1988/10/13PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES -- OCTOBER 1988
The October 13, 1988 meeting of the Park and Recreation Commission was
called to order at 7:00 P.M. by chairman George Wiecek. Those present were
Ed Giana, Steve Gentile, Bill Baccaro, Vic Salce, Lois Szczepanik, Phil
Maule, Len Zielinski, Steve Kelly, Lindsey Hansen, A1 Hawkins, and Jim
Petersen. Vin Biscoglio was absent.
A motion was made by Mr. Salce, seconded by Mrs. Szczepanik and voted
unanimously to accept the minutes of the September 8, 1988 meeting.
Mr. Hawkins reported that work on Percival Field and Percival Pool is
progressing and the new surface is being put down on the Timberlin tennis
courts. Mr. Baccaro suggested that the high school baseball coach be
contacted to let him know Percival Field will not be ready for the first
part of the season and that the high school schedule should be planned accord-
ingly. Mr. Baccaro also recommended that the baseball team not use the Sage
Park softball fields.
Mr. Petersen reported that usage of the Community Center has increased since
the summer. He taught a class for midget football and soccer coaches this
fall and another class is planned this winter for basketball coaches. The
cost for a new gym floor and related expenses has risen to close to $30,000.
Mr. Wiecek reported that the Mayor has invited Commission members and Dick
Russell to attend an Executive Board meeting on October 18 at 8:30 P.M. to
discuss the matter.
Mr. Kelly received a letter from the State Department of Environmental
Protection after an inspection of Bicentennial Park. They suggested that
signs be posted at entrances to the park. A letter was received from the
Economic Development Commission replying to this Commission's letter of
concern over Hubbard School and the surrounding land. The Economic
Development Commission is also aware of the limited land available for
recreational use in East Berlin and is concerned about the situation.
Mr. Hawkins reported that play at Timberlin has been average because of the
cool, wet weather. Mr. Hawkins informed the Commission that lights have
been installed in the back parking lot, and cement steps have been put in
to the pavilion in the picnic area. The contract has been signed for tee
graphics. Mr. Hansen requested that the Commission begin working on the fee
structure for next year. He will need to replace a starter who is retiring
this year and asked if any Commission member knows of anyone who would be
interested to contact him. Mr. Wiecek said the Greens Committee will be
meeting to discuss fees and the Mayor, Commission members, Men's Club
representatives, etc. will be invite~.
Mr. Wiecek reporte~ that a letter had been received from an East Berlin
resident regarding pool rates for non-residents. A reply was sent stating
that the Commission would review the policy when setting fees for next year~
A motion was made by Mrs. Szczepanik, seconded by Mr. Zielinski and voted
unanimously to approve the fall special fee at Timberlin which started
October 1. The special price, in effect Monday-Friday, includes greens
fee, cart, and lunch.
It was brought to the Commission's attention that Berlin Babe Ruth league
had three players from Plainville this year. All three players were also
on the all-star team. Some Commission members were displeased to hear
out-of-towners were playing in a town league which receives some funding
from the town. The matter was discussed and it was agreed that represen-
tatives from the Babe Ruth league would be requested to attend the next
meeting to discuss it further.
Mr. Zielinski reported on a recent incident involving a soccer player and
a coach. He let the Commission know that the league had taken disciplin-
ary action.
A question of whether the Commission has any jurisdiction over the leagues
to which the town gives financial assistance was discussed. Mr. Wiecek said
yes, if a Commission member observes something not right, the Commission
would bring it to the leagues's attention and expect corrective action.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES -- OCTOBER 1988
Page 2
A motion was made by Mr. Zielinski, seconded by Mrs. Sz~zepanik and voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Guite
Secretary