<p>City of New London Department of Recreation 120 Broad Street  New London, CT 06320  Phone (860) 447-5230  Fax (860) 447-7956</p><p>PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 3, 2010 Senior Center Library at 6:30 p.m.</p><p>Members in Attendance: Nancy Baude; Robert Nenna, Sr.; Nicole Dallas; Margaret Cotnoir; Mike Hudson; George Potts; Norman Harrison, Jr.; James Diaz-Saavedra; Tommie Major, Recreation Director</p><p>Members Absent: Ivan Sadler</p><p>Others Present: Dave Denoia, Parks Division Manager and Sharon Bousquet, Program Coordinator, Recreation Department, </p><p>Public Participation: Audrey Blackburn and Lisa Petty, Caulkins Park Community Garden; Nancy Baude, Mashantucket Christmas Party; Keith Chapman, Special Asst. to the City Manager and Bill Camosci; Marty Olsen, City Councilor</p><p>I. Call to Order</p><p>Robert Nenna, Vice Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.</p><p>A. Public Participation was as follows:</p><p>-Keith Chapman, Special Asst. to the City Manager, informed the Commission that Phase I at Bates Woods is thirty-five percent completed and balance would be completed in the spring. He discussed Phase II projects and their costs, how much funding would be available and funding shortage. He will provide Tommie Major with a spreadsheet of projects in greater detail and the pros and cons of each project for the Commission’s review to determine priority of projects. Mr. Chapman also recommended the Commission start thinking about how to develop the triangle piece of land at the Waterfront Park. Marty Olsen, City Councilor, was questioned regarding the availability of extra funding. Mr. Olsen stated he would like to see Bates Woods project buttoned up, because it is so close to completion. Mike Hudson noted the Waterfront Park is operated outside of the Commission’s purview and is not listed as one of the City’s parks. Mr. Chapman stated it is not known what bids will be forthcoming for the Waterfront Park and suggested if funds should become available, the Commission be prepared with something in writing. Mr. Chapman discussed concerns of the school and City’s administration in regard to vandalism at Bates Woods and the new complex. There is a possibility of hiring a park ranger for security. He suggested the Commission set up goals and objectives prior to January for the next twelve months with monetary notations to be submitted in the preliminary budget process, and then set up a five-year plan so the Council can level off expenditures over the years. Bill Camosci stated it is a pleasure to work with the Commission and the contractor considers Dave Denoia and Joe Johnson an </p><p>Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer 5</p><p> asset to work with. Tommie Major took this opportunity to recognize Keith Chapman, Bill Camosci and the City Manager for their efforts in accomplishing work done at the City’s parks.</p><p>-Audrey Blackburn, Caulkins Park Community Garden, explained how successful their fist year has been and how fortunate they have been with funding. The purpose of her visit was to request permission to install fencing, installation of a shed for tools and installation of a water service. Lisa Petty covered the type of fencing to be installed and where fence installation would be located. There was some discussion regarding the installation of locks on the gates, the structure material of the shed (it was agreed the structure would be metal), the community garden’s ability to charge plot rent when City property is being used (falls under Fresh umbrella) and water bill responsibility (Community Garden’s responsibility). Dave Denoia stated he would act as an agent of the Commission to make sure water is shut off in winter. A motion to approve all three proposals with the caveat that the installation of the fencing would go through the proper channels (zoning) was made by Margaret Cotnoir and seconded by George Potts. Motion passed.</p><p>-Nancy Baude, Mashantucket Christmas Party, sought permission for the party to be held in the congregate room on December 11th between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. A motion was made by Norman Harrison and seconded by Margaret Cotnoir to approve the use of the space for this purpose. Motion passed</p><p>Jeff Larson, Athletic Director at New London High School, expressed thanks for the Commission’s work on the Sports Complex.</p><p>II. Approval of Minutes</p><p>A motion was made by James Diaz-Saavedra and seconded by Nancy Baude to approve the minutes for the October meeting. Minutes passed.</p><p>III. Director’s Report of Department Activities</p><p>A. Recreation Director</p><p>Tommie Major noted the Commission had been given a program flyer and the Winter 2010-11 Brochure for review. Mr. Major took this opportunity to thank Sharon Bousquet for her work acquiring information on accreditation for the Recreation Department. He then asked Sharon to present the accreditation process and what it would mean for the Recreation Department. Sharon fielded questions from the Commission. A motion was made by Mike Hudson and seconded by Norman Harrison to support accreditation. Motion passed.</p><p> b. Parks Director</p><p>Dave Denoia gave a brief overview on his department’s preparation for the winter months.</p><p>2</p><p>Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer 5</p><p>IV. Sub-Committee Reports</p><p>Robert Nenna met with the principal at New London High School. He looked at area and will look at the Jack Conway stone and get back to the Commission.</p><p>Norman Harrison stated the Sports Complex Snack Stand Committee met with Dave Sugrue and Tommie Thompson and have plans to meet with the Little League and Tommie Major this Friday. </p><p>Nancy Baude questioned the status of the sign for the Sports Complex. Mrs. Baude stated the goal is to hold the Thanksgiving Game at the complex. She stated there is going to be training on the maintenance of the field, which will be filmed with Dave Denoia’s staff in attendance. Dave Denoia informed the Commission that his staff went to Montville to see their field and talk to their staff regarding maintenance. Montville’s staff discussed the benefits of a sweeper with the City’s staff. There was a brief discussion on the condition and maintenance of the track.</p><p>V. SOB/Parks Conservancy</p><p>Margaret Cotnoir stated SOB had their major fundraiser last week and thinks they made between $5,000 and $6,000. The Committee will be meeting to look at their long-range plans for next year. Nancy Baude spoke with Atty. Londregan on the insurance issue and he recommended SOB keep their insurance and in the instance something happened and their insurance did not pay everything, the City’s insurance would pick up.</p><p>Mike Hudson questioned if the water had been turned off at Williams Park. Dave Denoia stated it had been done and Mr. Hudson will now call the sprinkler company to have system blown out. There was a discussion regarding damaged tree markers and Mr. Denoia said they would be replaced in the spring. Mr. Hudson stated the Conservancy has received a substantial donation to put bricks in at the go around and the inability of the Conservancy to authorize work because of the sprinkler system. He was told he could do the work as long as he followed proper procedure. He questioned how he could get the RFP resurrected. Mr. Denoia suggested he contact Keith Chapman.</p><p>Followed was a discussion on the Waterfront Park regarding clarification if it is as a park or a boardwalk and representation from the Commission on the Waterfront Park Committee. Nancy Baude, Margaret Cotnoir and George Potts volunteered as the subcommittee from the Commission. Marty Olsen informed everyone that the City is in negotiations for the position of Waterfront Coordinator.</p><p>VI. Old Business</p><p>A. Low-wattage lighting at the City’s parks – not discussed B. Accreditation for the Recreation Department – Sharon Bousquet gave a presentation under the Director’s report C. Riverside Park – not discussed D. Sports Complex Snack Stand – Norman Harrison covered under sub- committee reports </p><p>Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer 5</p><p>3 2. New Business</p><p>A. Keith Chapman – Progress at Bates Woods Park (see Public Participation) B. Tommie Major informed the Commission there would be a meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall regarding fencing at Green Harbor and the pool situation at New London High School. He also stated there would be no swimming program this year. C. Tommie Major stated he had a meeting with the Superintendent of Schools regarding a letter he had received from the superintendent which questioned why the Recreation Department was putting together rules, maintenance responsibility and ownership of the Sports Complex. He offered copies of his reply letter to the Commission.</p><p>3. Adjournment</p><p>A motion was made by Norman Harrison and seconded by Nicole Dallas to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.</p><p>Respectfully submitted, Debra R. Sommers, Secretary</p><p>Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer 5</p><p>4</p><p>Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer</p>