The Board of Recreation meeting was called to order by Larry Fitzgerald at 7:04 p.m.
Board Members Present: Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Palmerie, Jr., William Sereduck, and Mary Witham
Board Members Absent: Mary Welch, Karen Southard
Also Present: Christopher Moffo, Program Director, Gail Yacavone, Chairman Canfield Playground Committee
Guests/Public Participation:
Gail Yacavone, Chairman of the Canfield playground Committee, attended this meeting to discuss the proposal to construct a playground on Canfield Park. G. Yacavone indicated that the Playground Committee is looking to have the playground constructed for the fall school year.
Discussion of Canfield Playground/Funds:
C. Moffo informed the board that G. Yacavone and the Canfield Playground Committee has been successful thus far in raising approximately $5,500 through fundraising events. These included events such as the Concert on the Green and Family Movie Night.
G. Yacavone reported to the Board that the Playground Committee has fundraising events planned through November, The Playground Committee will be selling Pavers and Window Clings at the Car Hop. The Playground Committee will also be holding a benefit dinner at Senor Pancho's on September 17,2006. Senor Pancho's has agreed to donate 20% of the dining tab and families can make reservations to dine between 4:00p.m. and 8:00p.m. The playground committee also plans to mail letters to various corporations seeking donations for the playground project. Donations will be sought from corporations such as North East Utilities, Webster Bank, Naugatuck Savings Bank, Home Depot, etc. Corporate donations have already been received from Oliver's Supermarket and a children's Lemonade Stand donated approximately $200 to the playground project.
Other fundraising events include a Ziti Dinner being held by Mayor Chatfield on October 13,2006 and One Stop Shopping, in which area business women will be making a donation from their business, which include Mary K, Pampered Chef, etc. G. Yacavone also reported that the Playground Committee will be planning fundraising events for the spring including a spring concert, and Pluck a Duck. Touch a Truck is a suggestion for fundraising, made by C. Moffo, which includes public works trucks putting together a truck show.
The Board discussed funds needed for the Canfield Playground Project. The original cos for the project was roughly between $29,000 and $30,000, Originally the project was proposed to occur in two phases. Phase one totaling roughly $19,000 and Phase two approximately $13,000. The above cost includes the price for woodchips ($4,000). C. Moffo reported that as of now the site work for the playground project will be donated.
The Board discussed the proposed plan to construct the playground in two phases. It was suggested that the Canfield Playground Committee obtain the funds from the Board of Recreation for Phase one and then repay funds through fundraising efforts. Phase two would be handled in the same manner. The Board presented a concern that if the playground is constructed in phases the cost may increase over time. The Board also raised the concern that the Playground committee may have a harder time with fundraising efforts for phase two. The Board discussed the possibility of completing the project in one phase to avoid an increase of cost over time.
The Board also discussed the possibility of receiving other bids for the playground project. The playground committee starting looking to contract with Game Time for the project however is open to looking at additional bids on the project. C. Moffo and G. Yacavone reported that they are in the process of looking at other companies, such as O'Brien & Sons, who have state contracts. The Board suggested that the Playground Committee contact at least three other companies with state contracts to obtain additional bids for the project.
The Board suggested that for the next Board of Recreation meeting in September C. Moffo discuss with the Mayor the possibility of completing the Canfield Playground project at one time to avoid potential problems that may arise if it is completed in phases. The Board also suggested that another town project currently in process be completed prior to committing the funds for the Canfield Playground. For the next meeting, the Playground Committee will also obtain at least three additional bids for the project from companies with state contracts.
Motion made by M. Witham, seconded by M. Palmerie, Jr., to adjourn. Unanimous. This meeting adjourned at 8:10p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chariman