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

 

1)      Call to order:  Chairman Juneau called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. and

bypassed the traditional reading from the Weston Code section 2-62. 

2)      Approval of minutes of June 13, 2006:  Minutes of the June 13^th meeting were   

approved with minor amendments.  Carlos moved motion and Nancy seconded.  Marc abstained. 

3)      Public Forum:  none

a)      Review of action items:  Commission discussed new bylaws and standing resolutions.  Dave J. stated Brian McMahon would like to come up with a with the Code of Conduct uniform for all the organizations.  Commission may adopt Code of Ethics.  All Commissioners agreed to keep standing resolutions as presented.

 

Dave U. called O & G and Fletcher Thompson regarding low level lighting around the track.  He was recommended to get a photometric plan.  He is waiting to hear back from Fletcher Thompson’s electrical engineer.  Dave commented once we get a plan in place we may need a public hearing on this prior to presenting to Selectmen.  

 

Marc stated he spoke with the First Selectman Woody Bliss regarding enterprise fund.  Selectman Woody suggested for Marc to speak with Jerry Sargent, Chairman of Finance CommitteeThe Board of Finance..  Dave J. remarked Board of Finance has a lot of power and if approved, the BOS would have difficult time getting by Board of Finance decision.  Commission discussed if they want to pursue this.  Dave U. stated if a large item is needed it would go through capital budget process as usual.  Commission discussed Board of Finance considerations and any surplus would be put back into the town.  Programs with the largest surplus are sub-contracted camps and swim programs.  Programs with least surplus are July 4^th and Bisceglie pond permits.  Dave U. commented all clubs have been big financial supporters through bleachers, goals and lights.  Carlos stated football club monies were up and down but all monies were put back into program.  Dave J. stated Board of Finance members may question question financial losses of July 4^th or Bisceglie permit fees and the need to increase sales.  Commission may sharpen up on financially running programs.  Town funds fields and all monies goes into one town fund.  Commission discussed if they have control of Enterprise Fund monies we could get purchase an item or wait to save for it.  Dave J. will call Jerry Sargent to get his thoughts about the enterprise fund.  Commission discussed waiting on the idea of an outdoor pool until enterprise fund with Board of Finance is settled.  Carlos asked if outdoor pool could be installed on field in between Middle School and High School.  Dave U. reported the field is designated for a recreational field and could put a dome on top.  Dave J. and Carlos will discuss this with Joe Fitzpatrick.

 

Dave U. will speak with Tom Landry regarding Aspetuck Country Club donating a sign for MFP for human and natural history of the park.

 

Dave J. spoke with Candice ? of Little League regarding the use of the scoreboards.  Candice said scoreboards were not used much this season because of problems with controllers and they are learning how to operate them. 

b)      Low level lighting @ H.S. track: see above

c)       Other unfinished business:  none

            a)   Administrative Committee:  Marc questioned if we have received any    feedback from residents about the irrigation program at MFP..... 

Dave U. stated we have received a lot of rain plus water from wells and fields at MFP and BSP are in great good shape.  Fields are watered six nights a week at MFP, three nights for fields one and two and three nights for fields three through five..  Marc suggested contacting all user groups to complete a survey to rate P & R Commission annually for official feedback.  Survey ratings will show how P & R responds to trouble shooters or their level of responsiveness.  Commission agreed this would be beneficial.

b)       Aquatics Committee:  none

c)       Fields Committee:  Dave U. reported Stecks Landscaping is currently slice seeding on the fields.  Seeding is done in July because field fields areis shut down for repair.

d)       Programs Committee:  Dave U. distributed recap from July 4th festivities.  Commission discussed attendance and expenses.  Letter to editor will be put in Forum to thank everyone involved in making it a great event.  Commission discussed displaying additional signage around town for next year.  Carlos would like to give recognition to the Commission Department for a job well done on the July 4^th festivities.  Laidlaw Bus Company donated to the town one free bus service for the event.  Neighbor, Mrs. Collins called office to have debris removed from her property.  Enterprise Fund and Operating Budget recaps distributed as of June 30^th.  Draft agreement drawn up between Town and BOE regarding field maintenance responsibilities was distributed.  Dave U. and Carl Charles wrote up a fifth draft of the agreement and presented to Commission, First Selectman and Weston Soccer President, Drew Seath.  Commission discussed and questioned draft.  Bob asked who would handle maintenance on lighting which is not specified in the draft agreement.  Once finalized, the draft will be approved by the Commission. 

e)       Parks Committee:  Weston Parks Project has raised $75,000 through fund raisersssssraises and contributions as of date. 

a)      Fourth of July Recap:  see above.

b)      Fairfield County Sports Commission report:  Carlos and Marc attended the Weston Sports Commission meeting which meets quarterly.  Members are soliciting candidates for Sports Person of the Year.  Discussed highlights of meeting and stated the concern of having someone certified with CPR and First Aid training present at all sporting events.  EMS teaches these training courses.  Lacrosse and football has CPR trained people at their games.  Carlos asked if head coach on each team be certified for CPR or anyone at practices and games.  Football has two coaches on each team that are certified. and does this because of insurance purposes.  Commission discussed implementing this with all P & R programs.  Dave J. stated people have access with 911 via cell phones.  

c)       Other new business:  none

7)      Correspondence:  none

8)      Announcements:  Dave J. stated Pat Kane will be going back for chemotherapy and asked everyone to keep Pat Kane in their thoughts and prayers.  August meeting may be canceled.  Decision will be made by the Friday prior to meeting.

9)      Adjournment:  Dave J. moved motion to adjourn meeting at 9:35 p.m.