Park and Recreation Commission

Minutes

(meeting taped)

Special meeting: Monday, March 26, 2001 at the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:09 p.m. By roll call, members present: John Walsh, Beverly Moran, Al Felice, David Mikos, Matt Cripps, Karen Izzo and Edward Handi.

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

Public portion:

No one was present to speak.

NEW or OTHER BUSINESS:

Budget:

The proposed budget for 2001-2002 was presented for review. There were changes in staffing and programs were deleted. A special maintenance line item was added which resulted in a significant portion of the overall increase.

In staffing, there would be three part time supervisors, an increase from two. The A.M. supervisor would be charged with opening the facility, supervising the facility, managing the building including equipment and supplies and would be a liaison to the Parks and Recreation Department. The Daytime supervisor would be charged with supervision of the facility, development and implementation of cultural commission activities, special events coordinator for the Veteran’s Community Center and other Parks and Recreation facilities, coordinator of special trips and liaison to the Parks and Recreation Department. The P.M. supervisor would be charged with supervising the facility, program development, swim program coordinator, facility scheduling, a liaison to the Parks and Recreation Department and closing the facility. Each would receive $14,560. Next, the attendants would be charged with front desk office duties, greeting the public and office supervision. Life guards would supervise the swim program. The building maintenance position would be twenty five (25) hours per week and would entail general house cleaning duties at Ryan Field Complex facility, at Uluski Field facility and at the Veteran’s Community Center. The summer program staff includes five (5) counselors, 1 life guard and the director of the program.

In maintenance and supplies, the figures were generally based on previous years experience. The new line item for special maintenance covered topsoiling, seeding and upkeep of the facilities at Bradley School, Ryan Field and the picnic grove. Two applications, spring and fall, were included in this figure.

In programs, wrestling was deleted as it has not been implemented in the past few years. The Irving After Hours program was deleted as the intent is to increase programming at the Center and due to the response over the last few years, the program has diminished to a smaller half year program. All other allocations remain the same.

The projected income remained the same. It is anticipated that the Boy’s Club will continue the afternoon use of the facility. Other income is anticipated to increase with the addition of events and programming but it was too soon to project.

Mr. Felice noted that a number of maintenance issues are present at the facilities. He questioned whether the budgeted amounts could address these matters. He noted that at Bradley, the playground needs new wood chips. It was his understanding that the Board of Education had received funds from the Playground Committee to purchase that material but as of yet, the funds have not been expended. Also, the playground pavilion’s roof needs repair. The tennis court has developed cracks that need to be sealed. New nets are needed. Lights on the softball field need replacing. Repairs to the fence around the soccer field are needed and areas of fencing on the softball field are curling. Support members on the backstop need to be replaced. Maintenance needs to address the overgrowth and accumulation of debris were also mentioned. Mr. O’Connell felt all the matters could be addressed with the maintenance budget line items. It was stressed that the Public Works Department is considering a shifting of staffing duties as presented in their new budget for 2001-2002. If the changes are approved, more attention should be directed at the facilities and these maintenance needs.

At the Veteran’s Center there were a number of needs. Lockers are in need of replacement. The ropes and the hooks that connect them to the pool are broken. The air duct at the entrance could be removed and alternative air conditioning could be installed which would be less obtrusive, the duct being in the way, headroom wise. Members decided that the budget request should be increased by $10,000 to begin addressing the issues at the Center.

At Witek Park, there are a number of things that could be done to encourage use. It was noted that the Parks and Recreation Commission currently does not have jurisdiction but this would be something to discuss with the Neighborhood Committee.

A motion was made by David Mikos and second by Al Felice. Move to accept the Parks and Recreation Department budget for 2001-2002 of $247,730 with anticipated revenue of $36,500. All in favor. Motion carried.

A motion was made by David Mikos and second by Al Felice. Move to adjourn this meeting at 8:07p.m. All in favor. Motion carried.

 

Respectfully prepared,

Karen Kemmesies, secretary


Send your e-mail questions or comments to Derby Recreation Commission

Back to Parks & Rec Home Page

Back to City of Derby Home Page