2007/11/08PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
A regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Comnis;~0tz~ cabled to order at 7:00 p.m. on
Thursday, November 8, 2007 at the Community Center, Berlin, L'T'. `~~~
PRESENT: - • ..
Chairman Len Zielinski, Commissioners DonnafB~;a'~~e~;~i~k.DeGroff, Don Dellaquilla, Robert
Sylvester, John Solek, Golf Pro, Jeff Coderre. Superintenden~~fTimberlin Golf Course,
Jonathan Zuk and Director of Parks & Recreation, Steve Kelly.
ABSENT:
Commissioner Chuck Warner
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 11, 2007:
Commissioner Bovee moved to approve the October minutes, seconded by Commissioner Solek.
The motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Mr. Kelly added an item to the consent agenda regarding donations of 1 recreation program and
1 pool pass for the Tinsel Run. Commissioner Dellaquilla moved to approve the item, seconded
by Commissioner Bovee.
TIMBERLIN GOLF COURSE:
Monthly Report
Mr. Zuk stated that he had just blown the water out or the Timberlin irrigation system for the
winter.
The Men's Club is looking for a waiver of golfing fees for the 2008 NEPGA event. This
tournament will host 112 players. The Men's Club, which has donated in excess of $16,000 for
Timberlin improvements during recent years, will pick up the cost of the golf carts for all
participants. Commissioner Sylvester moved to waive the fees, seconded by Commissioner
DeGroff. The motion carried unanimously. This will now be forwarded to the Council for final
action.
Mr. Zuk stated that the Building Commission is discussing the tent issue at Timberlin. He has
met with Joseph Mitchell, Building Commission Chairman, and Brian Humes, architect, to
review the project. The quote for the tent is approximately $11,000, and will be discussed at the
Building Commission's meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Mr. Zuk stated that he plans
to apply for LOCIP funding to cover portions of the cost.
CY 08 Golf Rates
Mr. Zuk stated that Timberlin charges the least for resident season passes amongst area golf
courses. Mr. Zuk and Mr. Coderre will meet on the rates and then bring them back to the
Commission at a special meeting on Thursday, November 29, 2007. At this meeting, golf rates
and budgets would be discussed. Chairman Zielinski noted that a 2.5% increase in social
security benefits had been announced.
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Mr. Zuk received a letter from Hilary Taschner requesting another pricing category for Timberlin
Golf Seasons' Pass. Ms. Taschner is requesting a new rate category that would give a reduced
rate as a Restricted Adult pass for Berlin citizens. It could also encompass age criteria, such as
55 and over since some programs consider that age to be included in the senior community.
The consensus of the Commission was not to grant the request.
Mr. Zuk stated that the Chamber of Commerce had gone to Shuttle Meadow for their 2007
tournament. Discussions today indicate that they would like to return to Timberlin, as long as
Timberlin has the tent to accommodate their associated dinner.
Mr. Zuk stated that the Men's Club would like to donate $2,000 to Timberlin. Commissioner
Solek moved to approve the donation, seconded by Commissioner Dellaquilla. The motion
carried unanimously. This will be forwarded to the Council for final acceptance.
PUBLIC GROUNDS:
Monthly Report
The monthly report was reviewed and discussed.
Mr. Kelly informed the Commissioners about changes in the Capital items for Public Grounds
and Parks & Recreation. He reminded the Commissioners that the track at BHS is in very poor
condition. According to the proposed CIP this item is scheduled to be replaced in the summer of
2008. He also reminded the Commissioners about the poor condition of the BHS tennis and
basketball courts. Chairman Zielinski indicated that these three items would probably be
candidates for bonding.
Mr. Kelly pointed out the line item for new wiring at Sage I softball field Park to the
Commissioners. He also passed out more information about the rubber fillers that are used on
artificial turf fields.
Mr. Kelly indicated that there was a tear in the Scalise Field and that New England Turf had
come out to inspect it while Mr. Paradise was on vacation. They will return shortly after
coordinating when Mr. Paradise is available.
PARKS & RECREATION:
Mr. Kelly stated that the a number of the members of the town committee involved with
planning the Town Center Park are not in favor of including a Skate Board Park.
Mr. Kelly stated that there are questions regarding the low bid contractor's ability to perform the
roofing job on the maintenance building at Sage Park, which resulted in this item being taken off
the Council agenda.
Mr. Kelly is sending in the forms to apply for the Sage Parks trail grants. He provided a map and
pointed out some minor changes in trail routing on for the Sierra Ranch property.
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The parking lot on the MGT property is scheduled for completion by the end of November 2007.
The Commission thanked Commissioner DeGroff for aerating at Zipadelli and Sage I fields.
Mr. Kelly stated that a budget transfer was approved for the cost of background checks of
coaches and assistant coaches for the recreation basketball program. Registration for this
program is slightly down from 300 to 285 children. He thought this was due to registration
taking place earlier than in the past.
Mr. Kelly informed the Commission about an American Cancer fundraiser behind BHS on 5/17
and 5/18/2008. This will include a sleepover.
Hatchery Brook Management Master Plan - Mr. Kelly stated that it appears that the Town is
expecting Parks & Recreation to administer the area. Chairman Zielinski discussed community
gardening at Hatchery Brook. Commissioners discussed issues experienced in Farmington with
year-end maintenance, stealing and water at the gardens.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Solek moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. seconded by Commissioner
Bovee. The motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marie Ralph, Recording Secretary
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