The regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission (“WPRC”) was held on Monday, October 16, 2006.  Present were:  Carlos Mello, Carl Bernstein, Chairman David Juneau, Vice Chairman Nancy Babyak, Bob Uzenoff and Marc Butlein.  Absent:  Pat Kane.  Staff present:  Dave Ungar.  Public:  Eric Tyson, Stu Tobin and Teri Gaberman. 

 

1)      Call to order:  Chairman Juneau called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and read from the Weston Code section 2-62.

  2)   Approval of minutes of September 11, 2006:  Minutes of the September 11^th meeting were approved with minor amendments, 6-0. 

  3)   Public Forum:  Weston resident, Eric Tyson discussed his intent of starting up Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) baseball team in town.  Mr. Tyson spoke on amateur sports on national level, giving players an additional higher level of competition.  This league is similar to Little League but for ages 11 and 12 years and is a travel league.  All new teams must register as AAU Youth Clubs with their AAU District in the state.  Mr. Tyson discussed possibility of starting a team in the spring with a majority of Weston players.  Commission discussed field options since AAU must play on skinned fields with 70’paths and 50’pitching distance.  All spring organizations must attend field scheduling meeting prior to start of spring season.  Mr. Tyson will see what the demand is for this team from Weston boys before attending field meeting.  If there is enough interest within town, Mr. Tyson will comply with town’s regulations by providing necessary documentation prior to start of season.  Carl made a motion to support the application to accommodate AAU, provided the team is made up of majority of Weston players that are interested in playing.  AAU must comply with insurance regulations, certifications, by-laws and guidelines.  Carlos seconded motion.  All in favor 6-0.

               a)   Review of action items:

         06-01. Dave U. is waiting to hear back from Scout, Carmine Magnoli on the possibility of an Eagle Scout project sign on the natural history at MFP.

 

06-02. Dave J. will speak with Town Historian, Kathy Failla regarding a human history sign at MFP.  Commission discussed posting announcements or notes behind sign for visitors to read and is waiting to hear back from Ms. Failla.

 

06-03.   Dave J. reported on issues on use of lighting and sharing use of the pool. Dave is waiting to hear back from Joe Fitzpatrick with a meeting date.  All Commission members are encouraged to attend.  Additional items to be discussed will be pool temperature, parking and drainage issues on School Road.   

 

06-04.   Dave J. will speak with Jerry Sargent regarding looking into enterprise fund

for town programs.

 

06-05.   Dave U. will contact lawn professional companies to look at town’s fields and

get professional advice.

b)      Other unfinished business:  none

a)      Administrative Committee:  Dave J. discussed the upcoming field walk with Selectmen at MFP.  Dave. U. stated poor turf issues were due to many reasons: overuse causing lack of adequate growing time, limited options for repair during summer months and not using pre emergent crab grass controls reasons: overuse causing lack of adequate growing time, limited options for repair during summer months, not using pre emergent crab grass controls, etc.  Fields #1 and #2 are in need of repair.  He commented fields can not grow grass in summer and fall and the spring & spring schedule is full.  Commission had a lengthy discussion on issue of closing some fields down to rest and grow.  Follow up discussion will take place at field walk.  Commission mentioned having representatives from soccer, lacrosse and present lawn service contractor Steck’s Nursery to attend field walk with Selectmen.  Field Committee members, Dave J. and Carl will do a preliminary field walk prior to Selectmen’s field walk on Oct. 28^th.   Bob stated he would like to hear comments from town residents regarding field conditions and suggested to meet with reps from baseball, soccer and lacrosse once a quarter to report on field conditions and update Commissioners.  Dave U. will contact lawn professionals to look at fields and advise on proper maintenance.

b)      Aquatics Committee:  Dave J. reported M.S. pool being well utilized during public swim hours.  Metal fence around the BSP playground area may be moved to separate playground and pond area which would allow residents use of playground without entering into swimming pond area.

 

Commission reviewed and discussed end of season report from Aquatic Director, Lynn Stevens on BSP pond attendance and recommendations for next year.

c)       Fields Committee:  see above

d)      Programs Committee:  Dave U. reported basketball registrations will begin next month.  All current programs are running smoothly with near full enrollments.

e)      Parks Committee:  Bob questioned why school soccer field  was lit up when no one was utilizing them.  Dave U. stated lights are controlled and turned on when fields are scheduled only.  Dave was trained by Musco Lighting to operate lighting and has trained a representative from each field user group to operate them.  

a)      Eric Tyson: AAU Travel baseball team:  see above

b)      STEAP Grant: Dave J. reported State of Ct. awarded $75,000 to Town of Weston and Weston Park Project will present to the town as a grant.  Town applied for a grant with input with Weston Park Project.

c)       Other new business:  none

7)      Correspondence: Carlos expressed his gratitude to the Commission from United Way of Westport/Weston organization for the use of the administration field in celebrating their “First Family Fun Day” which helps create awareness in the Community.

8)      Announcements:  none

9)      Adjournment:  Marc moved motion to adjourn meeting at 10:34 p.m.  Carl seconded motion. 

 

Respectively submitted,

 

 

Gloria Sundlof

Adm. Asst.