Regular Meeting 9-17-2007
Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting held September 17, 2007
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a special meeting on Monday, September 17, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Otto
Chris Kelly
John Machold
Shelly Cumpstone (arrived 8:20 PM)
Absent: Susan Dean
Bill Silas
Chairman Colonia called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM.
2. Minutes of August 13, 2007
Dan noted that on page one item number 3 the visitor’s name should read: Grace Colonia-Hughes.
*A motion was made by Susan and seconded by John to accept the minutes of August 13, 2007 with the change as indicated above. Motion passed.
3. Visitors
Bob and Marcella Sassi attended the meeting to discuss their application to put a hotdog concession stand at Irene Sheldon Park during soccer games. The Sassi’s brought photos of the trailer, which is 18 feet long by 8 feet wide. The application requested a space to put the hot dog trailer at Irene Sheldon Park from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturdays from September 15th until November 17th to coordinate with the soccer playing dates. Dan noted that if it rains on Saturday, the games will be held on Sundays. Mr. Sassi asked for the rain date information to be added to the application. The Sassi’s noted that they would like to sell hot dogs and fried dough. They noted that they would supply trash cans and would police the area after games to be sure the trash was picked up. Mr. Sassi noted that he would supply his own electricity with a generator. He already has verbal approval from the health official. He indicated that Marty Klein said it is ok with him if it is ok with the Park and Recreation commission.
Dan asked what would happen if the PTO or another organization wanted to sell food as a fundraiser. Mr. Sassi said he does not want to compete with local organizations and would not sell on the same day as the organization if that were to happen. Mr. Sassi also stated that on the last game of the season he would like to donate his profits, minus sales tax and the cost of food, to a local organization such as KYL or the Soccer Club.
John questioned whether there was a person who was going to be consistently selling items for the Soccer Club. Dan noted that it has not been decided, but if the soccer club does sell a food item it would be Italian ices, not hot dogs.
Chris questioned whether insurance was needed rather than just the “hold harmless” form. Chris also noted that the fire marshall may need to approve the truck since propane is being used. Chris asked if the building inspector needs to sign off as well.
Dan said he would contact the town attorney to find out if the hold harmless agreement is sufficient or if other insurance is needed. He will also find out about the fire inspector and the building inspector.
There was a discussion on where the Sassi’s would park the trailer at Irene Sheldon Park. Mr. Sassi would like to park the trailer on the side of the driveway, which leads to the rear fields. It was noted by several members that this was not a good place. There is not much room for cars to pass by each other on this driveway and it was noted that this would not be a safe place for children to come up to the concession stand. Park and Recreation members noted that it would be best to pull all the way into the back parking lot and back the trailer along the side of the fence near the gate, being sure not to block the gate in case an emergency vehicle needs to enter the fields. It was noted this would be a much safer place for people to come up to the concession stand and it would not interfere with the flow of traffic. After further discussion, Mr. Sassi decided it was getting too complicated and withdrew his application. The Sassi’s thanked everyone for their time and left the meeting.
4. Communications, Bills, and Applications
a.) Applications
After the Sassi’s left there was further discussion on the application for the concession stand . Dan explained that Mr. Sassi had called him last Monday wondering why the meeting had been changed. Dan explained that the meeting had to be changed because his wife had surgery and invited Mr. Sassi to attend the September 17th meeting.
Although this application has been withdrawn, similar applications may come up in the future. Shelly noted that she felt a commercial vendor would need and insurance agreement rather than the hold harmless agreement. Dan noted that perhaps the field usage permit needs to be changed for this reason. It was noted that the Yoga classes also fit into this category of a business earning a profit. Dan suggested having two separate applications. One application would be for commercial use with insurance information and permits such as fire, building, health, and zoning. The second application could be used for organizations. John asked why organizations have been allowed to sell food as fundraisers at the fields in the past.
It was noted that Susan Dean has been working on finding out what other towns do in this situation. Someone will contact Susan Dean to indicate that this still needs to be worked on since Killingworth does not have a procedure for situations like this.
Dan felt that it is the Park and Recreation Commission’s responsibility to take care of the parks. People ask for permission to use the parks. Park and Recreation needs to find out what to do in situations such as this. Susan and John noted that the applications should be passed on to the First Selectmen for further approval.
There was a discussion on the increase of trash in cases where concession stands are set up. This may increase the cost of having the trash removed if there is a significant increase in the amount of trash.
A letter will be drafted to the Selectmen regarding this issue. In the letter the Board of Selectmen will be asked if other agencies, such as fire officials, health officials, building, and zoning, would need to give approval for commercial vendors to set up at our town parks.
Dan marked the application from the Sassi’s as “Withdrawn” .
An application was received from the Middle School Soccer team for use of Irene Sheldon Field weekdays from September 18th until November 13th from 2:45 until 4:30 for practice and from 3:30 until 5:00 for games. Dan noted that try-outs were held at the Middle school field. Shelly indicated that the middle school team may be able to use their own fields soon, but it is unclear when.
*A motion was made by Shelly and seconded by John to approve the application from the Middle School soccer team for use of Irene Sheldon Park for games and practices as noted above. Motion passed.
b.) Bills
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $52.40.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $50.34.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $70.12.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $26.27.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $24.85.
A bill in the amount of $40.43 was received from Michele Nuhn for the minutes of August 13, 2007.
A bill in the amount of $75.00 was received from American Carting.
A bill in the amount of $63.47 was received from True Value for a lawn mower blade.
A bill was received from New England Power Equipment in the amount of $22.38 for blades for the John Deere Tractor.
A bill was received from Killingworth Garage in the amount of $130.22.
A bill in the amount of $279.00 was received from Anthony Carri for gatekeeper services.
A bill in the amount of $447.50 was received from Olsen Sanitation.
*A motion was made by Susan and seconded by Chris to approve all twelve of the above noted bills. Motion passed.
A bill was received from AAA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in the amount of $1260.00 for repairing the water fountain at Irene Sheldon Park. The bill included 9 hours of labor for the plumber and a plumber’s helper. Susan noted that Karl Auer will be repairing the stonework.
*A motion was made by Shelly and Seconded by Susan to approve the bill from AAA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in the amount of $1260.00.
Susan noted that the owner of AAA told her the stonework was very involved and took a long time to take apart. He also told her to make sure that the fountain is drained and winterized each year. The reason there was a problem was that it wasn’t winterized properly. Susan noted that Marty Klein assured her that the town crew knows how to winterize the fountain. John noted that this should be added to the calendar for the town crew to be sure they winterize the fountain each year. This should be done before Thanksgiving. Chris noted that the copper pipe should be insulated before the masonry work is done by Karl Auer. Shelly noted that travel soccer is over by November 18th and the fountain should be winterized once travel soccer is done.
Motion passed.
5. Treasurer’s report
No treasurer’s report was given at this time.
6. Old Business
a.) Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
*Irene Sheldon Park
-It was noted that the trash cans look very nice.
-Overhanging branches: Susan Otto spoke to CL&P and was told that the branches would be taken care of. They have not been taken care of yet. Susan felt someone should be hired to do this since CL&P has not done it yet. It was decided that if the branches are not fixed by the next meeting, someone should be hired to do this.
-John noted that the westbound blinking sign near the intersection of Roast Meat Hill Road and Route 80 is not working. Susan will call Walt and have him check into this.
-Capital equipment to complete the fence: Bill is looking into this.
-The distance sign at Lower Sheldon is bent. Susan will ask Walter to remove the sign furthest away from center field, straighten it, put it back at a higher level and secure all four corners to prevent any further bending.
-Bulletin Board installation: John noted that the location for the bulletin board should be decided during the fall walk through. The fall walk through is scheduled for September 29th at 8:00 AM starting at Irene Sheldon Park.
-Susan has discovered that the driver panel at the playground has moisture in it. The cost for this panel was $1027.00. Susan has contacted the company to discuss this but they have not gotten back to her yet. Also, the oval tube already has a crack in it. The cost of the tube was $338.00. Susan will be sure to discuss these matters with the company.
*Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field
-Bulletin Board: Location will be decided during the fall walk through.
-Tree trimming: Susan will ask Walter to trim at the third base side of Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field.
-Dugout roof and molding: Susan noted that this is on Walt’s list. She is not sure if it has been done yet.
-Dan noted that the Reale’s sent a thank you note for the sign at Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field.
-Chris noted that there was someone interested in taking photographs at Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field.
*Bethke Community Field
-The sign is in place and looks nice.
-The trash cans look professional.
b.) Wettish Property Development
Chris Kelly gave an update on the Wettish Property Development. A meeting schedule has been completed for the Wettish Property Development Advisory Sub-Committee. A copy of the schedule is attached to the minutes. The minutes from the September 12th sub-committee meeting were reviewed. A copy of the sub-committee minutes is attached. Also attached is a letter from Attorney Michael Wells. Chris shared with the committee that the letter indicates that the town must have a contact person nominated as well as a public participation coordinator. Chris Kelly was nominated for these positions.
There was a lengthy discussion on decisions being made based on the advice and suggestions from someone who is not on the sub-committee. Dan noted that he felt that comments from Ed Coppola should not have been used to alter decisions. Chris noted that Ed is a town citizen and that it is public knowledge. Dan noted that people had to be appointed and sworn in to serve on the sub-committee. He feels that someone not sworn in and appointed should not be commenting on these issues. Chris noted that the sub-committee meetings are public. Dan said that Ed did not come to the meetings and did not make his comments at the meeting. He feels he shouldn’t be consulted about the plans if he is not at the meetings and is not on the sub-committee. Chris stated that he disagrees.
Shelly noted that the committee should be open to any helpful suggestions. Dan felt that the Weston and Sampson Draft Contract for Task One is not a public document yet and that it should not be reviewed by any other than committee members until it is a public document. He feels someone should not get involved in the documents until they are approved and appointed by the selectmen.
There was a discussion on poison ivy removal at the Wettish Property. Chris noted that there is poison ivy all over the pasture and on the stone walls and trees. Chris said that the town indicated it does not have the manpower to take care of this. Shelly feels this should be taken care of before the frost. Chris agreed that there is not much time to take care of this. Dan and Eric Auer are looking for volunteers to help take care of the poison ivy. Chris is working on getting quotes from companies to see what it would cost. Dan noted that this is not part of task one. The Park and Recreation Commission may need to appropriate some funds to get rid of the poison ivy. This is a big job. Chris noted that Richard Albrecht had suggested contacting Dave Gumbart to see if he has any suggestions for this.
Chris told the committee that John McMahon had asked if the Park and Recreation Commission was looking for other means of funding for the Wettish Property besides the STEAP Grant. Dan feels the Park and Recreation Commission should ask the town to approve some money for the project. Chris noted that there can’t be any expenditures from the STEAP Grant until it goes to another town vote. There was a discussion on applying for another STEAP Grant.
c.) Commercial use of Park Facilities
There was a discussion on commercial use of park facilities as noted above in section four.
7. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Shelly and seconded by Susan to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 PM. Motion passed.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Nuhn
Special Meeting held September 17, 2007
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a special meeting on Monday, September 17, 2007, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Otto
Chris Kelly
John Machold
Shelly Cumpstone (arrived 8:20 PM)
Absent: Susan Dean
Bill Silas
Chairman Colonia called the meeting to order at 8:05 PM.
2. Minutes of August 13, 2007
Dan noted that on page one item number 3 the visitor’s name should read: Grace Colonia-Hughes.
*A motion was made by Susan and seconded by John to accept the minutes of August 13, 2007 with the change as indicated above. Motion passed.
3. Visitors
Bob and Marcella Sassi attended the meeting to discuss their application to put a hotdog concession stand at Irene Sheldon Park during soccer games. The Sassi’s brought photos of the trailer, which is 18 feet long by 8 feet wide. The application requested a space to put the hot dog trailer at Irene Sheldon Park from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Saturdays from September 15th until November 17th to coordinate with the soccer playing dates. Dan noted that if it rains on Saturday, the games will be held on Sundays. Mr. Sassi asked for the rain date information to be added to the application. The Sassi’s noted that they would like to sell hot dogs and fried dough. They noted that they would supply trash cans and would police the area after games to be sure the trash was picked up. Mr. Sassi noted that he would supply his own electricity with a generator. He already has verbal approval from the health official. He indicated that Marty Klein said it is ok with him if it is ok with the Park and Recreation commission.
Dan asked what would happen if the PTO or another organization wanted to sell food as a fundraiser. Mr. Sassi said he does not want to compete with local organizations and would not sell on the same day as the organization if that were to happen. Mr. Sassi also stated that on the last game of the season he would like to donate his profits, minus sales tax and the cost of food, to a local organization such as KYL or the Soccer Club.
John questioned whether there was a person who was going to be consistently selling items for the Soccer Club. Dan noted that it has not been decided, but if the soccer club does sell a food item it would be Italian ices, not hot dogs.
Chris questioned whether insurance was needed rather than just the “hold harmless” form. Chris also noted that the fire marshall may need to approve the truck since propane is being used. Chris asked if the building inspector needs to sign off as well.
Dan said he would contact the town attorney to find out if the hold harmless agreement is sufficient or if other insurance is needed. He will also find out about the fire inspector and the building inspector.
There was a discussion on where the Sassi’s would park the trailer at Irene Sheldon Park. Mr. Sassi would like to park the trailer on the side of the driveway, which leads to the rear fields. It was noted by several members that this was not a good place. There is not much room for cars to pass by each other on this driveway and it was noted that this would not be a safe place for children to come up to the concession stand. Park and Recreation members noted that it would be best to pull all the way into the back parking lot and back the trailer along the side of the fence near the gate, being sure not to block the gate in case an emergency vehicle needs to enter the fields. It was noted this would be a much safer place for people to come up to the concession stand and it would not interfere with the flow of traffic. After further discussion, Mr. Sassi decided it was getting too complicated and withdrew his application. The Sassi’s thanked everyone for their time and left the meeting.
4. Communications, Bills, and Applications
a.) Applications
After the Sassi’s left there was further discussion on the application for the concession stand . Dan explained that Mr. Sassi had called him last Monday wondering why the meeting had been changed. Dan explained that the meeting had to be changed because his wife had surgery and invited Mr. Sassi to attend the September 17th meeting.
Although this application has been withdrawn, similar applications may come up in the future. Shelly noted that she felt a commercial vendor would need and insurance agreement rather than the hold harmless agreement. Dan noted that perhaps the field usage permit needs to be changed for this reason. It was noted that the Yoga classes also fit into this category of a business earning a profit. Dan suggested having two separate applications. One application would be for commercial use with insurance information and permits such as fire, building, health, and zoning. The second application could be used for organizations. John asked why organizations have been allowed to sell food as fundraisers at the fields in the past.
It was noted that Susan Dean has been working on finding out what other towns do in this situation. Someone will contact Susan Dean to indicate that this still needs to be worked on since Killingworth does not have a procedure for situations like this.
Dan felt that it is the Park and Recreation Commission’s responsibility to take care of the parks. People ask for permission to use the parks. Park and Recreation needs to find out what to do in situations such as this. Susan and John noted that the applications should be passed on to the First Selectmen for further approval.
There was a discussion on the increase of trash in cases where concession stands are set up. This may increase the cost of having the trash removed if there is a significant increase in the amount of trash.
A letter will be drafted to the Selectmen regarding this issue. In the letter the Board of Selectmen will be asked if other agencies, such as fire officials, health officials, building, and zoning, would need to give approval for commercial vendors to set up at our town parks.
Dan marked the application from the Sassi’s as “Withdrawn” .
An application was received from the Middle School Soccer team for use of Irene Sheldon Field weekdays from September 18th until November 13th from 2:45 until 4:30 for practice and from 3:30 until 5:00 for games. Dan noted that try-outs were held at the Middle school field. Shelly indicated that the middle school team may be able to use their own fields soon, but it is unclear when.
*A motion was made by Shelly and seconded by John to approve the application from the Middle School soccer team for use of Irene Sheldon Park for games and practices as noted above. Motion passed.
b.) Bills
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $52.40.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $50.34.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $70.12.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $26.27.
A bill was received from CL&P in the amount of $24.85.
A bill in the amount of $40.43 was received from Michele Nuhn for the minutes of August 13, 2007.
A bill in the amount of $75.00 was received from American Carting.
A bill in the amount of $63.47 was received from True Value for a lawn mower blade.
A bill was received from New England Power Equipment in the amount of $22.38 for blades for the John Deere Tractor.
A bill was received from Killingworth Garage in the amount of $130.22.
A bill in the amount of $279.00 was received from Anthony Carri for gatekeeper services.
A bill in the amount of $447.50 was received from Olsen Sanitation.
*A motion was made by Susan and seconded by Chris to approve all twelve of the above noted bills. Motion passed.
A bill was received from AAA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in the amount of $1260.00 for repairing the water fountain at Irene Sheldon Park. The bill included 9 hours of labor for the plumber and a plumber’s helper. Susan noted that Karl Auer will be repairing the stonework.
*A motion was made by Shelly and Seconded by Susan to approve the bill from AAA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in the amount of $1260.00.
Susan noted that the owner of AAA told her the stonework was very involved and took a long time to take apart. He also told her to make sure that the fountain is drained and winterized each year. The reason there was a problem was that it wasn’t winterized properly. Susan noted that Marty Klein assured her that the town crew knows how to winterize the fountain. John noted that this should be added to the calendar for the town crew to be sure they winterize the fountain each year. This should be done before Thanksgiving. Chris noted that the copper pipe should be insulated before the masonry work is done by Karl Auer. Shelly noted that travel soccer is over by November 18th and the fountain should be winterized once travel soccer is done.
Motion passed.
5. Treasurer’s report
No treasurer’s report was given at this time.
6. Old Business
a.) Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
*Irene Sheldon Park
-It was noted that the trash cans look very nice.
-Overhanging branches: Susan Otto spoke to CL&P and was told that the branches would be taken care of. They have not been taken care of yet. Susan felt someone should be hired to do this since CL&P has not done it yet. It was decided that if the branches are not fixed by the next meeting, someone should be hired to do this.
-John noted that the westbound blinking sign near the intersection of Roast Meat Hill Road and Route 80 is not working. Susan will call Walt and have him check into this.
-Capital equipment to complete the fence: Bill is looking into this.
-The distance sign at Lower Sheldon is bent. Susan will ask Walter to remove the sign furthest away from center field, straighten it, put it back at a higher level and secure all four corners to prevent any further bending.
-Bulletin Board installation: John noted that the location for the bulletin board should be decided during the fall walk through. The fall walk through is scheduled for September 29th at 8:00 AM starting at Irene Sheldon Park.
-Susan has discovered that the driver panel at the playground has moisture in it. The cost for this panel was $1027.00. Susan has contacted the company to discuss this but they have not gotten back to her yet. Also, the oval tube already has a crack in it. The cost of the tube was $338.00. Susan will be sure to discuss these matters with the company.
*Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field
-Bulletin Board: Location will be decided during the fall walk through.
-Tree trimming: Susan will ask Walter to trim at the third base side of Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field.
-Dugout roof and molding: Susan noted that this is on Walt’s list. She is not sure if it has been done yet.
-Dan noted that the Reale’s sent a thank you note for the sign at Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field.
-Chris noted that there was someone interested in taking photographs at Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field.
*Bethke Community Field
-The sign is in place and looks nice.
-The trash cans look professional.
b.) Wettish Property Development
Chris Kelly gave an update on the Wettish Property Development. A meeting schedule has been completed for the Wettish Property Development Advisory Sub-Committee. A copy of the schedule is attached to the minutes. The minutes from the September 12th sub-committee meeting were reviewed. A copy of the sub-committee minutes is attached. Also attached is a letter from Attorney Michael Wells. Chris shared with the committee that the letter indicates that the town must have a contact person nominated as well as a public participation coordinator. Chris Kelly was nominated for these positions.
There was a lengthy discussion on decisions being made based on the advice and suggestions from someone who is not on the sub-committee. Dan noted that he felt that comments from Ed Coppola should not have been used to alter decisions. Chris noted that Ed is a town citizen and that it is public knowledge. Dan noted that people had to be appointed and sworn in to serve on the sub-committee. He feels that someone not sworn in and appointed should not be commenting on these issues. Chris noted that the sub-committee meetings are public. Dan said that Ed did not come to the meetings and did not make his comments at the meeting. He feels he shouldn’t be consulted about the plans if he is not at the meetings and is not on the sub-committee. Chris stated that he disagrees.
Shelly noted that the committee should be open to any helpful suggestions. Dan felt that the Weston and Sampson Draft Contract for Task One is not a public document yet and that it should not be reviewed by any other than committee members until it is a public document. He feels someone should not get involved in the documents until they are approved and appointed by the selectmen.
There was a discussion on poison ivy removal at the Wettish Property. Chris noted that there is poison ivy all over the pasture and on the stone walls and trees. Chris said that the town indicated it does not have the manpower to take care of this. Shelly feels this should be taken care of before the frost. Chris agreed that there is not much time to take care of this. Dan and Eric Auer are looking for volunteers to help take care of the poison ivy. Chris is working on getting quotes from companies to see what it would cost. Dan noted that this is not part of task one. The Park and Recreation Commission may need to appropriate some funds to get rid of the poison ivy. This is a big job. Chris noted that Richard Albrecht had suggested contacting Dave Gumbart to see if he has any suggestions for this.
Chris told the committee that John McMahon had asked if the Park and Recreation Commission was looking for other means of funding for the Wettish Property besides the STEAP Grant. Dan feels the Park and Recreation Commission should ask the town to approve some money for the project. Chris noted that there can’t be any expenditures from the STEAP Grant until it goes to another town vote. There was a discussion on applying for another STEAP Grant.
c.) Commercial use of Park Facilities
There was a discussion on commercial use of park facilities as noted above in section four.
7. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Shelly and seconded by Susan to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 PM. Motion passed.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Nuhn
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