Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 02/25/2020

The Recreation and Parks Commission held their regular meeting on Tuesday,
February 25, 2020 at the Community Center.  Chairman Santos presided.

MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:  Cs. Santos, Gardiner, Whelan, Murphy, Erricson,
Hall, Scheiber

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Cs., Kanabis, Guarnieri

STAFF:  Director Flaherty, Assistant Director McNamara, Program Coordinator
Sullivan

GUEST:  Mark Geer, Finance Board Liaison

MOTION #1:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Whelan to approve the
minutes of the January 28, 2020 meeting as received.  So voted 7-0.

CORRESPONDENCE:

      ~ Thank you letter from First Selectman

      ~ Annual request from “Bright” musical festival

      ~  Board of Finance Budget schedule

STAFF REPORTS:  The Director reported on the expenditures ($852,913 – 56%)
and revenues at $165,754 - +1.3% from 2019).  He discussed the major
emphasis on the Civic Triangle trail/areas and improvements around the pond
areas. The Board of Selectmen approved our revised Fiscal Year 20-21 budget
for $1,519,608 (0% increase).  The Board of Finance will hear our budget on
March 4, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m.  A discussion was held on the Credit
card/software update with a plan to move forward.  We have had a Mitchell
College student intern, Hanna Corrigan, spending a few months with the
department.  The RTM, at their February 3, 2020 meeting tabled our request
to increase Waterford Beach parking fees (originally brought forward when
we were advised the state is requiring sales tax to be charged) in order
for us to provide additional information for their April 6, 2020 meeting.
Our proposed current year 2021 CIP projects (Tennis Court Replacements,
Vet’s Field Lights and Vet’s Garage Addition plan) have been moved forward
in the plan by the Board of Selectman.  The Waterford Beach Bathrooms (2)
are still in the planning stages, as the plans for the pre-cast building
cannot be used, according to Ct. DEEP, as they would have to meet VE zone
standards.  The Board of Selectman recommended $150,000 in CNR funds for
the bathrooms/improvements. Tennis Court repairs need to be completed this
spring.  The Leary Park Basketball court reconstruction and the Town Hall
basketball court repairs are planned for the spring of 2020.  The Dog Park
Fence replacement is near completion.

MOTION #2:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Hall to keep the same
recommendation as approved by the Commission, to request an increase in
beach fees due to the sales tax as directed by the State of Ct.  A
discussion was held. Motion carried 7-0.

MOTION #3:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Gardiner to request an
additional $9,000 to complete the temporary repairs to the tennis courts.
So voted 7-0.







Commission Meeting – February 25, 2020

The Assistant Director reported the Youth Sports Council would hold a
meeting on March 31, 2020.  He reviewed his report on maintenance jobs
being completed.  The Department has received three (3) new trucks, which
are on line.  We are watching the beach for the arrival of the Piping
Plover population and any new nests that might be built, as requested by
DEEP.  Dredging has been completed at the Duck Pond.  One maintainer has
been out on a surgery and is expected to return to work next week.

The Program Coordinator reported that the Summer Program Booklet has been
sent to print and will be delivered the end of March, with mail-in
registration starting on April 13, 2020.  A report on the high school pool
use was explained.  She reported that she has had requests for usage of
Vets’ Field and is waiting to meet with the Board of Ed before scheduling
any dates. The requests have also come in for Clark Lane and Southwest
schools.  She has been working with the intern from Mitchell College on
getting information for mats at Waterford Beach.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

              ~  Long Range Planning:  A meeting will be arranged to
discuss the Barry Farm.

      ~ Policies/Procedures:  Cs.  Santos and Gardiner are reviewing these
and will report back when         completed.

REPRSENTATIVE REPORTS:

      ~   Board of Education:  C. Hall reported that he has attended the
last three meetings and gave a report regarding their proposed 20-21
budget.

PROPERTIES:

      ~  Stenger Farm Park:  The Assistant Director reported that
footbridges are being placed in watery areas as necessary.

MOTION #4:  Made by C. Whelan, seconded by C. Gardiner to adjourn.  So
voted 7-0.  Meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.



Respectfully submitted,

Ann Nolan, Secretary

Recreation and Parks Commission