RECEIVED OCTOBER 29, 2010 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 25, 2010
PRESENT: Chairperson- P. Degener, M. McClung, J. Dorenbosch, P. Darlington, L. LeBlanc, S. Goldman, G. Loery
Also present: R. Blick and M. Dix, and representative of the Redding Pilot
Chairman Degener called the October 25, 2010 meeting to order at 7:36 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the September 13, 2010 meeting be accepted as submitted. Dorenbosch, Loery. Approved. Unanimous.
LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Degener reported he had some correspondence from Bill Rossiter stating his opposition to any changes at Topstone Park.
First Selectman Ketcham is contacting Meadow Ridge management regarding the continuation of the use of the swimming pool. Meadow Ridge has submitted a letter indicating that their facilities will no longer be available for use by the public.
EXTENDED DAY STATUS REPORT
Mary Jo Dix provided a written report on the program. The program has 95 children currently enrolled, with the Kindergarten group being the largest. Ms. Dix reviewed the enrollment process and staffing (adults, high school and college students). Ms. Dix noted that the program strives to achieve a 7 to 1 ratio.
Mr. Blick commented that Ms. Dix spends quality time in the training and supervision of the staff.
Ms. Dix suggested the Commission give some thought to the current facility, the demountable unit attached to the Redding Elementary School. The unit is now 13 years old and beginning to show signs of aging out. Further investigation on the life of the unit is needed. Ms. Dix and Mr. Blick will meet with the Head Custodian of the schools since the school is responsible for the second demountable unit.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick reported he had a request from a high school student for space to conduct a science project/learning opportunity with younger students. He has set up a meeting with the student.
Mr. Blick reported that he met with school Superintendent Cicchetti regarding “school closing” notifications and clarification of Mr. Blick’s role with regard to the use of fields and gyms. In addition, he will meet with the school’s building committee for planning for next summer when some building work will be done.
ONLINE REGISTRATION STATUS
Currently all registration forms are now on-line, but they must be brought into the office for registration. Online registration will soon be available. Mr. Blick gave Commission members a demonstration of how the new site will work. The system is currently being tested and will be “live” soon. Commission members were asked to test the system during the next few days. Jan Dorenbosch worked with Mr. Blick on the Park and Recreation website and online registration.
REVIEW OF AUTUMN ACTIVITIES
The department is ready for Trick or Treat Street. Basketball is underway.
TOPSTONE PRESERVATION AND PLANNING COMMITTEE UPDATE
Mr. Degener reported that a presentation is tentatively set for the Conservation Commission meeting in November. There was a meeting this morning at the Christ Episcopal Church to examine the Playscape the church has offered to donate to the Town. The wooden playset is 5 or 6 years old and is in good shape. The company, Environment Design, who installed the Playscape is willing to come back to supervise a volunteer effort to disassemble the equipment and reassemble at Topstone Park. Environment Design quoted $2,400-2,600 to cover their services and certification the safety of the equipment and installation.
The Board of Selectman will take action on this item at their meeting on Thursday, November 28, 2010.
Commission members discussed the specific location of the Playscape at Topstone Park. Some stressed the importance of having a Playscape available for families with young children year round, not just in the summer months.
The issue of controlled deer hunting at Topstone was discussed. Mr. Degener reported that the Board of Selectmen asked for an opinion of the Park and Recreation Commission for their next meeting. A variety of opinions were expressed. Mr. Degener will report that the Commission is withholding their opinion until they have heard a presentation on the topic. A preliminary vote showed six in favor of allowing the controlled deer hunt, and two abstentions.
RAFC UPDATE
Mr. Degener reported the Conservation Commission has approved the fields proposal and that Field #2 is moving closer to the parking lot. The next presentation is to the Zoning Commission.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion: move to executive session for a discussion of personnel matters. LeBlanc, Goldman. Approved. Unanimous.
The meeting recessed at 9:28 pm
RECONVENE
The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 9:45 pm
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:45 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
| 
