The regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission (“WPRC”) was held on Monday, April 10, 2006.  Present were:  Chairman Dave Juneau, Marc Butlein, Carl Bernstein, Vice Chairman Nancy Babyak and Bob Uzenoff.  Absent:  Carlos Mello and Pat Kane.  Staff present:  Dave Ungar.  Public present:  Jenna Jacobs-Dick and Melanie Mendelson.

 

1)      Call to order:  Chairman Juneau called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. and read

from the Weston Code section 2-62.

2)      Approval of minutes of March 6, 2006:  Minutes of the March 6^th meeting were

approved with amendments.  Carl moved motion and Marc seconded.  All in favor, 5-0.

3)      Public Forum:  Melanie Mendelson and Jenna Jacobs-Dick updated Commission on the status of the Weston Park Project.  As of date they have received $10,000 from Weston Women’s League and have raised $30,000 total to present to town.  They will continue to hold fundraisers.  Ms. Jacobs-Dick asked for the endorsement of the Commission.  They would like the endorsement from WP&R so they could proceed.  Dave J. stated Commission held public forum which was successful.  Discussion followed on potentially building an outdoor pool at BSP with the possibility of tearing up the park area.  Any equipment installed could be salvageable.  Ms. Jacobs-Dick reported that some groups would like to support them if they receive approval from the WP&R Commission.  Dave J. moved motion that WP&R endorse the Weston Park Project and the Commission work with Weston Park Project with whatever amount of money they raise to see that facility upgraded up to the entire Phase 1 that the Weston Park Project has proposed if they raise such funds.  Bob seconded motion, 3-1-1. 

4)      Unfinished Business: 

a)      Review of action items:  Bob and Marc wrote and distributed a draft proposal of charter for enterprise fund.  Capital items and maintenance items do not come out of enterprise fund.  Dave U. stated he has a 10 year capital plan which is reviewed and revised to a want or need list.  Marc proposed a motion that the WP&R enterprise fund document as amended or accepted by the Commission and be submitted to the First Selectman.  Dave J. seconded motion.  All in favor, 5 - 0.  Dave J. added as a follow up for Commissioners to attend the Board of Selectmen meeting.

 

Dave J. received an email from Carlos saying Joe Fitzpatrick felt turning the M.S. field from north and south to east and west would not be feasible at this time due to financial considerations. 

 

Bob asked if a master list is kept of things that are needed or wanted throughout the year.  Commission will accumulate a wish list.  Marc questioned if bleachers at H.S. are on our capital plan.  Cost would be roughly $200,000 for this and should be put on our one year capital plan.

 

Dave U. will bring standing commission resolutions to next meeting.

 

Dave U. reported on procedures from surrounding towns on background checks for potential coaches.  Easton, Wilton and Stamford do not require background checks.  Police department has a form with a standard background check and no fee.  State form is a more intensive background check with a fee.  Most programs run through town are parent volunteered.  Dave J. suggested town sponsored programs background checks should be done by police department.  Marc and Bob spoke about standing resolutions to post online.  Every volunteer who would like to coach must fill out the report form.  Carl reported at minimal cost state will do an intensive background check.  Dave U. will check into what process other organizations in town are using for their background checks.

 

Carl downloaded background check form from State website.  Information required includes name, finger prints and fee of $25.00 for intensive check. 

 

Nancy spoke with Hilary Berger of Weston Swimming regarding the potential interest of an outdoor pool at BSP.  Ms. Berger thought that would be possible through the interest of the Weston Swimming families.  She will present this idea to the Weston Swimming Board.  Nancy will speak with Aquatics Committee and contact Ron at Monroe P&R to get fee structure for their pool.

 

Carl spoke with Ron Walissa of Monroe P&R regarding costs for their outdoor pool.  Ron stated total was 2.2 million to build.  Monroe received federal and state funds.  Pool passes includes use of Wolfe Park.  Last year 4000 people from 30 towns participated in this.  T.L.B. Architecture installed pool.  Information is available on Town of Monroe’s website.  Nancy will get back with Ms. Berger next week to follow up.  Dave J. suggested figure out what costs will be to our town. 

 

Carl stated he would like to raise money for a squash court.  

b)      Weston Park Project update:  see above

c)       Other unfinished business:  Carl would like to contact electrician regarding low level lighting at running track.  Conduits are in place already.  Marc suggested contact First Selectman.  Dave J. will contact Joe Fitzpatrick regarding the low level lighting on running track.  Marc moved motion that P&R supports the concept of low level lighting on the track surrounding the football field located on the BOE property for residents to use for walking, running and other uses that may be consistent of the use of the track.  Nancy seconded motion.  All in favor, 5-0.   

a)      Administrative Committee:  Resolutions will be posted on agenda each month for review.

b)      Aquatics Committee:  Dave J. reported paint on wall in men’s shower room ceiling is peeling off and needs to be repaired.  BSP will open third week in June.

c)       Fields Committee:  Irrigation will start up at BSP and MFP this month and will be used as needed.  Marc reported a complaint from resident regarding the condition of tennis courts.  Wind screens were not put up correctly and there were no benches.  New screens were ordered with stronger tie wraps which were installed by Steck’s.  Dave U. will stay in touch with Carl Charles.  Bob suggested write a memorandum of responsibilities and understandings between the parks and grounds dept. and BOE maintenance staff.  Storage area for soccer club at MFP is on order.  Commission discussed BSP gate being kept open or closed for resident use of walking trails and pavilion.

d)  Programs Committee:  Commission questioned Dave U. on winter                        

income and expense program packages submitted by Bill Shaeffer and Lynn Stevens.  Dave will submit an operating budget spread sheet with all expenses for programs at next month’s meeting. 

d)      Parks Committee:  none

a)      School Road Turf field drainage issue:  Dave J. stated Drew Seath sent

email concerning drainage issue at crosswalk near turf field and H.S. parking lot.  Carl Goedecke will look into this. 

b)      MFP irrigation:  Dave J. and Dave U. attended Selectmen’s meeting to ask for more water for irrigation.  Currently are at 9000 gallons per day but have asked for 27,000 gallons.  Selectmen suggested 18,000 gallons.  We will need to apply.  Dave U. and Conservation planner, Fred Anderson will meet to discuss plan on this. 

c)       BSP batting cage proposal:  Dave U. stated Dan Hassett would like to propose a batting cage at BSP.  Cage would have netting.  Netting would come down after season and there would be no impact on games.  Posts installed in ground and would be located behind dug out.  Commission discussed having maps of fields for meetings.  Marc suggested having general guidelines for requests by residents.

d)      Other new business:  none

           a)   Email from Ms. Karen Hason:  Dave J. received email from Ms. Hason          

      expressing her support for an outdoor public pool at BSP. 

8)        Announcements:  Dave J. thanked the Commission members for all their                    

                  time they have dedicated.

9)      Adjournment:  Marc moved motion to adjourn meeting at 10:42 p.m.   Carl

                  seconded motion. 

 

Respectively submitted,