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2006/03/09 . , (""c., \..Ir", ~.: \. \'. .' l' (' ~~ r-, r::. " ?.S \'. ' fA C\: PARKS & RECREA TI~ ~M:~U~S,~~~_. A regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Cqrrunlssion::w'as'-ttilled to order at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at the Commu'n'ity Cen't~rrB~T. , ,.,.-,,\\ \ G""~: --.'~ \.) ~~- PRESENT: Chairman Len Zielinski, Commissioners Donna Bovee, Rick DeGroff, Ed Giana, Rob Sylvester, Chuck Warner, Timberlin Superintendent, Jonathan Zuk, Director of Parks & Recreation, Steve Kelly. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS: Seb Senia Mr. Senia came before the Commission to inquire about league play at Timberlin. Mr. Zuk stated that he is not sure if there would be leagues, but the new pro is working on the program. Mr. Senia also inquired about how the Commission decided on the new golf rates for residents and non-residents. Mr. Zuk responded by stating that 80% of the revenue is from non-resident play, where 20% of the revenue is from resident play. Mr. Zuk feels that continually raising non-resident rates would discourage play. Chairman Zielinski stated that the rate increase at Timberlin would cover the cost for credit card fees. At this time, Chairman Zielinski introduced the new golf pro, Jeff Coderre and Peter DeFazio a golf/resident who has been providing IT support at Timberlin. APPROVAL OF MINUTES JANUARY 5. 2006 & FEBRUARY 9. 2006: Commissioner Warner moved to approve the 2 sets of minutes as amended seconded by Commissioner Giana. The motion carried unanimously. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN & VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR COMING YEAR: Commissioner Sylvester nominated Commissioner Warner as Chairman. Commissioner Warner declined. Commissioner Warner nominated Chairman Zielinski as Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Bovee. The motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Sylvester nominated Commissioner Warner as Vice-Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Giana. The motion carried unanimously. Parks & Recreation Commission Page/2 PUBLIC GROUNDS: Monthly Report The report was reviewed and discussed. Mr. Kelly reported that Midstate Landscaping would get the contract for the cemeteries and cul-de-sacs based on bids received. The poles for the new scoreboard are in at Sage I. It was noted that to avoid interference with exiting underground power lines, the scoreboard would be installed in left field, and because of the height of the existing outfield fence, it would be rather high in the air. Other fencing has been taken down so that dugout construction could be started as soon as weather permits. An agreement was reached for the sign in front of Sage Park. TIMBERLIN GOLF COURSE: Monthly Report Mr. Zuk stated that the construction was restarted for roughing out the 4th hole. Holes #1, 6, and 7 are complete. The irrigation system is % done. CL&P has installed an additional pole for the pump house and hung transformers. There is no cost to the Town. Mr. Zuk stated that a new system for ID cards is being implemented. Residents may go to the Tax Office beginning the weed of March 20th to obtain them. Adults would have to produce their driver's license and students would have to provide ID cards, which coould include their grade reports. There would be a charge for replacing lost ill cards. It would be approximately $20. New Golf Pro Jeff Coderre was introduced and gave the Commission overview of his experience. He stated that he has procedural changes in mind, and hopes to make recommendations to the Commission, He is trying to initiate leagues at the course. He appreciated the opportunity to be here in Berlin. Mr. Zuk stated that Mr. Coderre is paying attention to procedures, especially with the starters and rangers. Mr. Zuk feels that things will run more smoothly. Commissioner Dellaquilla raised concerns regarding starting times at Timberlin. Mr. Zuk stated that 9 hole-starting times would begin this year on a controlled basis. Parks & Recreation Commission Page/3 Mr. Zuk stated that the Men's Club would like to donate money for yardage markers to be attached on sprinkler heads. Mr. Zuk also stated that Timnberlin would be involved in the Variety Card program again this year. He also stated that there might be 2 additional courses participating. He stated that Timberlin had the most play from the program in 2005. He stated that the plan introduces new players to Timberlin. Mr. Coderre stated that he hired Chuck Lasher to direct the junior program at Timberlin. He also stated that he would be running some programs out of Parks & Recreation. Mr. Coderre stated that he would like to approach the BOE regarding golf as part of the physical education program at the schools. PARKS & RECREATION: Mr. Kelly stated that he has a request for UpBeat and Dare to run the 11th Annual Magnetic Mini Car bash at Sage on July 29-30, 2006. The times for the car show would be Saturday morning into the afternoon and Sunday morning into the early afternoon. The Commissioners reviewed their vendor list. Commissioner Warner moved to allow the sale of food seconded by Commissioner DeGroff. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kelly stated that he has re-hired the lifeguards who had worked at Lion's Pool last summer and will be posting them at the other pools. Mr. Kelly stated that the storage building request from Berlin Youth Soccer is approved. Mr. Kelly stated that John Riley from Berlin Youth Soccer runs a premier soccer team out of Glastonbury. The Commission at the last meeting approved resident rates for the rental of the field. Now, the team is asking for 3 more additional times for practice at the resident rates. Commissioner Bovee stated that Parks & Recreation needs to be fair and cover their costs. Commissioner DeGroff stated that we need to set some type of policy for resident rates. The consensus of the Commission is not to allow resident rates for the 3 additional practice times. This was based on the limited number of Berlin players on the team and that it was a Glastonbury based team. Mr. Kelly will work on revised definitions to insure clarity regarding "local teams". BHS will run the Cow Chip Raffle. There will be a memorial softball game in memory of Stephen Gacek on 5/20 and 5/21. Three teams from Berlin will play in the game. They are looking for a waiver of fees. Commissioner Warner sees no problems with the schedule. Commissioner Warner Parks & Recreation Commission Pagel4 moved to approve the waiver of fees seconded by Commissioner Sylvester. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kelly stated that attendance has picked up slightly for men's basketball 18-30, however, it may be cancelled in the fall. Funds have been restored for the summer playground operations at Clark's Grove. This will be reviewed again next year. Parks & Recreation will have some new programs this year. Mr. Kelly stated that he would like to initiate an adult lap-swim program as well as extending pool hours. There will be one more swim instructor and lifeguard at Percival Pool. OLD BUSINESS: BHS Athletic Fields Mr. Kelly discussed the athletic fields at BHS. He stated that the cost has increased 10% The cost of construction of the Patterson Way field and BHS track, court and field improvement is estimated at approximately $3.3 million. Commissioner Bovee raised concerns regarding the need. She stated that she had spoken to the athletic director and wasn't sure what the BOE needs would be for the fields. Chairman Zielinski suggested that a definitive statement of need should be developed to demonstrate the uses and benefits. Parks & Recreation program fees 2006-2007 The Commissioners reviewed the program fees. The consensus of the Commission is to: 1. Eliminate the $500.00 rate for 4 hours plus-non-Iocal fee 2. Use the $350 fee for 4 hours of non-local use as a base and add $100/hr for each hour thereafter. Similarly, they added $50/hr after 3-4 hours for use by local organizations. Commissioner Warner moved to approve the fees, seconded by Commissioner Dellaquilla. The motion carried unanimously. Chairman Zielinski reviewed the tasks for the Commission regarding the Plan of Conservation & Development. The Commissioners will focus on the tasks for Ragged Mountain. He asked them to visit Ragged Mountain before the next meeting. " Parks & Recreation Commission PagelS Berlin Town Manager proposed Parks & Recreation Budget 2006-2007 Mr. Kelly provided copies of the Berlin Town Manager's proposed Parks & Recreation Budget for 2006-2007. He reviewed the proposed budget with the Commissioners and pointed out the cuts that had been made. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Warner moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. seconded by Commissioner Giana. The motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Sub m