September 10, 2008
The Board of Recreation meeting was called to order by William Sereduck and seconded by Mary Gluck at 7:04 p.m.
Board Members Present: William Sereduck, Dick Cipriano, Sharon Abney and Mary Gluck
Board Members Absent: Larry Fitzgerald, Mary Witham and Mike Palmierie, Jr.
Also Present: Christiopher Moffo: Director of Parks and Recreation, Angela Brunetti; Skate Park Discussion Member.
Anne Marie Burr; Skate Park Representative
Guests/Public Participation:
Angela Brunetti discussed the possibility of recruiting retired citizens to aid in patrolling the skate park to maintain safety for the Skate Park attendees as well as other people using the park. Angela stated that she currently has two men interested in volunteering their time. The Board of Recreation informed Mrs. Brunetti that the Board of Recreation first needs to speak with the Mayor prior to implementing the volunteer patrollers to discuss issues of liability. The Board of Recreation suggested that C. Moffo contact other towns to inquire about other successful/unsuccessful volunteer park ranger programs.
Anne Marie Burr informed the Board of Recreation of several issues that have occurred at the Skate Park since its opening. These incidents ranged from not following of the park rules to incidents from which the police were contacted. Anne Marie Burr informed the Board of Recreation that she was told by the Prospect Police that they do not have the right to enforce the skate park rules or ask attendees to leave due to inappropriate behavior. The police informed Mrs. Burr that they are only allowed, due to town ordinances, to confiscate bikes that are being used on the park. Anne Marie Burr stated that as a Skate Park representative and town resident that she is in complete support of the rules put forth by the Board of Recreation and that she and other town residents will continue to support and make efforts to implement the rules. The Board of Recreation discussed these issues and how to handle them in the future. The Board of Recreation also reviewed the town ordinances. The Board of Recreation discussed the possibility of video surveillance. C. Moffo will look further into this possibility. C. Moffo will speak with the Prospect Police regarding the issues at the park.
Correspondence / Payment of Bills:
C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that he received a letter sent by the State regarding the Early Learners Program. This letter stated that this program is an illegal day care program. C. Moffo spoke with Ann Galante who stated that if the program was held at a school, the program would not be against regulations. C. Moffo cancelled this program for the time being until this issue is resolved. The Board of Recreation suggested that C. Moffo re-contact the State to obtain further information.
C. Moffo reviewed bills received and paid during the Program Director’s Report. See Program Director’s Report for further details.
Mary Gluck motioned to approve and Sharon Abney seconded the motion to pay the bills received by M&M Tennis. Motion unanimous. Payment of the M&M Tennis bills was approved.
Approval of Minutes:
None
Program Director’s Report:
The Board of Recreation members reviewed the Program Director’s Report.
The Board of Recreation discussed the issue of being the caretaker of the Skate Park Committee’s checking account. The Board of Recreation will look into divesting themselves from managing the account to assure that these funds are not used by the town in any way other than for the Skate Park.
The Board of Recreation discussed the progress of the Dog Park. C. Moffo stated he went Planning and Zoning however has not yet gone to the Wetlands commission. C. Moffo will do so and update the Board of Recreation of further details.
The Board of Recreation discussed Gene McCarthy’s request for $10,000 for stone crushing. The Board of recreation will discuss this request in detail when additional Board of Recreation members are present.
Please see Program Director’s Report for further details.
New Business:
C. Moffo discussed the possibility of installing a camera at ground level at the entrance of Hotchkiss Park in order to capture license plates as cars enter/exit the park. An estimate for this project is roughly $3,000.
C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that Prospect Soccer asked about obtaining picnic table for the concession stand at. C. Moffo will contact companies regarding pricing. C. Moffo also informed the Board of Recreation that Prospect Soccer also inquired about extending the pavilion area near the concession stand. The Board of Recreation will further discuss this issue if more information is obtained.
C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation of a proposal request to cover/enclose the ice skating rink in order to have an ice hockey league. The Board of Recreation discussed this request and agreed that this proposal would not be a possibility at this time.
Old Business:
The Board of Recreation discussed the Skate Park issues. C. Moffo will speak with the Mayor regarding Ann Brunetti’s offer to obtain volunteer park rangers. The Board of Recreation suggested that C. Moffo contact the Prospect Police to have a discussion about miscommunication regarding surveillance of the Park. C. Moffo will inform the Board of Recreation as more information is obtained.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Dick Cipriano and seconded by Sharon Abney to adjourn. Motion unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:48p.m.
Larry Fitzgerald, Chairman
Jennifer Southard, Clerk