Town of Prospect - Boards & Commission

Board of Recreation

Approved Minutes - Special Meeting
February 21, 2007

The Board of Recreation meeting was called to order by Mike Palmerie, Jr., and seconded by William Sereduck at 7:00 p.m.

Board Members Present: Mike Palmerie Jr., Mary Welch, Mary Witham, and Bill Sereduck

Board Members Absent: Larry Fitzgerald and Karen Southard

Also Present: Christopher Moffo, Program Director; Paul Winterhalter, Prospect Lions Club; Kathy Consoli and Paul Roth, Theater group

Guests/Public Participation:
1. Paul Winterhalter, a member of the Prospect Lions Club, presented the Board of Recreation with a proposal to hold a 5K Run/Walk in the Town of Prospect.

  • The Run/Walk would be a fundraiser that would benefit eye research at the Yale Research Center. A certain percentage of the funds would also be set aside and allocated to local families who are in need of assistance.
  • The 5K road race and 2 mile walk will be held on April 7, 2007. Mr. Winterhalter provided the Board with a flyer detailing the event.
  • Mr. Winterhalter explained to the Board of Recreation that he is looking for sponsors to support the event. Mr. Winterhalter reported that local businesses such as Walmart, Oliver's, and Cafe 68 are sponsors of the race.
  • Sponsorship includes $100 to have business on T-Shirt and $200 for a marker sign. Mr. Winterhalter also explained that the Board does not have to ba a monetary sponsor. The Board could sponsor the event with goods and/or services.
  • Mr. Winterhalter also reported to the Board that the track team at Long River would be involved in the event and there will be community service opportunities for high school students at the event.
  • The Board will discuss possible sponsorship of the event and report back to Mr. Winterhalter.

    • 2. Kathy Consoli and Paul Roth presented a proposal to the Board to found a theater group in Prospect.

  • Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth explained to the Board that they are interested in starting a community theater group to put on theater productions, write plays, perform plays, and create set designs.
  • Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth shared that the group would be open to residents of the town and the surrounding towns.
  • Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth explained to the Board that a theater group would eventually be self-sustaining and monetary funds would not be necessary from the Board. Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth explained that they are looking to the Board to help with locating and securing a venue for rehersals, performances, and set storage.
  • The Board reported to Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth that they are very interested in having a theater group started in town, however, several challenges will be faced:
    A. Storage of set designs would be difficult. There is no locaiton in Prospect where these could be stored, therefore, the theater group would have to rent set designs.
    B. Space is limited to hold rehersals and performances. Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth explained that the theater group could find a location to rehearse and that they are more so concerned with locating a venue to hold the actual performances. Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth also stated that the performances could be scheduled months in advance to avoid difficulties with limited space.
  • The Board informed Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth that the Board did put money aside in the budget for a theater group, however the budget must be approved by the mayor and town council.
  • Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth will see what kind of interest and support there is in the town to start a theater group. Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth will also discuss whether or not to start the theater group under the umbrella of the Board or to pursue another avenue. Mrs. Consoli and Mr. Roth will then return to the Board with a more detailed proposal.

    • Approval of Minutes:

  • November 8, 2007 minutes were approved. Motion to approve made by Mary Welch and seconded by Mary Witham. Motion unanimous.
  • January 10, 2007 minutes were approved. Motion to approve made by Mary Witham and seconded by Mike Palmerie, Jr. Motion unanimous.

    • Program Director's Report:
    1. Chris Moffo reviewed the Program Director's Report with the Board of Recreation.
    2. The Board discussed Chris Moffo's hours and development of new and old programs.
    3. Mike Palmerie, Jr. asked about the type of insurance that would be provided for the Wood Working program with Joe Testa. Chris Moffo reported that the kids would be covered under the Board's insurance. The Board suggested that the cutting of wood not be a part of the program and that the wood be brought pre-cut and have the kids assemble the project. The Board agreed that this would decrease the possibility of injuries of kids in the program.
    4. The Board discussed whether or not Jesse Minoski should go through USA lacrosse or Board of Recreation to start the Lacrosse team. Further discussion of the issue will occur.
    5. Chris Moffo informed the Board that Creative Recreations charged the Board an additional $500 for rock removal at the site of the Canfield Playground.

    Correspondence/Payment of Bills:

  • The Board reviewed and discussed the bills received.

  • Mary Witham motioned to pay the unpaid bills. Bill Sereduck seconded the motion. Unanimous.

    • Old Business:
    1. The Board quesitoned the issue of standing water at the Canfield Playground. C. Moffo informed the Board that nothing can be done until spring.
    2. The Board discussed this year's success with the skating rink.
    3. The Board discussed whether Jesse Minoski should pursue starting a Lacrosse team under the Board or through USA Lacrosse. The Board discussed thhat he could start the team under USA Lacrosse and access support from the Board for a field use permit. The Board did not make any decisions. It will be discussed furhter with him.

    New Business:
    1. The Board discussed possible involvement and sponsorship of the 5K road race and 2 mile walk. A motion was made by Mike Palmerie, Jr. and seconded by Mary Welch to support the Lions Club 5K Road Race with a one time donation of $750. The motion passed unanimously.
    2. Cassie White proposed a benefit walk for St. Vincent DePaol Society in April at Hotchkkiss Field. No action required.
    3. Mike Palmerie, Jr. questioned Chris Moffo about surveying Hotchkiss Field for a baseball field and tree removal. Chris Moffo will speak with Gene McCarthy about this matter.
    4. The Board discussed the possibility of constructing a Band Shell. C. Moffo to get info on this matter and present it at next meeting.
    5. C. Moffo to contact Gina Ash about parks grants. C. MOffo will report back to the Board at the next meeting.
    6. C. Moffo will contact Dave Santoro to get an estimate for adding a sink to the concession stand.
    7. Prospect Soccer requests to use the concession stand, install a refrigerator, and bring in a hot dog cart. C. Moffo will inform them they are required to get all permits from ChesProc.

    Discussion of 2007 - 2008 Budget:
    A motion was made by Mary Witham and seconded by Mike Palmerie, Jr. to present the 2007/2008 Board of Recreation budget to the Town Council. Motion Passed.

    Adjournment:
    Motion by Marty Welch, seconded by Mary Witham, to adjourn. Unanimous. The metting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

    Larry Firzgerald, Chairman