The Town of Washington, Connecticut
Minutes: Parks & Recreation Commission
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www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Minutes: Parks & Recreation Commission |
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Disclaimer: While we have attempted to reproduce them accurately, the electronic documents you see here are not the official public documents. Official copies may be obtained on paper from theTown Clerk . Also note that minutes of recent meetings are often not yet approved by the Commission, and are subject to correction.
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March 8 •February 8 •January 11 •Previous years: 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003
Posted: February 12, 2010 March 8, 2010
Minutes are subject to the approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Present:
Chairman Sheila Anson, Commissioners Lou Magnoli, Joe Fredlund, Tim Cook, Coordinator Lisa Easter, Clerk Mary Anne Greene.Call to Order:
Chairman Anson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. noting that there was not a quorum present.Minutes:
No motion taken to approve.
OLD BUSINESS:
Beach/Boat Launch:
No report or action taken on the proposed Lake Waramaug Boating Inspection Program.Playscape:
Lisa Easter reported she, Ray Reich and Laura Porretta from UltiPlay have been working on possible new playground equipment for the Town Beach. Parks and Rec is hopeful that if any funds are left in the Town’s Beach House and Beach projects, they could be used toward new equipment. That figure is not yet available. Lisa distributed a handout with suggestions of equipment. Discussion followed re: size, colors, safety, etc. Further discussion was tabled until the next meeting.River Walk Park:
At the February 8th Parks and Rec meeting, a motion was made to approve up to $3500 to upgrade Field 4. Upon further discussion and meeting at the fields with Joe Martin and Gary Alex, it is felt that the Little League and baseball community would be better served by upgrading the Joe Martin Field. The amount of dollars to be spent would not change. Therefore, the consensus of opinion at this meeting was to use the already approved $3500 on Joe Martin Field instead of Field 4. Discussion followed on the best placement of bleachers, etc. Papa Joe also submitted information on prices for a scoreboard and batting cages. He has apparently spoken to Bill Fairbairn as well concerning Village Improvement funds, and would also like the Little Leaguers to be involved in fundraising. The opinion of the Commissioners present at this meeting was to suggest to Joe that he, with the support of the Parks and Rec Commission, approach Village Improvement on his own for the scoreboard, which has a cost of $3500 and to wait on the batting cages, which would cost $8500. As for the flagpole that Joe also wanted, Norma Anson has offered to donate one that she has. Further discussion occurred on the estimate provided by Gary Alex for field work (that is not included in his duties as groundskeeper). It was decided to invite the Selectmen to go to the Pavilion with members of the Commission and Gary to see what is involved as costs for this is a budget item that needs to be considered. Gary Alex has also suggested that a kickboard be constructed for soccer players that are currently using the side of the Pavilion or the back of the fireplace. The Commission will also request the Police to make rounds through the park area periodicallyFireworks:
No report.Cal Ripkin Baseball:
No other report other than making the Joe Martin Field compliant for that league.Adult Basketball:
Lisa Easter, C.J. Kersten and Joe Fredlund met with those who are running this program to discuss the fact that they had not yet completed the necessary paperwork, collected or submitted monies, etc for this season. It was agreed that as the program only has another couple of weeks, it could continue but that all procedures needed to be followed next year.
COORDINATOR’S REPORT:
Lisa Easter reported on the following:
Bus Trips:
Nick Gueniat’s senior project trip to Boston was recently advertised in the Republican American and as of this meeting there are 5 confirmed participants registered. Nick has been working on publicity-newspapers, posters, Facebook, flyers, etc. to get the word out for more signups. Yankee tickets have not yet been purchased – but will be when better seats can be gottenBasketball:
ended last week for 1st and 2nd graders and 3rd and 4th graders will be ending 3/13. All programs went well and SBA will deal next year with numbers, dividing into teams, etc.Beach Playground:
See above under Old Business.Spanish Crafts & Games:
Cancelled due to lack of sign upsWashington Town Times:
Program and camp information insert will be in the Spring Newsletter along with a generic sign up form.Boat Launch Inspector:
Lisa has been working with Resident Trooper Sordi on schedules, uniforms, etc. Hank Vallely will return as the Boat Launch Inspector.Groundskeeper:
Gary Alex started working for the season 3/8. Clay has been ordered for the fields.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bowling Alley:
Sheila reported that a repair needs to be done on one of the lanes. Village Carpentry will advise what may need to be done.Turbo Kickboxing:
Hilary Kelley and Debbie Andrews are currently holding classes at the New Preston Boys and Girls Club and have inquired about teaching at the Town Hall under the sponsorship of the Parks and Rec Commission. As there are already kickboxing classes at the Town Hall, along with several yoga classes, there may be scheduling difficulties. It was suggested to get more information on the number of students that are currently taking these classes, etc.16 Titus Road Development:
Parks and Rec has been invited to a Special Board of Selectmen’s meeting on March 25, 2010 at 5:30 at which Peter Talbot will present his proposal.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Sheila reported the following:Thank you to Ray Reich
for attending the Board of Selectmen’s Special Meeting with representatives from the various Land Use Commissions.Early Happy Birthday wishes to Lou Magnoli!
Congratulations to Art Crabtree – Coach of the year.
Happy Birthday to Selectman Nick Solley!
Thank you to American Legion!
For ALL they do for so many organizations in the Town!Scheduling of a Special Meeting:
Monday, March 15, 2010, 5:00 p.m. to conduct business requiring a quorum.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m., as there was no further business for discussion.Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Clerk
Posted: February 11, 2010 February 8, 2010
Minutes are subject to the approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Present: Chairman Sheila Anson, Commissioners C. J. Kersten, Joe Fredlund, Ray Reich, Joan Gauthey, Lou Magnoli, Tim Cook, Coordinator Lisa Easter, Clerk Mary Anne Greene.
Call to Order: Chairman Anson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. noting there was a quorum.
Minutes:
Motion:
To approve the minutes of the January 11, 2010 meeting.
By Ray Reich, seconded by Joan Gauthey and unanimously approved.
VISITORS:
Sheila welcomed:* Maria Isabel Artieda:
Maria Isabel explained she is from Peru, lives in the Depot with her husband and children and has been volunteering at the library, the Reach Program and at Washington Montessori School teaching Spanish by doing arts and crafts, play, music, etc. as well as with children for whom she provides babysitting services. She would like to offer classes to children 4-6 years old and 6-9 years old and is requesting the Parks and Recreation Commission’s sponsorship. It was suggested we look into the use of the Washington Primary School after school to make it easier for children, and parents, to attend. If this does not work, she would like to use a spot in the Town Hall. The Commissioners thanked Maria for attending and advised that they would discuss further and have Lisa get back to her in the next day or two. Lisa offered to assist her in working out details with the school, cost etc. 5% of monies collected would be given to Parks and Rec.* Tom McGowan, Lake Waramaug Authority:
Ray Reich introduced Tom and credited him for “authoring” a “Proposed Updated Lake Waramaug Boating Inspection Program”. Ray and Tom explained that the document recommends actions, requirements and procedures for inspecting for invasive species. Boat Launch Attendants would be given training for inspections of all motorboats, directives, a check list to follow, etc. No motorboats would be allowed to enter from the State Park and Lake Shore owners and owners of Lake Shore access rights would also have inspections procedures to follow. The Selectmen of Washington, Warren and Kent have been involved in the process and review of the draft. The inspection program would be under the jurisdiction of the Lake Waramaug Authority and the Resident State Trooper. Ideally, only trained attendants would staff the Boat Launch all hours the launch is open. Presently the Washington Beach Director covers some of these hours. This could be a budgetary concern and Warren and Kent would be asked to share in the cost. The new document would give the Lake Waramaug Authority the right to stop boats and to enforce the regulations by issuing citations, etc. Tom also thanked the Parks and Rec Commission for a job that has been very well done at the launch for the last several years. He asked the Commission to review the draft and to accept the proposed inspection program. Motion: To review the document and to approve, or amend with suggested changes by the March meeting. By Joe Fredlund, seconded by Tim Cook and unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
* Beach/Boat Launch:
Ray Reich reported that he, Selectman Nick Solley and Architect William Worcester did a walk trough of the newly completed beach house and there are no issues or complaints :). Ray has also asked the Selectmen’s office to let him know if there are any funds left in the beach house/landscaping budget that could be used for playground equipment. There was discussion about the Fire Department’s storing of the airboat in the beach house during the summer months. The Commissioner’s understanding was that the airboat would be stored there only in the winter months and thought that this space would be available for storage of kayaks and canoes for use of the beachgoers in the summer. Ray will speak with the Fire Department. Hank Vallely has seen the new beach house, been given the list of duties as caretaker and has been told the rent will now be $500 per month. Ray will contact him to see if he has made a decision as he was given “right of first refusal”.* River Walk Park:
Joe Martin would like to meet with any available Commissioners on Sunday, February 14 at 9:00a.m. at the Joe Martin field to discuss his request from the last meeting and to look at where he thought scoreboard, bleachers, etc. should be placed. Lisa Easter reported that the pavers for the path behind the Pavilion and to the grill area have been ordered. Sheila Anson spoke about the heavy use of the Pavilion and the need to “tighten” up the reservation system.Motion:
To amend the Use of Pavilion Application Form to include “No date will be considered reserved until all paperwork and payments have been received.”
By C.J. Kersten, seconded by Tim Cook and unanimously approved.* Shepaug Basketball Association:
Lisa reported all is going smoothly. There are a large number of participants from third and fourth grades held at Shepaug. First and second grades still use the Washington Primary School gym. Next year all teams will be under the SBA but the lower grades will most likely stay in their respective primary school gyms. The Hot Shot Tournament had a good turnout and SBA was involved in the running of it this year.* Adult Basketball:
C.J. Kersten said it had been brought to his attention that very few Washington or Region 12 residents are participating in the Adult Basketball program. No paperwork has been filed with our Parks and Recreation Office, no monies have been turned over, etc. Motion: To shut down the Adult Basketball Program until further notice. By Joe Fredlund, seconded by Lou Magnoli and unanimously approved. Lisa will contact Ben Woodruff who is running the program.* CD Rates:
At last month’s meeting the Commission asked that the CD that was about to be renewed be done for only three months and interest rates reviewed again at that time. Treasurer Linda McGarr advised that decision be delayed until this meeting (there was time before the expiration date) when new rates would be out.Motion:
To renew the CD at First National Bank of Litchfield for a one year period at a rate of 1.15%.
By Joan Gauthey, seconded by Tim Cook and unanimously approved.* Fireworks:
No report.
COORDINATOR’S REPORT:
Lisa Easter reported:* Summer Camps:
The following camps have been scheduled:Ace Baseball and Field Hockey dates are not yet set.
Golf July 19-23 Spartan Hoop July 26-30 Lego August 2-6 Multi-Sport August 16-20 * Nick Gueniat’s Senior Project - Trip to Boston:
Nick and Lisa have been working on posters, inquiries are beginning to come in, some sign ups have been received. The trip is scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 2010.
NEW BUSINESS:
* Cal Ripkin Baseball:
Tim Cook reported that the Little League Major League teams have very few participants and it has become increasingly difficult to find teams to play. Most towns around us have switched to “Cal Ripkin Baseball”. It would require Washington to make some changes to Field #4 – move the pitcher’s mound out, move the bases, repair the backstop, etc. The Shepaug Baseball Association has voted to make this change. Motion: To spend up to $3500 to improve and upgrade Field #4 to Cal Ripkin standards. By Ray Reich, seconded by C.J. Kersten and unanimously approved.* CSI Camp:
This would be a “new camp” offered by the same company that does the Lego Camp. This would be for sixth to eighth grade students at a cost of $109 for the week. There would no cost to Parks and Rec. It was unanimously agreed to give it a try – most likely in August.* Facebook Page:
Nick Gueniat needs to have a “technology segment” to his Senior Project and he would like to create a Facebook page for the Parks and Recreation Commission that could list our upcoming events, programs etc. It was unanimously agreed to allow Nick, with Lisa’s input to give it a try. It can be cancelled at any time and there is no cost.* Maria Isabel Artieda’s proposal:
Motion:
To support Maria Isabel’s proposal.
By Joan Gauthey, seconded by C.J. Kersten and unanimously approved.
* Election of Officers:
Motion:
To nominate and elect the following officers for the coming year:
Sheila Anson, Chairman; Joe Fredlund and Tim Cook, Vice Chairmen and C.J. Kersten, Treasurer.
By Joan Gauthey, seconded by Lou Magnoli and unanimously approved.The “non-officer” Commissioners thanked Sheila, Joe, Tim and CJ for a job well done and for continuing in their positions!
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Sheila Anson reported the following:
* Happy 50th Birthday to David Easter and again to our Lisa!* Avon Walk for Breast Cancer:
Washington’s Martha Fairbairn, Liddy Adams and Mary Anne Greene will be participating in this event in Boston in May.
Adjournment:
* The meeting was adjourned at 9:22 p.m. as there was no further business for discussion.NEXT MEETING: MARCH 8, 2010, 7:00 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Clerk
Posted: January 18, 2010 January 11, 2010
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes January 11, 2010Minutes are subject to the approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Present: Chairman Sheila M. Anson, C.J. Kersten, Holly Haas, Joe Fredlund, Ray Reich, Tim Cook, Lou Magnoli, Coordinator Lisa Easter, Clerk Mary Anne Greene.
Visitors: Robin Delancy, Papa Joe Martin.Call to Order: Chairman Anson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. noting there was a quorum present and thanking members of the Commission for coming early this evening to begin work on their budget requests for 2010-2011. Tim Cook, Ray Reich, and Lou Magnoli were sworn in for their next term as members of the Commission.
Minutes:
* Motion:
To approve the minutes of the December 14, 2009 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission as submitted.
By Holly Haas, seconded by Ray Reich and unanimously approved.
VISITORS:
* Robin Delancy attended this evening’s meeting to discuss her request to be allowed to have a hot dog cart at the Town Beach. Robin explained she has spoken to the Board of Selectmen, Zoning Commission and Health Department. Robin has been unemployed for over a year and despite an active search for employment has not found any. She is hopeful that her idea of a hot dog cart would not only provide her with income but also fill a void around the Lake – there are no longer any concession stands and nowhere for those enjoying the Lake to get anything to eat or drink. Her cart would be small enough for her to remove from the back of her car and be portable. She would like to begin in April for fishing season and go through foliage season. Numerous questions were asked and it was explained she would need to get a peddler’s permit that is good for one year. The Commissioners thanked Robin for coming and explained they would discuss the request and get back to her ASAP.* Papa Joe Martin attended this evening’s meeting to discuss improvements and additions to the Joe Martin Little League Field. His ideas, which he has discussed with coaches, would be over a 2-3 year plan. Joe would like to see (in order of preference): 1) a permanent score board measuring 8’ x 6’ x 6” for an approximate cost of $3515 – plus shipping; 2) a 30’ flagpole with illumination – cost? 3)a three-tier bleacher for an approximate cost of $1059 – plus shipping; and 4)two batting cages – cost ?. He would like the Little Leaguers to be involved and raise funds through various spaghetti suppers, etc. He has also approached a member of the Village Improvement Society. Joe will get more information and prices and proceed with Parks and Rec’s blessing. Ray Reich suggested that the Commission go to the field to see just where items would be placed. The Commissioners thanked Joe for coming and explained they would discuss the requests and get back to him ASAP.
OLD BUSINESS:
* Beach/Boat Launch:
Ray Reich reported that work on the new beach house is nearly completed. He will speak to the Selectmen regarding storing of kayaks, canoes, etc. in the air boat room in the summer months when the boat would not be in it, as well as what the possibility of getting new playground equipment would be.* River Walk Park:
Sheila Anson reported she found the back door to the kitchen open upon checking the Pavilion after a power failure. It needed to be straightened which Larry Cable took care of. Discussion of dedication of the fireplace took place – again thinking the Village Improvement Picnic would be an appropriate event at which to do it. Lisa Easter will begin to look into having a plaque made.* Shepaug Basketball Association:
Lisa Easter has been meeting with the Association to discuss all teams being under their auspices by next year. They will also sponsor the Hot Shot Contest this Friday along with the Recreation Departments of Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater.* Family Skate: No report.
* Sub Committee-Beach Property Caretaker’s Agreement:
The sub committee distributed their draft #2 of the Caretaker’s Agreement, which lists duties and responsibilities for whomever would be living in the new beach house. This has also been given to the Board of Selectmen for their review. The sub committee also worked on a lease agreement and the Town Attorney will review this.
COORDINATOR’S REPORT:
Lisa Easter reported the following:
* Bus Trips:
Nick Gueniat’s Senior Project – bus trip to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston on April 18th, 2010 has been advertised and now waiting for sign-ups.* Basketball:
See above under Shepaug Basketball Association.* Painting Copy Room:
Lisa, her son David and Nick Gueniat painted the copy room the week between Christmas and New Year. (Thank you to all - for a job well done!!)
NEW BUSINESS:
* Robin Delancy-Hot Dog Cart:
Following discussion the Commissioners made the following Statement: “All Commissioners present at this evening’s meeting are in favor of Robin Delancy’s proposal, and agree to allow her to apply for the necessary permits to have her hot dog cart at the Town of Washington Town Beach. It will be recommended that the Board of Selectmen place any parameters they feel necessary.” It was also suggested that when she apply for her peddler’s permit, she be reminded it is for one year at a time.* Papa Joe Martin-Little League Field Improvements:
The Commissioners agreed they should make a site visit to the field, discussed the need for illumination of the flag pole and in an effort to assist with the improvements, made the following Motion: To purchase the three-tier bleacher for a price not to exceed $1400. By Tim Cook, seconded by Lou Magnoli and unanimously approved.* CD:
Linda McGarr has asked the Commission if they would like to have their CD renewed for another one-year period. As interest rates are currently low, it was decided to ask Linda to renew for a three-month period and to review again at the end of that time.* 4th of July:
Following discussion it was decided to spend $25,000 for 2010 fireworks and to ask that this year music be coordinated with the shoot. It was also agreed not to have the skydiver this year, as that would be an additional cost.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT:
Sheila Anson reported the following:
* Welcome back to Jeff Magnoli who has begun working in the Admissions Department of Marvel wood School.* Happy “Special” Birthday to Lisa Easter on February 2nd….nifty :)!
* Spectrum’s 2009 highlights featuring Lou Magnoli as the 2009 recipient of the Stephen Reich Citizenship Award.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50p.m. as there was no further business for discussion.
NEXT MEETING: FEBRUARY 8, 2010, 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Clerk
Meetings in 2009