2007/11/29PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
A special meeting for the Parks & Recreation Commission was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on
Thursday, November 29, 2007 at the Community Center, Berlin, CT.
PRESENT: ~ ` ~ ~'"; i ~
Chairman Leonard Zielinski, Commissioners Donna Bovee; Rick DeGroff, Don Dellaquilla,
John Solek, Rob Sylvester, Chuck Wa}, pirector°of Farks & Recreation, Steve Kelly,
Superintendent of Timberlin Golf Course,'Jo~a€1~~.n,Zuk Golf Pro, Jeff Coderre and Dave
Paradise, Public Grounds.
PUBLIC GROUNDS:
Proposed 2008-2009 Budget
Mr. Paradise discussed his proposed budget with the Commissioners noting a 3% increase in the
working budget. He stated that due to the need to transitions to organic fertilizers, this account
increased $3,000, with $1,500 increases each in the vehicle parts and machinery accounts. He
indicated that pesticides are not allowed to be used at elementary schools.
He noted an increase of $3,000 in labor services and $1,000 in the sanitation account.
After discussion, Commissioner Warner moved to approve the budget as presented seconded by
Commissioner Sylvester. The motion carried unanimously.
TIMBERLIN GOLF COURSE:
Proposed 2008-2009 Budget
Mr. Zuk presented his proposed budget noting an increase of $7,500 in the fertilizer account
driven by 2006 renovations at the golf course. The maintenance and repair account has increased
by $2,000 due to the experience gained in monitoring of the first year use of the new irrigation
system. In particular he noted that the number of irrigation heads has increased significantly.
2008 Golf Rates
The golf rates were reviewed by the Commissioners. Mr. Zuk noted that there was very few that
were increased. One of the increases is in the Senior Weekday Non-Resident category which he
found to be significantly below market. He also recommended holding the existing fall rate
specials in order to be competitive with other courses. This can be addressed again once other
courses set their rates.
Commissioner Bovee moved to approve the golf course budget and 2008 proposed rates,
seconded by Commissioner Dellaquilla. The motion carved unanimously.
Proposed 2008-2009 Budget
Mr. Kelly presented his budget, noting the request for 2 new positions in the budget, a full time
supervisor and a part time clerical position. He provided a staffing survey of recreation
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departments from surrounding towns to support this request. Furthermore, he indicated that the
additional supervisor would allow for an expansion in programming, special events and other
activities.
Chairman Zielinski stated that the request for another part time clerical position would have to be
justified. Commissioner Sylvester asked what could be done to streamline the job if the clerical
position did not take place. Mr. Kelly responded that online registration would help.
Mr. Kelly noted increases in the 110 account due to 2 additional staff positions for the
playground program. He noted that the morning attendance at Percival is very high and another
part timer is needed to provide a better level of supervision.
Mr. Kelly also noted an increase in the background check account for program coaches.
Mr. Kelly informed the Commissioners of a request from Marge & John Frink, 37 Mattabassett
St. for the Parks & Recreation Department to consider a summer program at Murray Heights
Park. Mr. & Mrs. Frink stated that the revitalization of their community and Murray Heights
Park is an important goal to their neighborhood association. The number of children in the
neighborhood has increased significantly. They would benefit from reinstituting the Murray
Heights program.
Mr. Kelly will submit it with his budget and he will request information from the Frinks as to
how many children would use this facility, and how many children already utilize other
playgrounds. The Commissioners were in favor of this request.
Mr. Kelly stated that Debbie Dennis, the Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation has suggested
closing the pools an hour earlier, 7p.m. on the weekend nights as there has been very little usage
after 7.
Mr. Kelly is suggesting a kickoff night with parents and children, and a family night in place of
the Playground Parade, which was cancelled last year.
Commissioner Warner moved to approve the budget as presented seconded by Commissioner
Dellaquilla. 'The motion carried unanimously.
Program & Facility Fees
Mr. Kelly went over the fee schedule for various programs noting that the fee varies depending
on the instructor's fee.
Mr. Kelly also noted that there were no changes in the Policy and Procedures for Parks &
Recreation.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Bovee moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Marie Ralph, Recording Secretary
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