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.
Jump down to: General information about the Parks & Recreation Commission
March 10 •February 11 •January 14 •Previous years: 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2003
Posted: March 20, 2008 March 10, 2008
Present: Chairman Sheila Anson, Ray Reich, C.J. Kersten, Joe Fredlund, Joan Gauthey, 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 present. Sheila also gave "kudos" to Governor Rell for requesting CPTV cover the UCONN Women's Big East Semi-Final Game this evening that was to be carried on ESPN-U only.
Minutes:
Motion: To approve the minutes of the January 14, 2008 and February 11, 2008 meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission. By Joe Fredlund, seconded by C.J. Kersten and unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Beach/Boat Launch: Ray Reich reported that plans for the Beach area would be presented to the IW and ZBA Commissions this week. Completion of Beach plans will be contingent on the approval of the Town's budget. Work will continue on the boat ramp as soon as weather improves and allows. There was discussion about signage for the ramp that would include spring, summer and fall hours. At the present time, hours are hoped to be: Spring: April 19-June 20, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Memorial Day from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to Sunset. Summer: June 21-September 1 from 6:00 a.m. to Sunset. Fall: September 6-October 26, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Columbus Day from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to Sunset. River Walk Park: 1) Lisa Easter reported that she and Larry Cable have been working with the Police Department regarding the vandalism that took place at the Pavilion and the cost of repairs will be submitted to the insurance company. Investigation is still ongoing. Larry Cable began work for the Season on March 10. Joe Fredlund reported that the storage shed on the Pavilion will be completed, the stove is scheduled to be hooked up in the kitchen within the month, and the new sinks will be installed as well. Joe also reported he has been working with the United Alarm Company re: installation of an alarm system that would include an audible alarm, motion and light sensors, and camera. Motion: To approve an amount not to exceed $2000 for the installation of the security system at the River Walk Pavilion. By C.J. Kersten, seconded by Joan Gauthey and unanimously approved. 2) General Discussion was held on the issue of vandalism in Town and Sheila reported on a meeting she had attended with members of the School Board, Region #12 administration, Selectmen, community members, and Police Department. It was asked that the minutes reflect the Parks and Recreation Commission's request to the Board of Selectmen asking for more police coverage especially during the evening/night hours. 3) Discussion was held regarding "closing" the ball fields and keeping people off them in mud season. Lisa will have signs made up for placement on the fields. 4) A bench in memory of Maria Locker will be placed by the Tot Lot. Monies have been collected by private individuals. Maria was instrumental in the construction of the first Tot Lot many years ago. Budget: Several members of the Parks and Rec Commission will attend a Budget Workshop with the Board of Selectmen - Wednesday, March 19th. Lisa reported on an estimate received from Lunan's Landscaping for the irrigation, weed control, etc. of the ball fields. Will review with Joe. Little League: Tim Cook reported for "Shepaug Baseball and Softball." Registration is completed - girl's softball numbers are significantly less than previous years - have enough sign ups for one major league team only, no minors. Numbers in general are down possibly due to losing kids to soccer and lacrosse. A booklet is being designed that will include sponsor to add money. Tim also reported that last year there was a trip to a Minor League game in New Haven that was very popular. This year they would like to get two busses to make the trip again. Shepaug Baseball and Softball is asking each town to contribute $300 to cover the cost of at least one bus ($900.) Motion: To have the Parks and Recreation Commission of Washington contribute its share toward the bus trip to New Haven. By C.J. Kersten, seconded by Ray Reich and unanimously approved. Pot Luck Movie Nights: The following dates were selected: June 20, July 25, August 9, and September 7. The Commissioners requested Lisa to work on movie selection, themes for the evenings, etc. Motion: To approve an amount not to exceed $500 for the purchase of a popcorn machine. By Tim Cook, seconded by C.J. Kersten and unanimously approved.
COORDINATOR'S REPORT: Lisa reported:
Bus Trips: Yankees game tickets for Tuesday, July 8 are available for $50. Spring Swim: There will be two sessions this Spring. Summer Camps: Summer Rec, Ace Baseball, Dimensions Basketball, Berkshire Field Hockey, Spartan Hoop School, Multi Sport Camp have all been scheduled. (For more information on any of the above, please contact the Parks and Rec Department.)
Other programs being discussed are: Softball Camp, Scrap booking and Babysitting.
Lisa will be attending an Adobe Photoshop workshop. Bowling Alley: will be closed for refinishing from April 9 - April 14th. NEW BUSINESS:
Fireworks: Ray Reich reported that he has been speaking with the company that has provided the fireworks for the past seven years. Ray feels that although they are requesting an increase, they are very good to work with, etc. He and C.J. Kersten will meet with the company representative Wednesday to discuss further. Passes will remain at $20 and VIP at $125.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Sheila reported:
Dick Sears has submitted his resignation from the Board of Selectmen, effective March 7th. The Commission asked that the minutes reflect gratitude for his years of service to the Town and his assistance to the Parks and Rec Commission on several projects/ Pappa Joe is retiring from his hot dog business on Route 202 (a couple from Roxbury has purchased and will continue with the "Pappa Joe" name ). Joe will continue to personally serve the Town his famous dogs, etc. at the ball fields with Erin Brinton assisting. Lisa Easter has been named chairman of the Roxbury Parks and Recreation Commission - congratulations! C.J. Kersten and Tammy Marquis have purchased a new home - congratulations and many happy years with Claire and ....? Steve Haas has been declared one of Connecticut's Top 50 Financial Advisors by Connecticut Magazine and has been featured as a top runner in local newspapers. He is also the new Chairman of the Gunn Memorial Library & Museum. Congratulations on all!
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. as there was no further business for discussion .
NEXT MEETING: April 14, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Clerk
Posted: February 16, 2008 February 11, 2008
Present: Chairman Sheila M. Anson, Ray Reich, Lou Magnoli, Coordinator Lisa Easter, Clerk Mary Anne Greene.Call to Order: Sheila called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. noting there was not a quorum.
Minutes:
No motion taken to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2008 meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Beach/Boat Launch: Ray Reich reported that the Beach Committee presented its final conceptual design for the beach, and parking areas to the Board of Selectmen on January 24, 2008. There was also discussion of the proposed new beach house. The Selectmen unanimously voted to support and endorse the plans. They were then presented to the Town at a Public Information Meeting held on January 31st. Some contractors have already voiced interested in bidding on various aspects of the project. Sheila reported that she, Lisa and Jeff Cox spoke to the Board of Selectmen last week regarding opening of the Beach on Memorial Day Weekend and for the next two weekends (prior to the regularly scheduled opening day). No additional funds need to be requested for staffing as there were monies left from last season because of rain days. The Selectmen also supported this request and asked that records be kept to determine if enough people use the facility to justify the expense of a longer staffed season. Lisa Easter reported she is working with David Miles regarding liability issues of keeping the gate open or closed after hours. River Walk Park: Lisa reported that once a police report is received regarding the vandalism at the Pavilion and the surrounding area, a claim will be submitted to the Town's insurance company. She also reported that Joe Fredlund has spoken with Michael Kay, and is waiting for a quote, regarding the installation of a security system that could provide alarms (silent or siren), cameras, etc. The Police will be asked to patrol the area as well. Budget: Lisa reported she is working on this - particularly with regard to the number of hours the beach will be staffed and what it will cost if lifeguard coverage is increased for additional weekends and longer days. Carnival: The Washington Volunteer Fire Department will hold their annual Carnival the last week in June. Little League: Registration forms have been mailed to all households.
COORDINATOR'S REPORT: Lisa reported:
Hot Shot Contest: 10 students participated and enjoyed it very much. There was a discussion as to how to improve the turnout - change the weekend, different night, etc. The suggestion was made to hold the contest at half time of a high school basketball game. Lisa will talk with Matt Perachi about this further. GMS Rowing Center: Lisa received material from them (they are located in New Milford) and will speak with them about doing a program. Relay for Life: will be held at the Pavilion Mary 30-31, 2008.
NEW BUSINESS:
Pot Luck Movie Nights: Time to start thinking of how often to have Movie Nights and what movies to show. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Sheila reported:
Happy Birthday Lisa and condolences on the Super Bowl outcome! Spring is Coming - Baseball season is approaching!
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m., as there was no further business for discussion.
NEXT MEETING: MARCH 10, 2008, 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Clerk
Posted: January 17, 2008 January 14, 2008
Present: Chairman Sheila Anson, C.J. Kersten, Ray Reich, Joe Fredlund, Holly Haas, Tim Cook, Lou Magnoli, Coordinator Lisa Easter, Clerk Mary Anne Greene.Call to Order: Sheila Anson called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. following a budget workshop with the commissioners. Sheila noted there was a quorum.
Minutes:
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 19, 2007 and December 10, 2007 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission. (There was not a quorum present at the December meeting to approve the minutes of the November meeting.) By Tim Cook, seconded by C.J. Kersten and unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Beach and Boat Launch: Ray Reich reported that work is still being done on the boat ramp and parking area. It is still hoped that it will be up and running for the upcoming season. The Beach will open on Memorial Day Weekend provided an ex-budget appropriation will be approved by the Board of Finance for the additional staffing hours. Ray also reported there would be a meeting Thursday 1/17/08 re: Dirk Sabin's conceptual plan of the beach and parking area. The necessary Land Use permits will be applied for as well as with the State DOT. Demolition and/or construction of the beach house will not happen for this upcoming season. Ray asked that the minutes reflect sincere thanks to the Beach Committee for the many hours of work already put in and will continue to put in on this project. River Walk Park: Sheila reported that at the budget workshop prior to this meeting, there was a "strong" discussion of the recent vandalism that has occurred at the Pavilion and the Washington Primary School. Lisa Easter and Larry Cable spoke with the First Selectman as well and security options are being looked into. ** Storage Shed-The shed attached to the Pavilion is almost completed - work on the roofline will be completed in the spring.
** Kitchen-Tom Osborne and Dan Moore will also be completing work in the spring.
Bus Trips: Sheila reported that the Wintuk Trip was a huge success. Lisa has requested tickets for the 8/3/08 Yankees vs. Angels game. The Commission discussed whether to do a Red Sox game this year as well. It was decided not to because of the high cost of the bus/tickets, date availability, etc. Lisa is also looking into a trip to the Westchester Dinner Theater. Capital Budget Requests: Sheila asked the Commissioners to think about this for discussion at next month's meeting. Some suggestions made were repair to the Pavilion floor (CJ will speak with Kevin Smith, Highway Director); resurfacing of the Basketball court; construction of a fireplace at the Pavilion (Tim Cook will get price estimates); and basketball net for Nick Platt Field area (perhaps could get a portable net - Lisa will look into). Tim also has ideas for presenting at next month's meeting. COORDINATOR'S REPORT: Lisa Easter reported:
Hot Shots Contest: Saturday 1/19/08 at 1:00 p.m. at Booth Free School for 9-15 year olds. Bus Trips: See above. Thank You: Mr. & Mrs. Robert deCourcy and Eagle Electric for their very generous donations. Little League Sign-ups: Will occur for the month of February. Tim will get sign up sheets to Lisa. NEW BUSINESS:
WVFD Carnival: Sheila reported that the Fire Department is considering moving their annual Carnival to late July, early August. They will notify us in the near future after checking with the ride company, various vendors, etc. Election of Officers: Motion: To elect Sheila M. Anson as Chairman, Joe Fredlund and Tim Cook as Vice-Chairmen and C.J. Kersten as Treasurer. By Ray Reich, seconded by Lou Magnoli and unanimously approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Sheila Anson reported:
Congratulations to Tammy Marquis on her new job at UCONN Health Center. "Go West Young Man"/Good Luck to Jon Greene on his move to Colorado. Congratulations to UCONN Women's Basketball Team! Great to see you Gary Alex when visiting family & friends at Christmas time! All are looking forward to your return in June for 2 graduations, 1 wedding, and the 25th Anniversary of the Ted Alex Golf Tournament. Hope to see you at the June 23rd meeting of Parks and Rec when several items of interest to you will be discussed! Congratulations to Melissa (Anson) & Chris Evans on the birth of their twin daughters: Reese and Reagan! And to Great-Aunt Sheila!! Congratulations to Kris (Caceci) & Matt Berry on the birth of their twin sons: Will and Nate! Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. as there was no further business for discussion.
NEXT MEETING: February 11, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Anne Greene
Clerk
Meetings in 2007