The regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission (“WPRC”) was held on Monday, January 8, 2007.  Present were:  Chairman Dave Juneau, Vice Chairman Nancy Babyak, Bob Uzenoff, Pat Kane and Carlos Mello.  Absent:  Marc Butlein and Carl Bernstein.  Staff present:  Dave Ungar.

 

1)      Call to order:  Chairman Juneau called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. and bypassed

the traditional reading of the Weston Code section 2-62.

2)      Approval of minutes of December 11, 2006:  Minutes of the December 11^th meeting

were approved as amended.  Pat moved motion and Carlos seconded motion.  All in favor 5-0.

3)      Public Forum:  none

a)      Review of action items:

06-01.   Dave U. spoke with Carmine Magnoli of the Eagle Scouts who is looking forward to do the natural history sign at MFP.  He stated he foresees late spring or summer to begin this project.  He stated there is another Scout that is interested in working with him.  They may also build a walking trail for the project. 

 

06-02.   Dave J. spoke with Town Historian Kathy Failla who will be writing the text for the human and natural history for sign at MFP. Dave stated the Commission will give the Scouts guidance on the project and decide what information will be on the human history sign.  Commission discussed location for signs at MFP.  Dave U. stated he would like the Eagle Scouts to present their project to the Commission prior to constructing it.  Dave J. asked Commission if they would like to do a field walk at MFP.  Dave U. will email a PDF map of MFP to Commission for the history sign potential location.  Commission will vote on this at the March meeting.

 

06-04.   Dave J. spoke with Jerry Sargent about the enterprise fund and the feedback he got was the Board of Finance was looking to limit the number of enterprise funds in town and was unlikely to be open to expanding the scope of enterprise funds. 

 

06-05. Dave U. distributed pictures of park signs at Trout Brook Valley and Cherry Lane Park in Wilton for the Eagle Scout project at MFP.  Commission discussed different options for the sign either being constructed out of wood or a brass plaque close to the ground.  Sign could be used for information regarding the field’s usage and restrictions.   

b)      Weston Park Project:  Dave U. reported he received a phone call from Melanie Mendelson of WPP regarding ordering the playground apparatus at BSP.  He suggested staying in the color scheme of the existing BSP playground colors.  Commission would like Dave U. to speak with Project manager Cory Attra to see what has been ordered and if project is on budget.  Dave U. will inquire with Tom Landry to see if WPP ordered this equipment through him or with the Selectmen. 

c)      07-08 Proposed Budget meeting of Jan. 4, 2007:  Dave U. met with First Selectman Woody Bliss, Town Administrator Tom Landry and Finance Director Rick Darling on the Proposed Budget for 07-08.  They reviewed and questioned the Capital and Operating Request.  Dave stated two new items on the Capital plan are Middle School field renovation and stadium bleachers.  Commission discussed whether it should be on the Town or BOE plan.  Dave J. sent an email to BOE members Joe Fitzpatrick and Ellen Uzenoff regarding this with the hope to inspire them and put on their budget request.  Selectmen have made a commitment for the turf replacement fund.  First Selectman submits the Proposed Budget on Jan. 23^rd to Board of Selectmen.  Selectmen’s Budget Hearing will be on Jan. 29th which all Commissioners are encouraged to attend.    

d)      Other unfinished business:  none

a)      Administrative Committee:  none

b)      Aquatics Committee:  Dave U. reported the pool heating system is working well.  The water temperature in the locker rooms is where it should be.  

c)      Fields Committee:  Dave U. stated the field user’s meeting was held in December and went well with good representation from various sports reps.  Spring season will begin in April and the fall schedule meeting will be held in June.  Dave discussed with field users the option of taking fields #1 and #2 at MFP out during the spring season to allow fields to be seeded and top dressed.  Dave U. will ask Weston Soccer, Lacrosse and Babe Ruth Softball if a sign board would be useful to their organizations.  Dave stated the town will have an open bid for field maintenance.  Soil sample results will be in soon to be put in the bid process.  Little League will be at the February Commission meeting to discuss a proposal for dugouts at BSP. 

d)      Programs Committee:  Winter programs are underway and going very well.  The ski program is questionable with lack of snow at this time. WP&R Dept. will monitor weather conditions as the trips become closer.

e)      Parks Committee:  Dave J. asked about the gates being closed at MFP.  Dave U. explained BSP is open and if weather is nice he will open the gates at MFP.  Dave J. stated if gates are open other than for scheduled events it is a good opportunity for vandalism.

a)    Field scheduling meeting report:  see above. 

b)    Other new business:  Dave U. stated the WP&R Dept. may be relocating to the Jarvis House and will keep the Commission updated. 

7)      Correspondence:  Dave J. received correspondence for the “Citizen of the Year” award from the Board of Police Commissioners for potential nominations.   

8)      Announcements:  none

9)      Adjournment:  Carlos moved motion to adjourn meeting at 9:28 p.m.  Pat seconded motion.

 

Respectively submitted,

 

 

Gloria Sundlof

Adm. Asst.