The regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission (“WPRC”) was held on Monday, November 13, 2006.  Present were:  Bob Uzenoff, Marc Butlein, Chairman David Juneau, Nancy Babyak and Carlos Mello.  Absent:  Carl Bernstein and Pat Kane.  Staff present:  Dave Ungar.  Public:  Edward Parker, Jenna Jacobs-Dick and Drew Seath.

 

   1)   Call to order:  Chairman Juneau called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. and read 

          from the Weston Code section 2-62.

2)      Approval of minutes of October 16, 2006:  Minutes of the October 16^th meeting   were approved with minor amendments, 5-0.

3)      Public Forum:  Weston Park Project (WPP) Chairman Jenna Jacobs-Dick reported the Town has been designated to receive a $75,000 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant. In speaking with the First Selectman and Town Administrator she understands the town would need to contribute $25,000 and another $25,000 would still need to be raised before the grant could be awarded.  Ms. Jacobs-Dick distributed cost estimates for the Bisceglie park project totaling $200,000.  Two suppliers have guaranteed a price for playground equipment until Dec. 31^st taking installation on or before April 1, 2007.  WPP proposes purchasing playground equipment from Kompan, Inc. and BCI Burke Company, LLC.  WPP architect Edward Parker presented a diagram of the new park plans.  WPP will identify a project manager to oversee this project completion and will return to the December WPRC meeting with the project manager and an implementation plan to present to Commission.  Commission passed a conditional resolution of support in principle to help WPP along on the process before December’s meeting.  Chairman Juneau stated the Weston Parks and Recreation Commission could resolve to endorse the use of Bisceglie Scribner Park by the WPP as they have shown the Commission in their plan.  This plan is consistent with the Commission’s goals for BSP.  The plan’s estimated cost is $200,000.00.  The Commission endorsed this plan contingent upon the WPP attending the Commission’s December meeting with a contractor who will vouch that this project can be accomplished within the budget and the WPP will present a detailed implementation plan.  Marc seconded motion for resolution.  All members present voted in favor of the motion, 5-0.                                     

President of Weston Soccer Club Drew Seath discussed his intent to host a spring soccer tournament in town focusing on travel teams.  Mr. Seath expressed his desire for the children to participate in their home town and how tournaments are great fund raisers for the community.  He discussed his interest for Memorial Day weekend but Commissioners stated how it would conflict with the major fundraiser of the Middle School PTO along with the town parade and road race.  Marc reminded Commission of last month’s discussion to close down fields during down time due to poor conditions and bringing fields back to safe playable conditions.  Marc suggested to possibly reduce their time per week for usage which may help with field conditions.  Sports participants are largely increasing which affect field conditions.  Dave U. suggested delay the tournament for another year to allow fields to improve.

           a)   Review of action items:           

06-01. Dave U. spoke with Eagle Scouts regarding project on the natural history sign for    MFP. Scout master will take this project and Dave U. will work with him. A plan will be submitted to Commission and Eagle Scouts for approval. Commission would like the scout master to give a presentation prior to start of project.    

06-02.    Dave J. is waiting to hear back from Town Historian, Kathy Failla regarding information on the human history sign at MFP and locate report from Heady House minutes. 

 

06-03.    Dave J., Dave U. and Carlos met with BOE members Ellen Uzenoff, Les Wolfe

and Dan Clarke regarding various issues on campus grounds.  BOE will engage a consultant to come up with a plan.  Some issues discussed were low level lighting, parking for public near High School track, pool temperature and drainage on School Road.  Dave J. stated he was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting.

 

06-04.    Dave J. waiting to hear back from Jerry Sargent regarding enterprise fund for    town programs.

 

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

professional advice.

 

06-06.    Dave J. will write up a list of items to be completed from Weston Park Project’s

contractor prior to Commission signing off project.

b)      Other unfinished business:  Commission discussed the 07-08 budget will be top priority subject for the December Commission meeting.  Information from public on the agenda for this meeting will be made available to Commissioners prior to meeting.  

 

a)      Administrative Committee: none

b)      Aquatics Committee:  none

c)       Fields Committee:  Bob reported observing the gates at MFP unlocked after dusk on many occasions.  Dave Ungar reported the individual responsible is being replaced.

d)      Programs Committee:  none

e)      Parks Committee:  none

a)      Weston Park Project & STEAP Grant:  see above

b)      Drew Seath:  Weston Soccer Club tournament request:  see above

c)       Other new business:  none

7)      Correspondence:  Dave J. sent a follow up letter to Richard Wolfe in response to the School Building Committee feedback request.  Revson field has poor drainage and consequently is under utilized.  Temporary solutions are being used but are not permanent solutions.  Dave J. is waiting to hear back from the School Building Committee and/or Building Committee.

8)      Announcements:  Dave J. stated people have been walking their dogs on the fields at MFP.  Dave advised them of the field polices.

9)      Adjournment:  Dave J. moved motion to adjourn meeting at 10:43 p.m.  Nancy seconded motion.

 

   Respectively submitted,

 

 

   Gloria Sundlof

   Adm. Asst.