The Board of Recreation meeting was called to order by Mary Witham, acting Chair at 7 p.m.
Members present: Frank Bainer, Michael Palmerie, Jr. Mary Welch and Mary Witham
Absent members: Larry Fitzgerald, Mark Mikulski and William Sereduck
Also present: Christopher Moffo, Director
Guests/Public Participation: Mike Parker and two other members of Troop 27 attends this meeting in order to fulfill one of the requirements to earn an Eagle Merit Badge. All three members are in the process of working towards earning this very difficult Badge.
Gail Yacavone and four other representatives of the PTO presented a proposal to purchase new play ground equipment for Canfield Park. G. Yacavone informed the Boa: the existing playground at Canfield Park has been approved by the Principal of Algonquin for recess use for grades 1-3. The kindergarten would use it frequently, but not on a daily basis. The PTO is requesting permission from the Board to purchase new playground equipment with money raised through fund raising and potential grants. When a new school is built the equipment can be moved to a new site, if so desired, at cost. However; if the PTO chooses not to move it to a new site, it would remain at Canfield Park. The PTO intends on holding several fundraisers throughout the summer to raise $75,000 for the new equipment by August, 2006. The PTO is also looking into available grant money. The Board advised the PTO if any grant funding is used to pay for this equipment, the school would have no authority to tell someone they could not use it during school hours C. Moffo advised the PTO that he will research this further and report the results to G. Yacavone. M. Witham advised the PTO that C. Moffo should be involved in this process and be advised of any action or activity that will take place throughout this development. M. Witham thanked the PTO for their time and presentation. She advised them that C. Moffo would contact them in the morning of the Board's decision.
Approval of Minutes:
Motion made by M. Welch, seconded by M. Witham to approve the April 12,2006 minutes. F. Bainer abstained. Motion carries.
Program Director's Report:
C. Moffo reviewed his report with the Board, (see attached report)
The Board directed C. Moffo to choose the location of the bench at Hotchkiss Field that was donated by the Lind family. C. Moffo will speak with the town attorney regarding the Men's Softball League. It has been brought to his attention that women are also involved in this league which will result in a problem concerning other entries. C. Moffo realizes they cannot keep women out; however this is not a co-ed league. The Board discussed Mr. Petracca's request to bring in other towns to compete against ir Flag Football. It was the consensus of the Board that this would not be a problem.
The Board advised C. Moffo to contact Mrs. Byrne and inform her that according to theii Swim Camp proposal they would incur all costs; therefore, they would be responsible foi paying the lifeguards.
The Board discussed Alyssa Adams, representative for the Prospect Big Dipper walkathon fund raiser, request to have a cook out at Hotchkiss Park. This walkathon will be in remembrance of Mr. Harry Rowe on Saturday, June 29,2006 if approved by the Board. The Board requested C. Moffo to contact A. Adams and inform her that while it will not be a problem to have a walkathon, no cookouts can be held at the park. The Board suggested they seek other ways to raise money, i.e. sell bagels, subway grinders etc.
C. Moffo presented a proposal that was submitted to him for a basketball program to be run by Sharod Blizzard and Jayson Douthwright; past varsity basketball players in the NVL and college basketball at Albertus Magnus College. This program would be open to boys and girls from age 8-15 and would be held on Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday mornings 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for three weeks. The cost would be $350 per child. This money will provide t-shirts, basketballs, trophies and all other items required to help the camp run smoothly. They would donate a $1,000 to the Town's Recreation Department. This proposal was discussed by the Board. This program was not approved by the Board due to the number of other summer camp activities that are scheduled to take place this summer.
Correspondence/Payment of Bills:
Bills were reviewed and discussed.
Motion made by F. Bainer, seconded by M. Welch to pay the bills. Unanimous
Old Business:
Plan of Development for Hotchkiss Field will be discussed at next months meeting.
New Business:
The PTO's proposal to purchase new playground equipment for Canfield Park was discussed. C. Moffo will contact Mayor Chatfield to arrange a site-walk at Canfield Park with the Mayor, PTO, Board of Recreation and Gene McCarthy.
Motion made by F. Bainer, seconded by M. Palmerie to adjourn. Unanimous This meeting adjourned at 8:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Mikulski, Chairman