2006/03/09
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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.
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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.
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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
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