Board of Recreation

The Board of Recreation meeting was called to order by Larry Fitzgerald, and seconded by Mary Gluck at 7:02 p.m.

Board Members Present: Mary Witham, William Sereduck, Sharon Abney, Mary Gluck, and Larry Fitzgerald
Board Members Absent: Dick Cipriano and Mike Palmerie, Jf.
Also Present: Christopher Moffo, Program Director

Approval of Minutes: The minutes for May 2008 were not available to be approved. Larry Firzgerald advised for the next meeting scheduled in August, the minutes for May 2008 and the minutes of July 9, 2008 would need to be approved.
Motion made by Mary Witham to approve the minutes of June 11, 2008. Motion seconded by Bill Sereduck. Motion passed. Motion made by Mary Witham to approve the special meeting minutes of June 24, 2009. Motion seconded by Bill Sereduck. Motion passed.

Guest / Public Participation: Marty Lautenschlager, Lynn Allen and Barbara Rowe were present at the meeting to discuss the Dog Park. Marty Lautenschlager advised the Board both Marty and Chris Moffo and at a later date, both Marty and Bill Sereduck made a road trip to the Southington Connecticut Dog Park. Marty advised after the road trip, Marty and Bill Sereduck walked the perimeter of the proposed Dog Park in Prospect, CT at McGrath Park. Marty Lautenschlager did state the area staked for the proposed dog park did not have much growth to be removed, but there was a fair amount of weeds and brush that would need to be cleared and the best time to clear would be in the fall. Bill Sereduck stated the stake closest to Rte. 68 would possibly need to be moved. Bill also stated the brook in the vicinity could be a potential issue. Barbara Rowe stated once approved the fencing should be installed so that the dogs do not dig underneath. Bill Sereduck also stated this is a good area for the park and there is a good buffer from the houses on Middle School and from the Tennis Courts of McGrath Park. Bill Sereduck also stated the area shoudl be revisited to get the accurate footage. Bill also reminded everyone that due to budget cuts and other works in progress such as the new baseball field at Hotchkiss Field, this project may be set back for awhile. Lynn Allen questioned where this would fall on the list for the Dog park. Larry Fitzgerald advised this project would need to be refined, with accurate footage for the dog park and also the price of the fencing. Lynn Allen inquired if the fencing could not be purchased with the fencing for the Skate Park. Bill Sereduck stated the Skate Park Committee had raised money for their project, which would be completed shortly, and the window of opportunity had been lost. Marty Lautenschlager advised he would like to speak to Mr. Davis for a "skidster" to perhaps clear the area. Bill Sereduck advised Planning and Zoning would need to be contacted so that letters could be sent to the homeowners on Trotters Way and any other abutting properties, to advise of the park; in the meantime Marty could speak with Mr. Davis but not to set a date for the actual work. Bill Sereduck advised that permits may still need to be issued so a plan would need to be made. Larry Fitzgerald advised to mark out a plan and give it to Mr. Donovan along with checking with Inland and Wetlands and also with Chesprocott. Larry also stated to get all approvals so we know what needs to be done, and then we could get a ballpark figure for the actual cost and prioritize.

Payment of Bills:

Correspondence: Chris Moffo reviewed a letter of intent received from Michael J. Magas regarding swimming clinics at Woodland Regional High School. Both Mary Witham and Mary Gluck stated this would be a conflict of interest as there is a "dive team" program at the school currently. Larry Fitzgerald stated this request should go through Region 16 as it is a high school program.

Chris Moffo advised the YMCA program for a swim team has received approval through Region 16. This program is entirely through the YMCA.

Program Director’s Report: Chris Moffo advised the Board that the Fencing program has gained momentum. Chris also advised the Fencing program would like to form a "club team". Mary Witham inquired who would be responsible for the traveling. Chris advised the team would be responsible. Chris also advised the team would be applying for grants in the amounts of $1200.00 to $2500.00. Marty Witham questioned if this amount would be for all equipment. This cost would cover the equipment. Bill Sereduck questioned what the cost would be to Park and Recreation. Chris Moffo advised the charge would be $55.00 per applicant and it would be opened to everyone in and out of town. Mary Witham questioned how many people would be instructed at one time. Chris advised 9 people. Discussion took place regarding the club could charge more per person; an adult fall session may be incorporated into the scheduling.

Chris Moffo also gave the Board an overview of the summer programs. Chris also advised Pop Warner will have a movie night and a request was made to the Park and Recreation department for approval for an inflatable toy (bounce house). The house would be obtained from a residence, it is not commercial. Bill Sereduck advised the certificate of insurance needs to have a rider for the inflatable toy.

Chris Moffo advised of the date for the Yankees Game. He also advised that Silvermill Tours has available for December 14, 2008 tickets for the UCONN women's game and Bill Sereduck agreed this would be good to offer.

Chris Moffo reviewed the remainder of the Director's Report.

Old Business:
Skate Park Fencing Bids:

Motion made by Bill Sereduck for the Skate Park fencing bid to Southington Rustic contingent on heights for the gates, guarantee of material and labor, confirmation of cleanup, and a start date. Motion seconded by Mary Witham. Motion passed.

Chris Moffo advised of the ending year balance and referenced the new budget year starting balance.

New Business: Skate Park Rules:
A discussion took place regarding the rules for the skate park. Twenty five rules of suggestion were presented to the Board, which the Board chose 14. Bill Sereduck advised to ask Mayor Chatfield if he would like to consult with the Town's Attorney or CRMA about the rules.

Motion made by Bill Sereduck to approve the rules discussed. Motion seconded by Sharon Abney. Motion passed.

Motion by Mary Witham to approve the payment of bills as presented in the Director's Report. Motion seconded by Mary Gluck. Motion passed.

Bill Sereduck advised the sign to be posted at the Skate Park shoudl read: In the Event of an Emergency Call 911.

Chris Moffo stated the insurance company manual suggests having a phone accessible. Sharon Abney stated almost everyone has a cell phone.

Bill Sereduck stated at some point all signs in the park should be updated.

A request by Mary Gluck was made to have the local Police Department phone number posted for non emergencies 203-758-6150.

Adjournment: Motion made by Bill Sereduck to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Sharon Abney. Meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Motion passed.

Larry Fitzgerald, Chairman