Park and Recreation Commission

Minutes

(meeting taped)

Regular meeting: Monday, January 10, 2000 at the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. By roll call, members present: John Walsh, Al Felice and Beverly Moran. David Mikos and Adam Greco were excused.

Athletic Director Kenneth Marcucio was present. Parks and Recreation Director Dennis O’Connell arrived later in the meeting.

ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:

There were no changes to the agenda.

Election of officers:

Being that two members were absent, Chairman Walsh suggested that the election be tabled.

A motion was made by Beverly Moran and second by Al Felice. Move to table the election of officers. All in favor. Motion carried.

Public portion:

No one came forward to speak. Little League representatives will be allowed to participate in the discussion of item 10(a) on the agenda.

Approval of minutes:

A motion was made by Beverly Moran and second by Al Felice. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting held on December 13, 1999. All in favor. Motion carried.

Correspondences:

Nothing was presented.

DIRECTOR REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation Director’s Report: The matter was tabled until Mr. O'Connell’s arrival.

Athletic Director’s Report: Mr. Marcucio anticipated that the lighted field at the High School, being discussed at the Recreation Facilities Enhancement Committee, would receive extensive use by the High School programs. He mentioned this for planning purposes, so as to be certain Pop Warner would have ample space for their practices on fields in the complex. Chairman Walsh noted that the picnic grove field would also be enhanced under the proposed plan.

Committee Reports:

Recreation Facilities Enhancement Committee - Chairman Walsh noted that the plans have been revised to take into account the changes at the High School. At Witek Park, three (3) soccer/multi-purpose fields are proposed. Little League would have three (3) fields and maybe girls softball would also utilize the area. The tennis courts have been moved back to Bradley School. The beach volleyball is still proposed. The Committee felt it important to have this area dedicated to children’s programs as per the sentiment expressed by the residents in the surrounding area. Chairman Walsh stressed that no lights are planned at Witek Park under this proposal.

At Bradley School, there would be minimal change to the existing layout. There would be the softball/baseball field. The outer field could be utilized for girls softball. The tennis courts would remain. The playground would also remain although there were discussions of possibly moving it to another location so as to increase parking at Bradley.

At the High School, in the area of the existing Little League field, the changes to the High School would increase the amount of space available. A combination field is being considered. This would be a full 360 ft baseball field with lights and a large field adjacent to it. JV softball may also utilize the area. The picnic grove would be expanded for multi-purpose use. Football and soccer would be down below and a regular surface, rather than artificial turf, is being proposed. An all weather six (6) lane track would surround the football field. It was noted that all fields in the proposed plan would be irrigated.

The next meeting is scheduled in two weeks. The Committee is continuing to work with the School Building Committee to finalize the proposal. Cost estimates will be developed for all the revisions. Hopes are to have the referendum to the public in March or April.

Youth Advisory Council - A meeting will be scheduled in the near future.

NEW or OTHER BUSINESS:

Little League - Program Director’s Report: Kenneth Marcucio and Inez Devonshuk were present representing the program. Chairman Walsh asked if comments have been received from the parents regarding the proposed move. Mr. Marcucio indicated that it had not been formally discussed but he felt the parents were content with the fact that the move would mean better fields.

Speaking to the program, Mr. Marcucio stated that there were 221 participants. Age 5 - 28 participants, age 6 - 34, age 7 - 28, age 8 - 33, age 9 - 27, age 10 - 19, age 11 -16, and age 12 - 36. The fall league also ran this past year with three teams. The program went well. Registration was $25.00 and with additional funding from sponsors, the program was self-supporting.

Speaking financially, the program was very successful. The registration fees were reduced and there were no fundraising efforts by the participants needed. Income from the registration fees, sponsors, sign advertising and the Valley Tournament as well as the City’s portion funded the program’s expenses with that income nearly fully expended. Costs for the building maintenance is shared with Pop Warner and the arrangement worked well. With the additional assistance from the part time Parks & Recreation custodian, the day to day work was accomplished. There were a few problems with the schedule of the custodian but Mr. O'Connell is aware of the matter and it has been resolved.

The refreshment stand did very well due to the organized effort of the volunteers. They raised approximately $5,000 and these funds were placed in a separate account. The funds are spent on special needs of the program rather than the customary program expenses. This year the minor league score board was purchased.

Chairman Walsh asked the status of the by-laws and the election of officers. Mr. Marcucio indicated that a meeting will be held this month for the election of officers for this calendar year. He felt the functions of the program were progressing well.

Meeting schedule for the year 2000:

Members felt the schedule should remain the same as previous years. A letter will be sent to the Town Clerk reporting that the Parks & Recreation Commission will be holding their monthly meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Mr. O'Connell arrived at this time.

Other business:

It was decided to invite the soccer program to next month’s meeting. Also, all the programs will be asked to start planning on their requests for next year’s budget.

Mr. Felice noted that the outfield fence at Bradley School needs repairs. The bottom is rolled up causing a hazard. It was suggested that this be incorporated into budgeting plans.

Mr. O'Connell noted that a new score board was purchased at Irving School. A portion of the funding will come from the special projects and from the basketball programs. The After School program board of directors voted to fund a portion of the cost from their allocation from the City being that they did not hold their fall session. Mr. O’Connell is working out the details on this expenditure.

Members discussed the status of the After School program. Mr. O'Connell was uncertain whether a start date had been decided. As of right now he was uncertain if the program would run this year. Members noted that the funding was for a full year’s program. Being that it may run for only a part of the year, they felt the appropriate percentage of funding should apply. It was suggested that correspondence with the board of directors be sent to ascertain their intentions. The Commission was hopeful that the program would continue as it was an asset to the City and was greatly beneficial to the children in the area. If not, then possibly the funding could be utilized in some other fashion to benefit the children.

Chairman Walsh noted that LoCIP funding for the bathrooms at Bradley School is funded. He suggested that the matter be explored further to see if construction could occur so the facility would be available for this year.

A motion was made by Beverly Moran and second by Al Felice. Move to authorize Mr. O'Connell to pursue Public Works Director Gary Parker to assist in the development of plans for bathroom facilities at the Amendola Complex. All in favor. Motion carried.

This matter will be added to next month’s agenda.

The next meeting will be Monday, February 14, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. If the Aldermanic Chambers are unavailable then the Veteran’s room will be requested.

A motion was made by Beverly Moran and second by Al Felice. Move to adjourn this meeting at 8:12p.m. All in favor. Motion carried.

Respectfully prepared,

Karen Kemmesies, secretary

Little League Financial Statement

as presented at the 1/10/00 meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission

Income Expenditures

Registration $5,310.00 Charter $1,159.00

Signs - Advertising $1,550.00 with insurance (based on # of teams)

Sponsors $1,675.00 Equipment $3,094.00

Valley Tournament $850.00 Jackets $1,158.00

Office Expenses $72.30

City funds $6,000.00 Score keepers $384.00

Bldg. maintenance $2,400.00

Trophies $884.00

Umpires $2,335.00

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$15,385.00 $11,486.30


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