42 p.m.
The Minutes from October 26, 2009 were reviewed and unanimously approved.
The Commission briefly discussed the bus that will transport students from JRMS to RES for afternoon classes. There was concern that students would be transported that did not have an immediate activity at RES, and therefore would not be supervised. The bus program will begin with students attending classes that can easily be tracked; the next step will be to offer the program to students who attend open gym and sports activities.
DIRECTORS REPORT: The Commission discussed Mr. Blick’s monthly report. One topic was more flexible usage of the Community Center. The Board of Selectmen will review at their next meeting, a plan to require insurance from certain groups only, such as a gathering at which alcoholic beverages would be served. Mr. Blick is working with Dan Sullivan toward improvements on the outdoor basketball courts at RES. Mr. Sullivan has had an interest in this project and will discuss fundraising and other items with Mr. Blick.
ANNUAL REPORT & LONG RANGE PLANNING REVIEW: At the BOS meeting to follow this meeting, Commission members will discuss a presentation on Park and Rec accomplishments and goals, most recently taking steps toward making the Community Center more accessible. The survey has been extended. Results so far indicate that the most popular item is a new pavilion at the Community Center fields, followed by a playground at Topstone Park, a pavilion at Topstone Park and refurbishment of the basketball court at RES. Mr. Degener reported that the Fields Committee is moving forward with the plan to enhance RCC Field 2 with artificial turf and extending it to competition size. A pavilion at RCC could be made part of that project. The approximate cost of the pavilion is between $25,000 and $30,000. Funds for the Field 2 improvements
come from a S.T.E.A.P (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) grant in the amount of $400,000. Total cost would be closer to $700,000. The Soccer group as agreed to donate to the project and private donations will also be used. It is hoped that the Town will match a donation toward the cost.
The Commission briefly discussed the history of the Fields Committee and the issues associated with a shortage of fields.
TOPSTONE ENHANCEMENT: Trees have been cleared and the park area looks much better. Mr. Bennett will get some ideas for further improvements at the Park from a personal friend who is a landscape architect/designer.
SURVEY QUESTIONS UPDATE: Ms. LeBlanc reported that out of 778 surveys sent, 228 responses have been received. Ms. LeBlanc recommended that the survey be done quarterly. The Commission will be briefly advertising the survey in the Redding Pilot.
LETTERS/CORRESPONDENCE: Emails have been received with regard to the survey. Mr. Degener has been working with Mr. Blick and his staff on implementing new program ideas and asked the other Commission members to make suggestions for programs. Mr. Degener and Mr. Blick discussed feedback received regarding tree clearing and enhancements to Topstone Park from a resident – Mr. Bill Rossiter. Mr. Bennett suggested that the Park and Recreation Department consider starting a Facebook page, as other area departments have them.
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
Because of potential holiday conflicts, the next Commission meeting will be scheduled for Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
Submitted by vak
11/19/09
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