East Lyme Parks and Recreation Commission

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Minutes

Regular Meeting

March 6, 2008

 

Present:           Robert Pfanner           

                        Charles Fenick

                        Ed Dzwilewski

                        Roger Nadeau

                        Jackie Curry

                        William Willetts

 

Also Present:   David Putnam, Director of Parks and Recreation

                        Rob Wilson, Ex-offico

                        Tara Wyatt

                        James and Amanda Blair

                        Chris and Alison Donahue     

                                               

1.  Call to Order.  Chairman Pfanner called the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting of March 6, 2008 to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

2.  Public Delegations.  James Blair, President of the Senior Class of Williams School, reported the Williams School has submitted a Facilities’ Request Form for Senior Day on May 14, 2008 (with a rain date of May 15) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at McCook Point Park.  They wish to reserve the pavilion.  The expected attendance is approximately 400 individuals.

 

            Mr. Putnam stated since this is a large group, they should be asked to pay a clean up fee.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Dzwilewski moved to approve Senior Day

                        for the Williams School to be held on May 14,

                        2008 (with a rain date of May 15) from 8 a.m.

                        to 2 p.m., and that they be allowed to reserve

                        the pavilion at McCook’s and that a Certificate

                        of Insurance is provided for $1 million, naming

                        the Town of  East Lyme as additional insured.

                        No fee will be charged for this event.  Seconded by

                        Mr. Dzwilewski.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

            Chris Donahue submitted a Facilities’ Request Form for CT Heat U12 Baseball Team for team practice on Sundays at Bridebrook Park softball field for the months of April through July.

 

            Mr. Putnam reported he met with each league and Sunday mornings are available until 11 a.m.  Soccer starts at 1 p.m.

 

            Mr. Dzwilewski noted the CT Heat U2 Baseball team is two-thirds East Lyme youngsters.   

 

            Mr. Donahue was informed that a fee is charged for groups using the fields.  Mr. Putnam recommended charging $25 per day.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the Facilities’ Request

                        Form from CT Heat U12 Baseball team to use

                        Bridebrook Park softball field on Sundays for the

                        months of April through July, and that its schedule

                        be given to David Putnam, Director of Parks and

                        Recreation, that a fee of $15 is paid, and that a

                        a Certificate of Insurance for $1 million, naming

                        the Town of East Lyme as additional insured

                        be provided prior to this event.   Seconded by Mr. Fenick. 

                        (6-0) Unanimous.

 

            Mr. Putnam stated Tara Wyatt, of Tumbleweeds, has had Cookin’ at McCook’s Summer Concert series for the past two years.  A Facilities’ Request Form has been submitted for a Community Music Festival-Family Fun Day for September 6, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.  She would like to reserve the pavilion and erect a tent if it rains.

 

            Ms. Wyatt stated rather than have a series of concerts she would like to have one Family Fun Day at McCook’s.  She would like to use the pavilion for a food vending area.  Kids activities will be planned throughout the day.  This event is all volunteer based.

 

            Mr. Putnam noted  2,000 are expected to attend throughout the day. 

 

            Mr. Dzwilewski suggested that she obtain permission from the Fire Department for this event.  He asked for additional information on the tent.  Ms. Wyatt informed him the tent will be erected in the event of rain by Bailey & Staub.

 

            Mr. Willetts asked if portapotties will be available?   She stated she plans to have six portapotties available.

 

            Mr. Willetts asked about whether or not for profit food vendors are allowed at McCook’s?  Mr. Putnam replied they are for special events.  Ms. Wyatt stated all vendors’ proceeds will go back into the event.  Mr. Putnam added Parks and Recreation is co-sponsoring this event.

 

            Ms. Wyatt stated she plans to discuss her plans with members of the Economic Development Commission and the Niantic Main Street.  There will be VFW parking and she plans to ask the pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church for help with parking.  Mr. Dzwilewski suggested that a shuttle bus be provided for those attending.  Mr. Putnam stated his staff will handle parking within the park.

 

            Mr. Putnam requested that two police officers be at this event.  The funding for this may be covered by a recent Police Department grant.

 

            Ms. Wyatt plans to request donations for tickets to the event and those donors will receive an appreciation bracelet.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the Community

                        Music Festival-Family Fun Day at McCook

                        Point Park for September 6 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

                        This event will be co-sponsored with the Parks

                        and Recreation Department, and no fee will be

                        requested.  Parking will be discussed with David

                        Putnam, Director of Parks and Recreation. 

                        Seconded by Mrs. Curry.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

3.  Approval of Minutes of February 7, 2008.    Mr. Pfanner asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the February 7, 2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting Minutes.

 

MOTION:       Mrs. Curry moved to approve the February 7,

                        2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation

                        Regular Meeting Minutes, as presented.

                        Seconded by Mr. Nadeau.  Mr. Willetts

                        abstained from voting.  (5-0-1) Motion

                        carried.

 

4.  Director’s Report.  (See attached reports).

 

MOTION:       Mr. Fenick moved to purchase dog food

                        for Ed Ball’s dog.  Seconded by

                        Mrs. Curry.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

5.  Communications

 

            There were no communications.

 

6.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

            There was no unfinished business.

 

7.  COMMITTEE REPORTS 

 

            There were no committee reports.

 

8.  NEW BUSINESS

 

            a.)  Facility Request from Joe Zrenda representing War at the Shore Baseball Tournament, requesting use of the softball and baseball fields at Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook and the baseball field at Veteran’s Memorial Park on April 26, 27, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

            Mrs. Curry felt it would not be possible to prepare three fields for this tournament by 8 a.m.  Mr. Putnam agreed and felt this tournament could not begin before 9 a.m.

 

            Mr. Putnam felt it would be necessary for this event to work around local schedules.  A fee of $100 per day per field will be charged.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the Facilities’

                        Request Form from Joe Zrenda to use Samuel

                        M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook softball and

                        baseball fields on April 26 and 27, 2008

                        for a War at the Shore Baseball Tournament

                        from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and that a fee of $100

                        per day per field will be charged, provided

                        a Certificate of Insurance for $1 million

                        naming the Town of East Lyme as additional

                        insured is provided.  Seconded by Mrs. Curry.

                        (6-0) Unanimious. 

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the Facilities’

                        Request Form from Joe Zrenda to use Samuel

                        M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook softball and

                        baseball fields at Veteran’s Memorial Park

                        on May 24, 25 and 26 for a War at the Shore

                        Baseball Tournament from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.,

                        and that a fee of $100 per day per field

                        will be charged, provided a Certificate of

                        Insurance for $1 million naming the Town of East

                        Lyme as additional insured is provided.  Seconded

                        by Mrs. Curry.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the Facilities’ Request

                        Form from Joe Zrenda to use softball and baseball fields at                                                  Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook and the baseball field

                        at Veteran’s Memorial Park on July 4, 5, 6, 2008, for

                        a War at the Shore Baseball Tournament from 9 a.m.

                        to 7 p.m. and that a fee of $100 per day per field will be

                        charged, provided a Certificate of Insurance for $1 million

                        naming the Town of East Lyme as additional insured is

                        provided.  Seconded by Mrs. Curry.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

            Mr. Nadeau stated he has received many complaints that no food vendor is provided for this event.  Mr. Putnam replied a food vendor will be at Bridebrook and Cini parks.

 

            b.)  Facility Request form from Joe Zrenda representing War at the Shore Baseball Tournament, requesting use of the softball and baseball fields at Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook and the baseball field at Veteran’s Memorial Park on May 24, 25, 26, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

            c.)  Facility Request form from Joe Zrenda representing War at the Shore Baseball Tournament, requesting use of the softball and baseball fields at Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook and the baseball field at Veteran’s Memorial Park on July 4, 5, 6, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

            d.)  Facility Request form from Mark Fader representing the Williams School, requesting use of McCook Point Park Pavilion for a school field day/senior day, May 14, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a rain date of May 15, 2008.

 

            e.) Facility Request form from Chris Donahue representing the Connecticut Heat U12 Baseball Team, requesting use of the softball and baseball infields at Veteran’s Memorial Park for team practices on Friday and/or Sundays in April 2008.

 

            f.) Facility Request form from Tara Wyatt representing Tumbleweeds/Cookin’ at McCooks, requesting use of McCook Point Park Pavilion for a community music festival/family fun day, September 6, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 

            g.) Facility Request form from Pete Walker representing America’s Game, requesting use of the baseball field at Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook on April 14, 15, 16, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with a rain date of April 17, 2008 and June 30, July 1, 2, 3, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

            Mr. Putnam reported Bridebrook baseball field is not being used during this time.  There is no set up.  He recommended a $50 fee per field for each half day. 

 

            Mr. Fenick suggested that East Lyme youngsters be charged a lesser rate to attend.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the Facilities’

                        Request Form of Peter Walker for America’s

                        Game to use Samuel M. Peretz Park at

                        Bridebrook baseball field from April 14-16

                        and June 30, July 1, 2 and 3, 2008 from 9 a.m.

                        to noon from April 14 to April 16 (with a

                        rain date of April 17), provided a fee is paid

                        of $50 per field, per half day, that the

                        fee be reduced for East Lyme youngsters, and

                        that a Certificate of Insurance for $1 million

                        is provided prior to this event, naming the

                        Town of East Lyme as additional insured.

                        Seconded by Mr. Fenick.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

            Mr. Putnam reported East Lyme High School has requested a Best Buddies event for May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a rain date of June 1.  There is no conflict with this date and time.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to approve the request from East Lyme

                        High School to have a Best Buddies event from 10 a.m.

                        to 2 p.m. at McCook Point Park on May 31, with a rain date

                        of June 1.  Seconded by Mr. Dzwilewski.  (6-0) Unanimous.

 

            Mr. Putnam reported the East Lyme Rowing Association wishes to have an end of the season picnic on June 3 from 4 p.m. to sunset.  Mr. Putnam stated there is no conflict with this date and time.

 

MOTION:       Mrs. Curry moved to approve the request from the

                        East Lyme Rowing Association to have an end

                        of the season picnic at McCook Point Park

                        on June 3 from 4 p.m. to sunset.  Seconded by

                        Mr. Nadeau. (6-0) Unanimous.

 

            The subcommittee for the Service to Youth Award recommends Bret Perry be nominated for the Service to Youth Award.

 

MOTION:       Mrs. Curry moved that the Service to Youth

                        Subcommittee nominates Bret Perry for the

                        Service to Youth Award.  Seconded by

                        Mr. Nadeau.  (6-0) Unanimous

                       

            Mr. Dzwilewski asked if the Parks and Recreation Department will obtain additional ball fields in East Lyme.  Mr. Putnam replied a bill was passed that there is approximately twenty acres available through the Department of Corrections on Roxbury Road.  The state needs to survey the property.  Mr. Putnam was asked to contact State Rep. Ed Jutilla regarding its status.

 

            Mr. Putnam felt the fee schedule needs to be revisited.

 

9.  FYI

 

            a.)  February bills.  The February bills were reviewed.

 

            b.)  February program budget report.  The February program budget report was reviewed.

 

10.  ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION:       Mrs. Curry moved to adjourn the East Lyme

                        Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting of March 6,

                        2008 at 8:10 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Willetts.  (6-0)

                        Unanimous.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary

 

 



 

Director’s Report

March 6, 2008

 

McCook Point Park:

  • Construction continues on the support building at the Hole-N-Wall building.  Schedule calls for an early spring completion.  Parking Lot renovations are out to bid, bids will be opened on March 13.

  • Security cameras for the Hole-N-Wall parking lot have been approved for purchase by the East Lyme Public Trust to monitor the parking lot and the new building as well as an additional camera on the Boardwalk.  I will also be discussing the possibility of an additional camera for the upper bathrooms.

  • We have been hit with graffiti on the Sea Wall and the upper bathrooms at McCook approximately $1,200 worth of damage. 

  • Celebrate East Lyme date has been set for Saturday July 19th.  We will be sponsoring the 3rd annual sandcastle contest.

 

Athletic Facilities:

  • I have met with representatives from our sports leagues I am close to having the spring schedule available.  First high school softball scrimmage game is scheduled for March 29. 

  • Weather dependent fields will open on the weekend of the 29th.

 

Budget Update:

  • Parks and Recreation budget review with the Board of Finance is tentatively scheduled for Thursday March 27, 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.  Operating Budget remains as submitted.  Capital Improvement Budget has no additional cuts since our last meeting.

 

Miscellaneous:

  • We have approved the final draft of our program brochure (see copy) it will be mailed to all East Lyme and Niantic homes around March 15.

  • Ed Ball our Park Foreman has been bringing his Golden Retriever to work daily to chase away Canadian Geese at our parks.  As a thank you with the Commission’s approval I would like to reimburse him for dog food.

  • Men’s Softball program will have its organizational meeting on March 19; major rule change involves no composite bats – metal bats only.