Park and Recreation Commission

(meeting taped)

Regular meeting: Monday, May 12, 2003 in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:13 p.m.

By roll call, members present: John Walsh, Al Felice, Edward Handi, Karen Izzo and Matt Cripps. David Mikos and Robert Bell were excused.

Parks and Recreation Director Dennis O’Connell was present. Athletic Director Kenneth Marcucio was absent.

Without objection, the agenda was accepted.

A motion was made by Karen Izzo and second by Edward Handi. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting on April 14, 2003. Motion carried unanimously.

No one was present and the public portion was closed.

Betsy Caridi has spoken with Mr. O'Connell to pursue the development of the skate park. She has been in contact with the Board of Apportionment and Taxation chair to have funds released for the project. The matter was referred to the Facilities Committee for further discussion.

Cultural Commission request to use Ryan Field Complex for Derby Days: The Derby Days Pig Race has come to the attention of the Commission. Members were concerned that the football field may be effected. As field maintenance is a sensitive issue, Mr. Felice objected to the possibility that the field may be damaged. Mr. O'Connell was uncertain of the exact location that this will be set up but he will express the Commission’s concerns to the Cultural Commission.

Other Business: Chairman Walsh updated the Commission on the State’s plans for Osbornedale State Park. A letter was sent to the Representatives expressing concern that the Park would change to walk-in status. As of right now the State has decided to leave the park alone.

E-mail has been received from Yale indicating preliminary approval for Derby to be awarded the grant from the Children’s Trust Program. The program will be held on June 28^th.

Parks & Recreation Director’s Report: Mr. O'Connell stated that the friendship league with Ansonia Little League is going very well. The Girls Little League team is playing in Naugatuck, Seymour and Derby and is also going well. Babe Ruth will be starting shortly. Youth Soccer is underway.

Little League has seen an increase in participants. With all the different divisions, the space is occupied to beyond capacity. It will be helpful if Bradley School can be changed for two additional diamonds replacing the soccer field. It will take a big burden off of the Uleski Complex. Little League also uses the picnic grove on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. Soccer utilizes the grove on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The weekends are reserved for the rentals.

Mr. O'Connell noted that with the inclement weather and with vacations, the maintenance of the fields has been slow. Public Works will be taking care of the downed tree by the football field. An insurance claim was pursued but the City’s policy has a $10,000 deductible. Mr. O'Connell is continuing to explore adding lights at the picnic grove as per the Pop Warner’s request.

Athletic Director’s Report: Mr. Marcucio was not present.

Finance Committee – Mr. O'Connell indicated that he did not pursue the employee increases for the next fiscal year with the Board of Apportionment and Taxation. He will be seeking transfers from the equipment and maintenance and the water co. line items to be transferred to building and supplies.

Programs Committee – The Committee did not meet last month but a meeting will be scheduled.

Facilities Committee –The Committee has not met and is awaiting a decision on the soccer plan. A meeting will be scheduled.

Chairman Walsh noted that the Greenway project is going forward receiving all necessary permits. The project should go out to bid later this summer and the Greenway should be completed by next spring.

Mr. Felice suggested that all the fields be inspected and funding should be pursued in the next fiscal budget for repairs and improvements.

Mr. O'Connell noted that he spoke with Athletic Director Ken Marcucio about the evening softball games. Mr. Marcucio indicated that the schedule has been set and would be difficult to change. He will bring this concern to the league’s attention during next year’s scheduling. In regards to the CIAC State Tournament games, there is a strong desire by the league to use the softball field. In looking at the schedule, the High School girl’s softball coach felt the schedule could accommodate this use. Members felt that being that there is such a demand for field space, the tournament games may have to be reconsidered in the future. The Commission continues to consider communicating with the Board of Education on the overall space issues impacting both the Parks & Recreation and Education programs.

A motion was made by Matt Cripps and second by Al Felice. Move to adjourn this meeting at 7:59 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

The next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, June 9, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. If the Aldermanic Chambers are unavailable then the Veteran’s room will be requested.

Respectfully prepared,

Karen Kemmesies, secretary