Minutes

(meeting taped)

Monthly meeting: Monday, August 9, 2004 in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

By roll call, members present: John Walsh, Edward Handi, Matt Cripps and Al Felice. Beverly Moran arrived at 7:25 p.m. David Mikos and Karen Izzo were excused.

Parks and Recreation Director Dennis O’Connell was present.

Without objection, the agenda was accepted as written.

A motion was made by Al Felice and second by Edward Handi. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting on July 12, 2004, as written. Motion carried unanimously.

No one came forward and public portion was closed.

Nothing was presented.

A.) Update on Neighborhood Committee request to have the Commission oversee the administration of Witek Park: There has been no further discussions as of this time. The Commission is awaiting the restructuring of the Public Works Department. Public Works Director Gary Parker will be invited to the next meeting.

B.) Parking issues on Nutmeg Avenue by the Little League field: Chief Cota has indicated that a representative will attend the next meeting.

C.) Storage needs at Ryan Field house: Dennis O'Connell indicated that with reorganization in the building, there should be no need for a container at this time.

Parks & Recreation Director’s Report: Mr. O'Connell reported on the skate park. The inter-municipal agreement between the Town of Shelton and the City of Derby for the construction and maintenance of a skateboard park was distributed. Under the agreement Derby will pay one half share of the construction, not to exceed $40,000. After the park is constructed and open to the public, Shelton will be solely responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and repair of the facility, including all equipment therein and for securing, maintaining and paying the cost of liability and other insurance. Derby agrees to pay one-half the cost of said upkeep, etc. The park will be enclosed by a fence and supervised during hours of operation. The agreement identifies discussions with the Valley YMCA for management and supervision.

The Summer Program was completed on August 6^th with 95 participants. It went very well.

The fall programs have started. Pop Warner, Youth Soccer, Adult Soccer and Boy’s Baseball are underway.

Mr. O'Connell stated that he is communicating with the Neighborhood Committee regarding the increases in the wages effective July 1^st.

Athletic Director’s Report: Chairman Walsh spoke with Interim Superintendent DiCenso on the status of the appointment of a new Athletic Director. The Board of Education has not taken action as of yet. It was expressed that the director is an ex-officio member of the Parks & Recreation Commission and his presence would be appreciated as a conduit between the two Boards.

Finance Committee – The Recreation Department received their requested appropriation for the 2004-2005 fiscal year budget. It reflects an increase of $800 over last year’s appropriation although the building maintenance wages ($14,300) are now in the city budget. The revenue was increased by $20,000. It was noted that part of the revenue includes fees paid by the programs for gymnasium use. Overall, the Recreation Department provides services to the community in a very economical way.

Programs Committee – The Committee has not met.

Facilities Committee – Mr. Felice noted that the soccer fields at Witek Park are under construction. The City Engineer and the contractor inspect the site weekly and the drainage is going in. Members are going to schedule a meeting to view the site. It was noted that the rock excavation, per the contract, is an additional expense as it could not be identified prior to excavation and the Neighborhood Committee will be addressing this additional expense.

Chairman Walsh indicated that funding for the Greenway has been released. Bids should be going out shortly.

A motion was made by Matt Cripps and second by Al Felice. Move to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

The next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, September 13, 2004 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