The Board of Recreation meeting was called to order by Mary Witham and seconded by Dean Accetura at 7:00p.m.
Board Members Present: Sharon Abney, Mary Gluck, Mary Witham, Larry Fitzgerald, and Dean Accetura
Board Members Absent: Mike Palmerie, Jr. and Dick Cipriano
Also Present: Christopher Moffo, Director of Parks and Recreation; Dot Kiley, Prospect Softball League
Guest / Public Participation:
• Dot Kiley, representing Prospect Softball League, spoke to the Board of Recreation about a proposal for a batting cage. C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation about some concerns, location and wiring, regarding a batting cage the league would like to purchase. C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that the proposed site for the batting cage is next to the tennis courts at Canfield Park. C. Moffo also informed the Board of Recreation that the pitching machine would need to be hard wired. The Board of Recreation also discussed Prospect Softball’s proposal to purchase break away bases. C. Moffo discussed some logistical concerns regarding break away bases. The Board of Recreation agreed to use the break away bases, on a trial basis, at Kaplan Field and the field at Long River Middle School before considering using them at Canfield Park. Dot Kiley asked the Board of Recreation if they will be able to have their tournament in May. C. Moffo stated that due to overtime issues with town employees, town crew men may not be available to prepare the fields for this tournament. C. Moffo will inform the Prospect Softball League of further information regarding this issue.
Program Director’s Report:
• The Board of Recreation members reviewed the Program Director’s Report.
• The Board of Recreation discussed the Fishing Derby planned for May 2009.
• The Board of Recreation discussed an issue that occurred with a Board of Recreation referee at a High School basketball game.
• The Board of Recreation discussed making a donation to the Lions Club.
• The Board of Recreation reviewed current projects for 2008-2009 and upcoming projects for 2009-2010. The Board of Recreation also discussed the costs and budget related to these projects.
• Please see Program Director’s Report for further details.
Correspondence / Payment of Bills:
• C. Moffo reviewed bills received:
Computer Tots $948
CRPA $68 Entertainment Showcase & Spring Quarterly
Sandra Marchant $31.80 Fencing Supplies
Mary Witham made a motion to approve payment of the bills received and Larry Fitzgerald seconded the motion. Motion unanimous. Payment of the bills was approved.
C. Moffo reviewed the bills paid:
Approval of Minutes:
• The Board of Recreation reviewed the January 14, 2009 meeting minutes. A motion was made by Sharon Abney to approve the minutes and Mary Witham seconded the motion. Motion unanimous. The January 14, 2009 meeting minutes were approved.
• The Board of Recreation reviewed the February 11, 2009 meeting minutes. A motion was made by Larry Fitzgerald to approve the minutes and Sharon Abney seconded the motion. Motion unanimous. The February 11, 2009 meeting minutes were approved.
Old Business:
• The Board of Recreation discussed the Dog Park. C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that Gene McCarthy will stake the area within the next couple of weeks. C. Moffo will then reapply to the Inlands and Wetlands Commission. C. Moffo will keep the Board of Recreation apprised of any progress.
• The Board of Recreation discussed the Isabella Merola Scholarship. C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that the Merola Family will move ahead with and manage this scholarship.
• The Board of Recreation discussed the status of the baseball field at Hotchkiss Field. C. Moffo will have a price for rock crushing for the baseball field at Hotchkiss Field for the next meeting.
• C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that he has not heard back from Southern Connecticut State University regarding a summer intern. C. Moffo will inform the Board of Recreation of any further information.
• The Board of Recreation discussed obtaining height information on basketball league applications in an attempt to fairly balance teams. The Board of Recreation also discussed combining the Prospect and Beacon Falls basketball leagues. C. Moffo will speak with the Beacon Falls basketball league about this possibility and C. Moffo will report back to the Board of Recreation. The Board of Recreation also discussed the possibility of looking into interest for creating a girls high school recreational basketball league. C. Moffo will also look into this matter.
New Business:
• The Board of Recreation discussed the Fishing Derby for Saturday May 2, 2009. The Board of Recreation agreed to purchase the same amount of fish that was purchased in the past. This cost is approximately $1,620.55. Larry Fitzgerald made a motion to approve the purchase of the fish and Sharon Abney seconded the motion. Motion to purchase the fish for the Fishing Derby was approved.
• The Board of Recreation discussed an issue that occurred during a High School basketball game on February 28, 2009. Please see the Program Director’s Report for further details. The Board of Recreation agreed that the referee involved in this issue will not be re-hired by the Board of Recreation again in the future.
• The Board of Recreation discussed making a $500 donation to the Lions Club. Dean Accetura motioned to approve the donation and Mary Gluck seconded the motion. A $500 donation to the Lions Club was approved.
• The Board of Recreation discussed meeting with the Town Council regarding budget issues.
• The Board of Recreation formally welcomed Dean Accetura to the Board of Recreation.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Sharon Abney and seconded by Larry Fitzgerald to adjourn. Motion unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:31p.m.
Larry Fitzgerald, Chairman
Jennifer Southard, Clerk