The Board of Recreation special meeting was called to order by Larry Fitzgerald and seconded by Mike Palmerie, Jr., at 7:09 p.m.
Board Members Present: Mike Palmerie, Jr., Karen Southard, Mary Witham, Larry Fitzgerald, and Mary Welch >Board Members Absent: Dick Cipriano and William Sereduck Also Present: Christopher Moffo, Program Director; Gene McCarthy, Public Works; Dianne Lauber and Anne Marie Burr, Skate Park Committee
Guests/Public Participation: • Gene McCarthy presented the Board of Recreation with a sketch of a design for a fence that to enclose the proposed skate park. o The Board of Recreation and Gene McCarthy reviewed and discussed the proposed fencing design. o Gene McCarthy informed the Board that the skate park equipment may be able to be stored on site during the off-season. o The Board of Recreation also discussed with Gene McCarthy if and how the skate park would hinder the development of previously proposed additions to Hotchkiss Park, such as the band shell and a basketball court. • Diane Lauber spoke with the Board of Recreation regarding the skate park proposal as a liason between the skate park committee and the Board of Recreation. Diane Lauber expressed concern that all parties involved in the skate park proposal need to be in regular and consistent communication regarding the realistic goals for the proposed skate park. o Anne Marie informed the Board of Recreation that they are aware of the limitations of the skate park proposal at this point. Anne Marie also informed the Board of Recreation that the committee’s, although aware of current limitations, ultimate goal for the future, is to further develop and secure a permanent site for the skate park. o Diane Lauber asked the Board of Recreation for their thoughts regarding the long-term goal of securing a permanent site for the skate park versus maintaining the skate park at the skating rink location. The Board of Recreation expressed the concern that if the skate park is maintained at the ice skating rink location, the cost for breakdown and installation of the park each year will be on-going. o Board of Recreation members stated that ideally they would like to secure a permanent location for the skate park in the future as long as fundraising continues and the Board of Recreation budget is approved for and allows for funding of current projects, such as the baseball field, and new projects such as the skate park proposal. However, the skate park committee needs to realize that the Board of Recreation, at this point, can not guarantee that funds will be available in the future. o Diane Lauber raised questions about the bidding process. C. Moffo and the Board of Recreation informed Anne Marie of the bidding process. • The Board of Recreation also discussed if and how the skate park proposal and the goal of securing a permanent site for the skate park would hinder the development of the plan, which is already in process, to develop a baseball field at Hotchkiss Field. C. Moffo expressed concern that the Board of Recreation is being pulled in too many directions and that too many projects are being started without following through on completion. • C. Moffo informed Anne Marie and Diane Lauber that when the funds become available, the Board of Recreation will first purchase pieces of equipment that are the most portable, at this time. Director’s Report: • Chris Moffo reviewed the Program Director’s Report. Please see attached Program Director’s report for further details. • The Board of Recreation discussed Liz Galla’s senior project proposal to hold a soccer camp. C. Moffo informed the Board of Recreation that Liz Galla is waiting to hear back from Prospect Soccer and then she will follow up with the Board of Recreation by the February 2008 meeting. Mary Witham will follow-up with L. Galla. Approval of Minutes: • The December 27, 2007 minutes were reviewed. Mary Witham motioned to approve the minutes and Mike Palmerie, Jr. seconded the motion. Motion unanimous. The December 27, 2007 minutes were approved. • The October 12, 2007 minutes were reviewed. Mike Palmerie, Jr., motioned to approve the minutes and Larry Fitzgerald seconded the motion. Motion unanimous. The October 12, 2007 minutes were approved. Correspondence/Payment of Bills: • Larry Fitzgerald motioned to approve to pay Triple Stitch for high school basketball shirts in the amount of $385. Mike Palmerie, Jr., seconded motion. Motion unanimous. Bill paid. Old Business: • None New Business: • C. Moffo reviewed the job description for a basketball referee. The Board of Recreation reviewed and approved the job description. • The Board of Recreation received and reviewed the Mayor’s letter to the Board of Recreation which requires the Board of Recreation to submit our budget for 2008-2009 prior to February 8, 2008. • The Board of Recreation scheduled a special meeting for February 6, 2008 at 6:00p.m. in the town hall upper level conference room. The special meeting is to approve the Board of Recreation budget to be submitted to the Mayor. Adjournment: Motion made by Mary Witham and seconded by Karen Southard to adjourn. Motion unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Larry Fitzgerald, Chairman Jennifer Southard, Clerk __________________________ ________________________