Regular Meeting

August 7, 2008

Present:           William Willetts

                        Charles Fenick

                        Ed Dzwilewski

                        Jackie Curry

                        Milan Keser

                        Roger Nadeau

Also Present:   David Putnam, Director of Parks and Recreation

                        John Hoye

1.  Call to Order.  Acting Chairman Willetts called the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting of August 7, 2008 to order at 7:05 p.m.

2.  Public Delegations.  John Hoye, a member of the Public Trust, reported as a concerned citizen that there are major drinking problems at Amtrak beach.  He suggested that signs be posted informing the public that alcohol is not allowed.  He also felt there should be a sign posted that swimmers swim at their own risk.

            He stated the Cini Park parking area is filled up by 11 a.m. and cars are parked in areas which would make it difficult to get an emergency vehicle near that area.  He asked that this Commission review the lease signed with the Blackhawk to determine how many parking spaces were allowed.

            He asked how the Parks and Recreation Department handles trash pick up.  Mr. Putnam replied trash is picked up every day.  He informed the Commission that more than $30,000 has been raised by the Public Trust and donated to the Parks and Recreation Department to be used for the Boardwalk.  He recommended that an adult be hired to enforce the no drinking rules.  Mr. Nadeau felt an agreement is needed with the Police Department to resolve this issue.

            Mr. Putnam agreed parking is a major issue.  Individuals park underneath the bridge, and he is concerned if the tide comes in their vehicles will be damaged.  He recommended that in the fall this Commission work with him to designate parking there.

            Mr. Putnam stated the department spends $3,000 per year on portapotties.  He agrees professional signage on rules is needed.

            Mr. Dzwilewski agreed that parking is a problem in that area.

            Mr. Willetts felt this Commission should review the Blackhawk Lease with the Town.

3.  Approval of Minutes of June 5, 2008.    Mr. Willetts asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the June 5, 2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting Minutes.

            The following correction was noted:  On page one, 3. the first sentence to be revised as follows:  “Mr. Willetts asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the May 1, 2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting Minutes.”

MOTION:       Mr. Fenick moved to approve the June 5,

                        2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation

                        Regular Meeting Minutes, as amended.

                        Seconded by Mrs. Curry.  Mr. Nadeau

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

                        carried.

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

            Commission member Milan Keser left the meeting to attend another meeting.

5.  Communications. 

            a.)  Letter from David Williams to David Putnam regarding Amtrak Beach and Niantic Bay Boardwalk.

            b.)  Letter from David Putnam to David Williams in response to his letter dated July 22, 2008.

            c.)  Letter from Irene and Ray Wimberger to David Putnam regarding Frank Eagen dedication ceremony.

6.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

            a.)  Copies of Monthly Bills.  Commission members reviewed monthly bills.

7.  COMMITTEE REPORTS 

            Mr. Fenick reported that every ten years the Town needs to update is Plan of Conservation and Development.  Mr. Carlson will make a presentation to this Commission.

8.  NEW BUSINESS

            There was a general consensus that a sign should be posted at AMTRAK beach stating no lifeguard is on duty “swim at your own risk”.

            a.)  Cini Park Re-dedication – August 15, 2008.  All Commission members were invited to attend the Rededication of Cini Park on August 15, 2008 at 4 p.m.

9.  FYI

            a.)  June bills.  The June bills were reviewed.

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

10.  ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:       Mr. Fenick moved to adjourn the East Lyme

                        Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting of August 7,

                        2008 at 7:50 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Nadeau.  (5-0)

                        Unanimous.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary

Director’s Report

August 7, 2008

McCook Point Park:

• To date we have issued 3119 vehicle beach stickers – 171 are non-resident passes.  Revenues for this past fiscal year exceeded $83,000.00.
• We will be short on Lifeguards as of August 18, 2008 with colleges and universities starting earlier it has made it difficult to fully staff the beaches.
• Beach Groomer has been ordered and will be delivered sometime next week, funded through the Capital Improvement Budget.
• Celebrate East Lyme was on July 19, we sponsored the 3^rd Annual Sandcastle Contest which continues to be very popular.  Everything went smoothly the weather was great and attendance for the day was outstanding.  We also conducted a dedication ceremony for Frank’s Wall in the memory of Frank Eagen it was well attended by his family and friends.
• Niantic Bay Triathlon was conducted on Sunday August 3.  Everything on our end went smoothly.
• We are co-sponsoring the Cookin’ and McCooks One day music and family festival on Saturday Sept. 6, from 2-10 p.m.

Hole in the Wall Project:

• Building is complete and opened on the July 4^th weekend we have received many compliments on the building.
• Parking Lot is still under construction and it will be doubtful if completed by the end of the summer.  Contractor has been very cooperative with leaving at least 30 parking spaces open all summer. 
• Security cameras have been installed and are operational funding for the camera is through the East Lyme Public Trust.

Cini Park/Boardwalk:

• Re-dedication ceremony for Cini Memorial Park will be conducted on Friday August 15, 4:00 p.m. at the entrance to the park.  New sign has been installed and looks great.  All Parks and Recreation Commission members are invited to attend.
• Boardwalk continues to be well used; attendants are doing a great job, they are on duty daily from 7-11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to sunset through Labor Day.

Athletic Facilities:

• Groups using the facilities this summer include:  War at the Shore AAU Baseball Tournament, America’s Game Softball and Baseball Clinics, Eastern Connecticut Major League, Potvin Baseball Tournament, District 10 All Star Softball Tournament (Girls 9-10).
• We are currently working on an irrigation project at Peretz Park to bring well water to the Baseball and Softball Fields.
• Pee Wee Football and Soccer has started practices games will start in late August/early September.

Miscellaneous:

• Signage has been installed at McCook Point Park, Hole in the Wall Beach and Cini Park all parks now have uniform signage.
• We purchased the new mower and have been using it since early July, funded through the Capital Improvement Budget.
• I have received 2 quotes to resurface the Basketball Courts at Peretz Park, I am waiting for a third quote and move forward to getting them resurfaced.
• We hired over 60 Seasonal staff this summer for the most part they have done an outstanding job.
• Fall Program Brochure has gone to the printer and will be ready on August 22.

Programs:

• Playground Program has seen an increase in registrants in grades 1-4 and the Hang Out for a Cause and extended care program.  The Board of Education has allowed us to use the Middle School daily until 5:15 p.m.  Extended Care has increased from 30 to 75 participants.
• Skyhawks sports programs continue to be successful we have had over 100 campers in the Skyhawks programs.  They include Tennis, Track and Field, Mini and Tiny Hawks programs.
• Kids Yoga for ages K-2^nd Grade was added this summer and has done extremely well.
• Summer Brochure has huge success, we saw an increase in our regular program offerings as well as support for our new programs.