Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes - June 9, 2008

REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2008

SELECTMEN’S MEETING ROOM

"Amended Minutes"

The June 2008 regular meeting of the Weston Parks & Recreation Commission ("WPRC") was held Monday, June 9. Present: Carl Bernstein, Bob Uzenoff, Marc Butlein and Carlos Mello. Absent: Chairman Dave Juneau, Nancy Babyak and Pat Kane. Public: First Selectman Woody Bliss and Paul Levin. Staff: Dave Ungar and Gloria Sundlof.

  1. 1) Call to order: Vice Chairman Carlos Mello called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. and read the

Weston Code section 2-62.

2) Approval of minutes of May 12, 2008: The minutes of the May 12th meeting were carried forward to the July meeting.

3) Public meeting: First Selectman Woody Bliss gave an update on the proposed booster barn and stands at H.S. He stated he has worked closely with Brian McMahon and Peter Figliola and would like to get the support from the WPRC. Selectman Bliss stated the essence is to construct the booster barn. They are looking at a target date of Sept. 27th to be completed. Selectman Bliss stated the fan stands have seating for 700, 1000 or 1100 and spectators could be assembled in a few days. Involved is a loan from the town for $300,000. Additional revenues are a critical piece which would involve the different sport clubs and an additional $10.00 per participant for sports to utilize the turf field. The pay off period is within five years. Each sport club will write a letter to agree with this. Marc asked if this was the proposal that Brian made that the press box comes with stands. Selectman Bliss stated that approval will need to come from the BOF, BOE, BOS and Planning & Zoning committees. The next step would then be a town meeting for approval. The plans are in place and are being approved with the Building Committee with the other committees to follow through on time for this. Bob stated as a town project the BOS has jurisdiction but as Selectmen would they be going to other organizations to get approval from baseball, soccer and lacrosse. He stated he would like to see other groups get together and hear what they say and asked if all booster barn proceeds would be going to replace the turf. Selectman Bliss stated $17,000 year for the turf replacement was committed from booster barn proceeds. Selectman Bliss stated with this model they will get back on track and not lose any time. The construction management will be done by Dan Clarke who will be assigned this. This

  1. will be quick and most construction will be done off site. Marc stated he would strongly suggest getting a construction manager. Carl moved that the WPRC approve the concept of the idea of building the booster barn and stands at the high school. Marc seconded motion. All in favor 4-0. The commission stated they would like Selectman Bliss to order the 1100 seat stands for the additional seating with the same quality. Dave U. will get copies of bylaws from each sport organization for the commission.

    2. Weston resident Paul Levin stated he would like to provide pro bono to the town an outdoor open movie night. This would be done on the Saturday night before Labor Day. Paul stated he and his crew would set up a large screen on the field between the Middle School and High School. This would be roughly $15,000 to pay for rental equipment and other costs. The movie would be free of charge to the public. Set up would be done 4-5 days prior to showing film. This would need town approval and feels this would be a great event for the town. Dave U. stated porto-johns would be brought in and additional fees for police protection. Paul suggested organizations such as the Kiwanis or the fire dept. to help raise money and advertise locally. Carl stated a 30’ screen and roughly 30’ wide would be anchored to the ground in the rear and sides with stakes for safety. The commission discussed various choices of films to show and possibly getting a bank to sponsor the movie. Paul stated he would like to go to the Commission of the Arts to ask about covering costs. Dave U. stated he can get prices for the porto-johns and fire and police costs. Bob stated he would like someone from the P&R approve the movie selection first. Carl moved to adopt Paul Levin’s generous offer for the sound equipment, lights and screen and to accept offer on Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Aug. 30th night with a rain date on Sunday, Aug. 31st. Public safety, public health, crowd control and any further details will be worked out between Paul and Dave U. if necessary and the BOE approval for field space. Bob seconded motion. All in favor 4-0. Paul stated he would like to make this an annual event for the town. Dave U. will send Selectman Bliss a copy of the motion to present at the next BOS meeting.

    4) Unfinished Business:

    1. a) Review of action items:

    2. 08-06. Dave U. stated the H.S. track maintenance specs and warranty are still being located. A phone call was put into Fletcher Thompson. Dalling was contacted about who built the track. Dave U. will call Dalling to research this and Fletcher Thompson will get the spec and care. The maintenance will need to be done within 1 – 2 years for re-surfacing the track.

    3. 08-07. Dave U. reported Fletcher Thompson will search for the field and track warranties.

    4. 08-08. 08-12. Dave U. stated we are making progress on improving the field conditions at MFP. Weston Soccer may have to give up a season to close a field for repair and top dress. This would be most beneficial and would allow grass to germinate. Dave U. spoke with Kevin Funk to take clay out on softball field #5. Kevin stated this would not impact on softball. Bob stated this is for review of Dr. Dest. A soil test was done from five fields at MFP and three fields at BSP. Dr. Dest will look at the samples and our program and will be on board as the town consultant beginning July 1st. Bob would like to have Dr. Dest scheduled the same day of a commission meeting in July and August.

    5. b) MFP Human & Natural History signage: Dave J. distributed draft copy for sign at MFP to the Selectmen and awaiting their approval.

    1. c) Weston Park Project Phase 2 update: Dave U. stated the WPP discussed driving over the pavers on the access road at BSP. WPP felt this would be less expensive then building a new maintenance road and the pavers would need to be replaced in time. Dave stated this would mean a higher tower would need to be constructed. Corey is not in agreement with this. The new access road plan is from the north. The town’s cost is $25,000. Dave U. stated he is pleased because we will have an access road and we can get emergency access with trucks.

    2. d) Booster Barn and Bleacher project update: see above

    3. e) Other unfinished business: none

  1. 5) Reports of standing committees and resulting motions:

    1. a) Administrative Committee: none

    2. b) Aquatics Committee: none

    3. c) Fields Committee: none

    4. d) Programs Committee: none

    5. e) Parks Committee: none

  2. 6) New Business:

    1. a) Other new business: Carlos stated the commission has been asked to participate in nominating the Weston Sportsman of the Year and attend the meeting on June 26th. Carlos will follow up on the date. Dave U. distributed the July 4th festival schedule to the commission for review. Bob stated there was a lot of activity on the turf field last year. Dave U. will put up tape or signs and ask the police to monitor this area. Bob questioned the location for the next two meetings this summer. The July meeting will be held at BSP and the August meeting will be held at MFP at 7:00 p.m. for both. Dave U. spoke with resident Sharon Rosen regarding a memorial for Lisa Gionis to be constructed at the Onion Barn.

  3. 7) Correspondence: none

  4. 8) Announcements: none

  5. 9) Adjournment: Marc moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:29 p.m. Carl seconded motion. All in favor 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Gloria Sundlof

Adm. Asst.

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