2018-12-13TOWN OF BERLIN
Parks and Recreation Commission
230 Kensington Road • Berlin, CT 06037
Thursda>>, December 13, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Berlin Community Center
ATTENDANCE:
Commissioners Present: Donna Bovee — Co-Chair, Don Dellaquila — Co-Chair; Peter
DeFazio; Steve Hinchliffe, Andre�v Legnani; Rob Sylvester
Commissioners Absent: Anthony DeFranco
Staff Present:
Debbie Dennis, Superintendent of Recreation
Jen Ochoa, Director of Community; Recreation and Park Services
Steve Wood. Grounds Foreman
Steve Karp; Superintendent of Hiah�vay & Public Grounds
Co-Chair Bovee called the meetinQ to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Audience of Citizens
a. Kimberly Kidd, 26 Sorrel Lane; East Berlin — Ms. Kidd �vould lil:e to hold her
weddina at Pistol Creek �vith alcohol served. She plans to obtain insurance and
utilize a licensed bartender, and the To�tm Manager and Police Chief have already
approved the request. Ma�imum of 1'�0 attendees. Seatina �vill be approved by
the Fire Marshal. Depending on attendance, police may be necessary to monitor
parkina / traffic.
b. Syl�via Tanski, Student at CCSU; Bridge Project — Ms. Tanski proposes to donate
a ne�v bridge to replace an aging bridae at Saae Park as her senior design project.
She has already met �vith Grounds Foreman Wood, Public Works Director Ahern
and former Superintendent of Grounds Bryan Gris�vold. The bridge �vill have
railings and ADA approval.
c. Richard Spendolini, 34 Berldale, Avenue — Proposes to donate a plaque to be
installed on a bench already in place on Patterson `��ay near Berlin High School.
The plaque would be in honor of Susan Pajor. BHS Principal has no problem
�vith memorializina the bench.
Gary Riedel, 30 Hucl:leberry Lane - Also spoke in favor of the memorial plaque
donation in honor of Susan Pajor.
d. Joseph DeGrandi; 88 York Road — Mr. DeGrandi proposes to plant a red maple
tree �vith a stone and memorial plaque at Paper Good Pond in memory of his
dauahter, Tina DeGrandi. He also mentioned the possibility of addinQ a bench.
�im Petit, Michaela's Garden / Petit Family Foundation — Ms. Petit appe.ared to
request approval to donate of Four O�clock flo�ver seeds and a garden sign in
honor of Michaela Petit. The seeds that are donated / sold today all originate from
Four-O'Clock flo�vers that Michaela planted at her home.
2. Approval of Minutes
September 13; 2018
October 11. �018
Co-Chair Dellaquila moved to approve the September 13, 2018 and October 1 l; 2018
minutes.
Seconded by Commissioner Sylvester.
Those votinQ in favor �vere: Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
� Dellaquila, Commissioner Hinchliffe;
Commissioner LeQnani, Commissioner Sylvester
Vote being 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
3. Consent Agenda
a. Request by Syl�via Tansl:i, representing a group of civil engineering students
from Central Connecticut State Universih', to construct a bridge. The
location of that bridge will be revie���ed and approved b>> the Public Works
Department, Public Grounds Department, Risk Management and the To�vn
Manager. Once approved, it �vill be presented to To�vn Council to accept the
bridge as a donation to the To�vn in a location �� ithin Sage Park ��-ith
ap�roval from the Public Works Department.
Commissioner DeFazio moved to approve the request by Syl�via Tanski;
representina a aroup of civil enaineering students from Central Connecticut State
University, to construct a bridge. The location of that bridQe �vill be revie�ved and
approved by the Public `�lorks Department, Public Grounds Department, Risk
ManaQement and the Town ManaQer. Once approved, it �vill be presented to
Town Council to accept the bridae as a donation to the To�vn in a location within
SaQe Park �vith approval from the Public Vdorks Department.
Seconded by Commissioner Hinchliffe.
Those votin� in favor �vere
Dellaquila; Commissioner
Sylvester
Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
Hinchliffe, Commissioner Legnani; Commissioner
Vote being 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
b. Request by Kimberly Kidd to hold a wedding and reception at Pistol Creek
on April 20, 2019 from 10:00AM — 2:OOPiVI and requesting permission to
consume alcoholic beverages (BYOB beer and wine). Food ���ill be served
and TULIP insurance ���ill be obtained if permission granted.
Commissioner Sylvester moved to approve the request by Kimberly Kidd to hold
a �veddina and reception at Pistol Creek on April 20, 2019 from 10:00AM —
2:OOPM and requesting permission to consume alcoholic beveraaes (BYOB beer
and �vine). Food �vill be served and TULIP insurance will be obtained if
permission aranted.
Seconded by Co-Chair Dellaquila.
Those votina in favor �vere
Dellaquila; Commissioner
Svlvester
Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
Hinchliffe; Commissioner Leanani; Commissioner
Vote beina 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
c. Request approval of donation of a 3" b�� 10" plaque, valued at 522�, to be
placed on a town bench at Berlin High School in honor of Susan Pajor, b��
Richard Spendolini and Gary Riedel.
Commissioner Hinchliffe moved to approve donation of a 3" by l 0" plaque,
valued at $22�, to be placed on a town bench at Berlin High School in honor of
Susan Pajor, by Richard Spendolini and Gary Riedel.
Seconded by Commissioner Le�nani.
Those voti��a in favor �vere: Co-Chair Bovee, Commissioner DeFazio, Co-Chair
Dellaquila, Commissioner Hinchliffe, Commissioner LeQnani; Commissioner
Svlvester y
Vote beina 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
d. Request approval of donation of a red maple tree, valued at �=�39 and a 3 foot
by 3.�-foot stone (valued at �2�0) �r�ith an 8 inch by 10-inch plaque (valued at
5180) mounted on it to be placed at Paper Goods Pond in honor of Tina
DeGrandi by Joseph DeGrandi.
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Co-Chair Dellaquila moved to approve donation of a red maple tree; valued at
$439 and a 3 foot by 3.�-foot stone (valued at $2�0) with an 8 inch by 10-inch
plaque (valued at $180) mounted on it to be placed at Paper Goods Pond in honor
of Tina DeGrandi by Joseph DeGrandi.
Seconded by Commissioner Sylvester.
It �vas noted that the oriainal donation rec�uest did not include a bench; and only
the tree; stone and plaque �vere part of this vote.
Those voting in favor were:
Dellaquila; Commissioner
Sylvester
Co-Chair Bovee; Commissioner DeFazio; Co-Chair
Hinchliffe; Commissioner Leanani; Commissioner
Vote beina 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
e. Request approval of donation of h��o American ilags from the American
Legion, Post 36 in Ludlo���, VT. One flag is 3' by �' and the other is �' by 8'.
Co-Chair Dellaquila moved to approve donation of two American flaas from the
American Leaion; Post 36 in Ludlo�v; VT. One flaa is 3' by �' and the other is �'
bv 8'. � �
Seconded by Commissioner DeFazio.
The flaQs have alreadv been left in the custodv of To�vn staff.
Those votina in favor �vere
Dellaquila, Commissioner
Svlvester
Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
Hinchliffe, Commissioner Leanani. Commissioner
Vote beina 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
f. Request approval of a donation of one pre-school program, maximum ��0
credit, for the Kensington Nurser,y School Breakfast �� ith Santa Fundraiser.
This donation has been approved in the past.
Co-Chair Dellaquila moved to approve the donation of one pre-school proaram,
maximum ��0 credit, for the Kensington Nursery School Breal:fast �vith Santa
Fundraiser. This donation has been approved in the past.
Seconded by Commissioner Legnani.
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Ms. Ochoa noted that this request �vas time-sensitive and was supposed to be
voted on at the November. 2018 meetina �vhich ��Tas canceled due to inclement
�veather. To��m Council has already approved the donation.
Those votina in favor �vere
Dellaquila; Commissioner
Sylvester
Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
Hinchliffe; Commissioner Leanani; Commissioner
Vote being 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
g. Request appro��al of donation of Four O'clock flo�� er seeds (valued at 5�.19)
and garden marker sign, to be planted by the Public Grounds Department at
38 Mill Street, Citgo Park, Berlin from the Petit Famil,y Foundation.
Co-Chair Dellaquila moved to approve the donation of Four O'clocl: flo�ver seeds
(valued at $�.19) and garden marker sian, to be planted by the Public Grounds
Department at 38 Mill Street, Citgo Park, Berlin from the Petit Family
Foundation.
Seconded by Commissioner DeFazio.
Those votin� in favor were: Co-Chair Bovee; Commissioner DeFazio; Co-Chair
Dellaquila; Commissioner Hinchliffe, Commissioner Leanani; Commissioner
Sylvester y
Vote beina 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
h. Request b�� To�� n Manager/BOE to �r-aive 5300 field rental fees, 51�0 light
fees and 51�0 overtime fees for Maloney High School to hold a practice at
Scalise Field on Tuesday, November 20, 2019.
Co-Chair Dellaquila moved to approve the Request by To�vn Manaaer/BOE to
�vaive $300 field rental fees; $1 �0 light fees and $1 �0 overtime fees for Maloney
Hiah School to hold a practice at Scalise Field on Tuesday, Nove,mber 20, 2019.
Seconded by Co-Chair Bovee.
The Commission did not understand �vhy a request to �vaive field rental fees �vas
not presented to it prior to approval bv Town Manaaer Healy. At the
Commission's rec�uest, Ms. Ochoa will request the amount Berlin pays to the City
of Meriden for use of its indoor pools each season (s�vim team) from Board of
Education Business Director Jeff Cugno. She �vill also request To��m Manaaer
Healy attend the January 2019 Commission meeting to answer questions
reaarding this reque,st.
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Those votina against �vere:
Dellaquila, Commissioner
Sylvester
Co-Chair Bovee, Commissioner DeFazio, Co-Chair
Hinchliffe, Commissioner Leanani; Commissioner
Vote being 0-6. (MOTION DEFEATED)
i. Approve meeting dates of 2019 and January 2020.
Co-Chair Bovee moved to approve meetina dates of 2019 and January 2020.
Seconded by Co-Chair Dellaquila.
Those votina in favor �vere: Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
Dellaquila, Commissioner Hinchliffe, Commissioner Legnani; Commissioner
Svlvester
Vote beina 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
4. Parks & Grounds
a. Introduction of ne�v Superintendent of Hiah�vay and Public Grounds
b. Monthly Report (see attached) - Mr. Wood also stated that worl: was done on
Petit 1 to remove infield silt; redo some irrigation and spread cinder (as �vas done
on Saae 1).
Silver Lake update — Ms. Ochoa stated that the outlook for addina playina fields
at the Silver Lal:e site is not �ood. The levels of arsenic. as �vell as the need to
remove peat from the fields will be costly to address. The possibility of addina
pla}'llla fields to Patterson `Vay or Pistol Creek �vc1S bi011aht up. Ms. Ochoa �vill
discuss �vith the Playing Fields Committee, and also �vith To��m Manaaer Healy
and Youth Soccer.
d. Pla}'lila Fields Committee Update — There has been no Conunittee activity; but
Scalise �vent to bid and �vill be pre,sented to To�vn Council on 12/18/18 to a�vard
the contract. Ms. Ochoa met wit11 Patrick Fisher and informed him that the field
�von't be available for the Nutmea Games this vear.
Field Rental Fees/Budaet Discussion — Ms. Ochoa prepared a comparison of
Berlin's field usaae rates to neiahborina to�vns' rates, includinQ Rockv Hill,
Ne�vinaton and I�Te�v Britain. The Commission discussed the �visdom of
restructurina the fees to hourly vs. daily. (Other nearby to�vns charQe by the hour
�vith a multi-hour minimum.) This ne�v billina structure �vould allo�v Parl:s &
Recreation to improve field availability by holding aroups accountable to rent the
field for the actual time needed, as �vell as to more accurately trac� actual field
usaQe.
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The Commission also revie�ved the impact of the proposed ne�v fee structure on
groups that currently book the fields. It agreed on t«Jo category distinctions:
Local and Non-Local / For Profit.
Hourly rates for grass fields (2 hour minimum):
• Local: $10/hour
• Non-Local / For-Profit: $40/hour
Hourly rates for Scalise turf field (3-hour minimum):
• Local: $10/hour
• Non-Local / For-Profit: $�0/hour �
'� Non-Local/For-Profit groups also require Grounds staff on site for
additional char�e.
Ms. Ochoa �vill invite the groups �vho currently reserve the fields to attend the
January 2019 meetinQ so that the Commission may e�plain the ne�v rental rates.
Co-Chair Dellaquila also ackno��-ledaed the above-and-beyond effort of Town
cre�vs to manuallv clear Scalise Field after the 11/1�/18 sno�v and ice storm.
allo�vina a BHS football game to be played on 11/16/18. Mr. Wood commented
that most of the crew had �vorked throuah the niQht prior and �vere intent on
clearina the bleachers and playina field for the Town and its kids. Mr. Wood
continued to say that employees from Grounds, Facilities, High�vay and Timberlin
participated in the clean up and it �vas a to�vn-�vide effort.
�. Parks and Recreation
a. Monthly Report (see attached) — Ms. Dennis added that the Tinsel Run �vas very
popular this year, and a photoarapher took pictures of each runner at the finish
line. The runners �vere able to purchase the photos if they «rished.
b. Pistol Cree� Update — B&1� Pavina will begin �vork in the spring.
Community/Senior Center Forum Update — Per tlie Town Charter, the matter can
ao straiaht to the Public Buildina Commission �vithout input from Parks R:
Recreation / Commission for the AQing. The To�vn ManaQer �vill ask for
permission from To�vn Cowicil to establish a committee to �vork on the project.
d. Fee ScheduleBudaet Discussion —
Btid�et —
o Ms. Dennis Proposed Community Center Supervisor and Recreation
Supervisor staff for the FY2019 budaet. To�vn Manaaer eliminated the
Re.creation Supervisor; but left in the Community Center Supervisor staff.
likely because of the buildina breach earlier this year. Ms. Dennis hopes
the item carries throuah to the final budget, as she feels it is not safe to
liave only one Commwlity Center employee in the buildina.
o Ms. Dennis also �vorked on a ne�v pay schedule in an attempt to match the
hiaher part-time wages paid by other neighborina to�vns. She is havin� a
difficult time attractina and retainina seasonal staf£ She is prepared to
raise fees to help offset the hiaher waaes. To�vn Manaaer Healy supports
the higher �vaaes. V V y
o Increases pool passes by $�: Individual $�0; Family $7�.
o Increase Summer fun by $�: $90 / weel: ($70 to General Fund; $20 to
Special Revenue)
Mr. ��ood reported back to the Commission about the �veeds sproutina throuah the
new tracl: surface. He stated that the surface is very porous since it is ne�v, and it is
common for weeds to peek throuah. Any sprouts �vill die off throuah the �vinter, and
anything that surfaces in the spring �vill be killed off by the summer heat.
6. Commissioner's Attendance Discussion
7. Adjournment
Commissioner Sylvester �vill not be seekina reappointment for another term on the
Commission. The staff and Commissioners thanked Commissioner Sylvester for his
years of service. Ms. Ochoa noted that the Commission may be do�vn to four or five
members in February, and four will be required for a quorum of any Commission
meetinQ. She as�ed the Commissioners to advise if they �vill be unable to attend a
meetina as soon as possible.
Commissioner Hinchliffe moved to adjourn at 9:11 p.m.
Seconded by Commissioner DeFazio.
Those votina in favor �vere: Co-Chair Bovee. Commissioner DeFazio. Co-Chair
Dellaquila, �Commissioner Hinchliffe, Commissioner LeQnani; Commissioner
Svlvester �
Vote being 6-0. (MOTION CARRIED)
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Parks and Grounds October monthly report
Dailv
o Mo�ving
o Ball fields
o���aterina and weedin� of to�vn flo�ver beds
VVeekly �
o Empty garbage and recycle cans
o Painting of athletic fields
Preparation of fall sports
o Paint
o Soccer Fie.lds
o Football Fields
o Lacrosse Fields
o Put up soccer nets and Qoals
o Silted Centurelli y
Other projects
o Put up temporary liahts on Saae Au�iliary
o Bro�:e down both pools for the season
o Prunina of Paper Goods Pond
o PruninQ of Pistol Creek trails and clubhouse
o Mo�vin� and prunina of open space
o Assisted in movina and settina up for the Holiday food drive
o Assisted in locatina and removing of 100 tires from local trails
Parks and Grounds November monthl}- report
Daily
o Mo�ving
o Leaves
o Ice check on to�vn properties
Weeklv
o Empty garbaQe and recycle cans throuahout to�vn
o Cleaning of Scalise after sporting events
o Paintina of athletic fields
Miscellaneous jobs
o Final clean up on flo�ver beds
o Plo�vin� and shoveling from sno�v storm
O ReI110Vllla sno�v from Scalise Field and bleachers
o Decorate To�vn Hall and parks for the holidays
o Assisted �vith deliverina food to the food pantry
o Servicing of equipment
o Blo�vina out of irriQation lines throuQhout to�vn
o Ta�in� do�vn windscreens_ tennis and soccer nets
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Parl:s and Recreation monthly report for November
Winter basketball recently held evaluations and the draft. Numbers are good,
number of teams for each group — Boys 3&4 8(�) teams, Boys �&6 �(6)
teams, Boys 7&8 �(6) teams; Girls 3&4 4(4) teams, Girls �&6 4(3) teams
and Girls 7-9 3(3) teams. The only division that is full is Boys 7&8 but �ve
are takina a�vaitin� list in case anyone drops out. There are 260 (263)
currently reaistered and �ve �vill continue to register for divisions that have
openinas. Some staff �vill not be returnina so advertisement for positions �vas
done and intervie�vs are beina held this week.
2. Scarecro�v Festival �vas held �vith 14 scarecro�vs entered. This �vas the first
year �ve let the public vote for their favorites in each cateaory. Ne�t year we
are lookina into votina on-line. Monster Bash �vas held at Willard School on
Friday, October 26 from 6:4�-8:30 p.m. VVe had over �40 (400) people attend
the event. Willard PTO also held their Trunk or Treat the same ni�ht as the
Monster Bash. We aaain had an elcellent turnout for this event. V
Workina on the Tinsel Fun Run. Race �vill be held at Berlin HiQh School on
Saturdav. December 1. y
4. The Comnninitv Center hosted t�vo flu clinics in October, run by the Central
Connecticut Health District. The Kensinaton Garden Club also held t�vo
events here in October/I�Tovember. Mid-State Association held t�vo
�vorkshops and the State Ta� Collector Association aroup held 4 classes this
fall. y
ReQistration �vill begin on Monday, November 26 for residents for our �vinter
proQrams. Nonresidents can reQister startina December 3. Information will
be available on the To�vIl �vebsite, Facebook paae and Board of Education
website.
6. Santa's Parlor �vill be held at the Bet•lin Communit�r Center on November 26
and 27 from 6-7:30 p.m. Berlin }-outh in preschool throuQh 2°d arade are
�velcome to meet �vith Santa. Santa also asks everyone to brina a donation for
the Food Pantry. v
VVe have had a lot of ne�v trroups meetina at the Community Center. Some of
the aroups include Quality Senior Benefits, United Health Care, American
Financial Education Alliance and `Vheeler Clinic. Manv have reserved
additional dates for �nore seminars/meetinas.
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Parks and Recreation monthly report for December
8. VVinter class reQistration is goina on no�v.
9. Numbers for December special events — Santa's Parlor 4� kids; Tinsel Run
184 people finished
10. Basketball teams started practicinQ after Thanksaivina and will have two
aames before Christmas break. We are up to 26� total participants. I hired 6
ne�v staff. �ve have 18 total staf£ I have been �vor�ing on practice schedules
for Januarv.
11. WorkinQ on budaet for fiscal year 2019-20. Previously submitted request for
an additional Community Center Supervisor and Recreation Supervisor.
12. Fee schedule — after revie�vina numbers (revenue vs. e�penditures) I
deternlined if we implement the new fee scale that I proposed, we should
increase the ��-eekly fee of the Summer Fun at Clover Hill and The Creek by
$�. Winter basketball can absorb the pay increase and still make money; as
lona as custodian fees are not factored in. Rates would have to be raised $37
per participant to cover those additional e�penses. Pool passes have not been
increased since 2016 so I recommend increasinQ Primary passes to $7� and
Individual passes to $�0. �
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