RECEIVED DECEMBER 3, 2010 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
Filed, subject to approval
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
November 29, 2010
PRESENT: J. Dorenbosch, L. LeBlanc, S. Goldman, G. Loery, G. Miyashiro
Also present: R. Blick
Vice Chairperson, Susan. Goldman, called the November 29, 2010 meeting to order at 7:36 pm
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: move that the minutes of the October 25, 2010 meeting be accepted as corrected. Dorenbosch, Loery. Approved. Unanimous.
Correction: Mr. Miyashiro was present for the meeting.
LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Blick reported he finalized plans with the high school student who will be conducting a science project/learning opportunity. She will be holding three or four sessions for the project
STATUS OF DEMOUNTABLE
Mrs. Dix met with Ken Larking, head custodian for the schools regarding the future of the demountable units, particularly the Park and Recreation Department demountable unit. Mr. Larkin stated that the Facilities Committee established by the Board of Education has hired an architectural engineering firm to do a feasibility study that includes the demountable units. He anticipates a full report within the next two months. The report will include recommendations for the future of the demountable units as well as their current structural soundness.
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Mr. Blick reported that some initial challenges with the online registration have been overcome and the system is functioning well. He has received many positive responses from the users.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Activities: Mr. Blick reported that “teen nights” held in November were very successful and Sarah Ewud is planning to schedule more for the winter/spring. Additional special events, family ice skating, game night were held. Upcoming events include family movie night on December 3. It was suggested that additional participation in some of these events could be achieved through a partnering with Newcomers and Neighbors. Adult open gym and Sunday family gym have been well attended; the youth open gym has been under-attended.
Basketball Program: The in-house basketball program has been scheduled and prepared for listing on the website and online registration. The preparation for listing on the website/online registration is time consuming due to the back end data for RecTrac, but Laura Anderson is on top of the task.
Summer camp: The summer camp programing/offering will be dependent upon the availability of the schools. Both Redding Elementary School and John Read Middle School are scheduled for some renovation work. The Board of Education Facilities Committee is in the process of considering bids and contracts for the work to be completed. Mr. Blick has been in touch with Director of Finance and Operations, Peggy Sullivan, and Ken Larkin, head custodian regarding the availability of space. He is also exploring alternate locations for potential use, and creative ways to offer summer programs. For example, a nature camp is planned to be conducted at Topstone Park. He stressed the importance of communicating with parents to let them know what will be available so they can make alternate arrangements if
needed.
Budget preparation: Mr. Blick reported that budget planning for fiscal 2011-2012 has begun. He reviewed the primary budget drivers for the budget:
1. Topstone: many of the special events held this year were not included in the current budget and these types of activities need to be included in the next budget. In addition, to avoid excessive overtime, he is considering hiring a second assistant director for the park.
2. Field maintenance: some of the weeding and edging that was postponed in prior years was accomplished this year, but not budgeted for. The budget for field maintenance will increase to cover the cost of what is needed to be done to keep the fields in good shape.
3. Special events: the Department has scheduled a number of free special events throughout the year, these were not included in the current budget. The next budget will include budgeting for these events.
4. Summer camp: the budget for camp for summer 2011 will be dependent on the space available to hold the camps. If the number of summer camp programs is reduced, the income and expense will also be reduced. Mr. Blick is hopeful that information on summer offerings will be available by the time the Park and Recreation budget is finalized.
TOPSTONE PRESERVATION AND PLANNING COMMITTEE UPDATE
Mr. Blick reported the Board of Selectmen formally accepted the donation of the playscape from Christ Episcopal Church. A discussion of the work needed to be accomplished prior to the installation followed. Commission members agreed that some of the preparation work, i.e. clearing of small trees, etc. could be done now while the weather is still good. The plan is for a volunteer effort for the installation of the playscape in the spring.
RAFC UPDATE
The Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on the changes to Redding Community Center Field 2 in November. There were some questions regarding the drainage impact on Field #1, and the Hearing was continued to December 8, 2010. Barry Blades of Blades & Goven was to respond to the questions of the Town Engineer, Milone & MacBroom, with the needed information and drawings. When the Zoning Commission approval is received, the Redding Athletic Fields Committee will begin their fundraising for the work to be done. The project will not go out to bid or contract without all the funding in place.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:35 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary
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