1987/08/27PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES -- AUGUST 1987
The August 27, 1987 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was called
to order at 7:00 P.M. by chairman Bob Silver. Those present were Steve
Gentile, George Wiecek, Phil Maule, Vic Salce, Len Zielinski, Steve Kelly,
Jim Petersen, and Lindsey Hansen.
A motion was made by Mr. Wiecek, seconded by Mr. Gentile and voted unanimously
to accept the minutes of the July 9, 1987 meeting as printed.
Bill Petit and Hank Stefanowicz were present to discuss some concerns of
the Commission regarding Little League scores. Mr. Petit~and Mr. Stefanowicz
explained the reasons for abnormally high scores at times, adding that when
this happens the score is never published with more than a ten point spread.
During one particular game which drew complaints from some of the parents,
they explained that the strike zone was expanded but the winning team was
having a great day and the losing team made many errors. It is not their
belief to stop a game with high scoring. They rather see the kids get the
extra practice and learn that they have to do their best and keep plugging
along even if the odds are against them. Mr. Stafanowicz requested that in
the future the town spend a little more money to get better soil for the
fields than the poor quality soil that was put down this year.
Mr. Hansen reported on the golf course. He stated that he is disappointed
that so much money was put into the clubhouse renovations and the new
maintenance building but nothing was put into the course itself. He feels
that if the course is not kept up it will not remain competitive and it will
cost more in the long run for major work. Mr. Silver asked Mr. Hansen to
make a list, in order of priority, of things he thinks should be done on
the course and get it to Mr. Silver as soon as possible. Mr. Hansen reported
that he had someone interested in the ranger job but because of poor
communication the wrong hourly rate was quoted to her and she decided to
turn the job down. Mr. Zielinski brought up the idea of possibly leasing
the course to a corporation to run but the other Commissioners were against
the idea.
Mr. Kelly gave out copies of the Midget Football schedule and updated
copies of the Capital Requests. The Finance Board and the Executive Board
will jointly review the recreation department Capital Requests at 8:30 P.M.
on September 17, 1987. Commissioners are invited to attend. Mr. Wiecek
questioned Mr. Kelly about a $40,000 national grant which was recently
awarded to New Britain recreation department. Mr. Kelly had never heard
about the grant before but he was going to check on it with New Britain.
Commissioners agreed that this is an important reason why they would like
to see the staff attend the national conferences - to make contacts and
learn about national grants for which we may be eligible to apply.
Mr. Petersen has his programs set for the fall. He reported that the
appropriation has been made for the new community center architectural
plans. Mr. Petersen has been asked to join the Youth Advisory Board
which holds meetings the second Thursday of each month - same as this
commission. He was given permission to serve on the board.
Mr. Silver read a brief report from Mr. Hawkins in which he touched on
the vandalism at Timberlin as reported in the newspaper. A drinking
water line has been installed to the #12 tee area.
A letter was received from Jim D'Errico regarding a rate increase for the
Commission secretary from $40.00 to $50.00 per meeting, effective 8/1/87.
Mr. Kelly contacted the Strollers Rugby Club~as requested by the Commissiont
regarding switching their practices to Sage outer parking lot. They objected
to the request because the lot is not adequate for practice and they don't
feel they are abusing the McGee field. It was suggested to them that they
list other areas on their next insurance policy for practices such as
Willard, Percival and Sage. Mr. Silver stated that we have other organizations
which take priority for use of fields and if McGee is being used, the Strollers
will have to practice at another location or not practice at all.
The subject of whether or not to charge for use of lights at the high school
tennis courts was discussed. It was the consensus of the Commission, although
not unanimously, that no fee should be charged but there should be a way to
turn the lights off when the courts are not being used.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES -- AUGUST 1987
PAGE 2
The use of the pavilions at Sage Park and Timberlin Park was discussed.
was unanimously agreed that use of the pavilions should not be allowed
without payment and a permit.
It
Mr. Maule asked if anyone knew why a high school soccer team was thrown
off Hubbard field by the park department. No one present knew anything
about the incident.
Mr. Maule also commented on the nice improvements at Clarks Grove. He stated
it looks especially nice at night with the new lights.
Mr. Zielinski made a suggestion regarding Bicentennial Park. He explained
that gravel had been taken out from the park in the past and a hole remains.
He has noticed, with the present work being done on Norton Road, that stone
is being taken away by town trucks. He suggested that this stone might be
used to fill in the hole in the park.
A motion was made by Mr. Wiecek, seconded by Mr. Gentile and voted unanimously
to approve the request to hold the third annual Dr. Kiniry Memorial Golf
Tournament under the same conditions as in the past at Timberlin on Wednesday,
June 29, 1988.
Mr. Wiecek suggested some type of recognition be given to the volunteers
involved in the town athletic programs. It was briefly discussed and will
be discussed further at the next meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 1987.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Guite
Secretary