East Lyme Parks and Recreation Commission

 

 

Director's Report November

 

 

Regular Meeting

November 6, 2008

 

Present:           Robert Pfanner

                        Charles Fenick

                        Ed Dzwilewski

                        Jackie Curry

                        Roger Nadeau

                       

Also Present:   David Putnam, Director of Parks and Recreation

                                                                       

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

 

2.  Public Delegations.  There were no public delegations.

           

3.  Approval of Minutes of October 2, 2008.    Mr. Pfanner asked for additions, deletions or corrections to the October 2, 2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting Minutes.

           

MOTION:       Mrs. Curry moved to approve the October 2,

                        2008 East Lyme Parks and Recreation Regular

                        Meeting Minutes, as presented.  Seconded

                        by Mr. Nadeau.  (5-0) Unanimous.

 

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

 

MOTION:       Mrs. Curry moved to approve a banner at

                        McCook’s two or three weeks prior to the

                        Touch a Truck event to be held in May.

                        Seconded by Mr. Fenick.  Motion withdrawn

 

            Mr. Dzwilewski expressed concern that other groups would want the same privilege.  Mrs. Curry felt it was important to note that this Commission co-sponsors Touch a Truck.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Nadeau moved to establish a policy for banners and signs

                        at McCook’s:  1) that this Commission co-sponsors the event

                        and 2) that the organization sponsoring the event be non-profit.

                        Seconded by Mr. Dzwilewski.  (5-0) Unanimous.

 

            Mr. Putnam showed Commission members samples of Little League signs for Buecher, Presidents, John Bath and George Jones fields. 

                       

5.  Communications.  There were no communications.

 

6.  UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

a.)  Garbage Can Replacement – McCook Point Park.  Mr. Putnam showed Commission members catalogs of garbage cans which may be used at McCook Point Park.

 

7.  COMMITTEE REPORTS 

 

            There were no committee reports.

 

8.  NEW BUSINESS

 

            Mr. Nadeau suggested that a life membership be given to a person who has made a significant contribution to East Lyme Parks and Recreation with at least 90% in an unpaid capacity.  A minimum of five members of the Commission need to approve a life membership.  No more than three awards may be given in a year.

 

            Mr. Dzwilewski suggested that the plaques be placed at McCook’s next to Frank Eagan’s award.  Mr. Nadeau suggested that these plaques be placed at the Town Hall.

 

            a.)  Facility Request Form from Tinita Larmann representing Team Compass Fund requesting use of McCook Point Park pavilion on September 12, 2009 from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Commission members asked that a representative of this organization be asked to attend a meeting of this Commission to inform the Commission about their organization.

 

            b)  Facility Request Form from Michael Ritz representing East Lyme Rowing Association requesting an extension of time for a Sandwich Board Sign at Liberty Green from January 2 to January 31, 2009.

 

MOTION:       Mr. Fenick moved to approve an extension of

                        time for a Sandwich Board Sign at Liberty

                        Green for the East Lyme Rowing Association

                        from January 2 to January 31, 2009.  Seconded

                        by Mrs. Curry.  (5-0) Unanimous.

 

9.  FYI

 

            Mr. Putnam made available to commission members vendor bills and the program budget.

 

10.  ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION:       Mr. Dzwilewski moved to adjourn the East Lyme

                        Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting of November 6,

                        2008 at 7:45 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Fenick.  (5-0)

                        Unanimous.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

 

                                                                        Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary

 

Director’s Report

November 6, 2008

 

McCook Point Park:

  • Hole in the Wall parking lot was paved on 11/05 the project is almost complete it is going to be a huge asset for our patrons.   Majority of the gardens have been planted with assistance from the UCONN master gardener and the Highway Department staff.  Experimental grass areas have been seeded and covered with turf blankets this is being done in cooperation with UCONN.  Only a few small details remain for the project to be complete.
  • We are in the process of installing 8 additional benches to date over 20 benches having been purchased.
  • We will be winterizing buildings in the next few weeks.
  • I have been asked by the Child and Family Agency who co-sponsors the Touch a Truck event with us to hang a banner 2 to 3 weeks before the event on the fence leading into the entrance at McCook promoting the event.  Event will take place in mid-May.  This will require Commission approval.

 

Athletic Fields:

  • Most teams have finished their fall seasons only a few practices and special events remain.  Maintenance crew is in the process of our fall renovations which include; Aerating and slice seeding the Pee Wee Football Field, Laser grading and infield material being installed at both fields at Vet’s and the Men’s Softball Field and deep tine aeration of the Berardo, Keser and Firehouse fields at Bridebrook.
  • Maintenance Crew has done an outstanding job of adding irrigation to the Baseball and Softball fields at Bridebrook normally this work is contracted out we were able to do it in house saving a significant amount on labor cost.

 

Miscellaneous: 

  • Capital Improvement Budget for this year has been submitted items requested for this year include; Building Improvements for Bathrooms at McCook and Vets total of $350,000, Playscape enhancements at McCook $125,000, Vehicle Replacement $35,000 and Fencing replacement Vets $25,000 and an infill turf field at Bridebrook $900,000
  • I hope to have a preliminary operating budget for you for the December meeting.
  • Our winter brochure will be sent to East Lyme and Niantic households starting November 21.