Monday, June 9, 2008

Regular Meeting June 9, 2008

Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting June 9, 2008

1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.

Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Otto
Susan Dean
Chris Kelly

Absent: John Machold
Bill Silas
Scot Thomas

Chairman Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:39 PM.

2. Minutes of:
a. Regular meeting held April 14, 2008
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Susan Dean to accept the minutes of April 14, 2008 with 2 corrections:
1. “Call to order: Susan Otto, Vice Chairman” and
6a. “Bethke: Susan Dean-There is a large hole in Bethke ball field that needs immediate repair.”
Motion passed unanimously.

b. Redo votes of May 12, 2008
The following bills presented at the May 12, 2008 meeting were represented:
Bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 38.24,
Second bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 38.38,
Special bill correction from CL&P in the amount of $102.14,
Bill for flag for Rocco M. Reale Field in the amount of $ 33.34,
Bill for fishing derby fliers in the amount of $ 80.86,
Bill from True Value for grass seed in the amount of $ 33.99,
Second bill from True Value for $ 8.00,
Bill for Clorox for the Sheldon Field well in the amount of $ 2.29,
Bill from Killingworth Garage for gas in the amount of $ 60.82,
Bill from Anthony Carri for March in the amount of $ 90.00,
Bill from Anthony Carri for April in the amount of $ 270.00,
Bill from Olson Sanitation for April for Sheldon, Rocco and Bethke fields in the amount of $ 105.00,
Bill from Karl Auer for April in the amount of $ 480.00,
Bill pump wiring at Sheldon Park in the amount of $ 333.70.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Susan Dean to approve all of the above noted bills. Motion passed unanimously.

The following applications presented at the May 12, 2008 meeting were presented again:
An application was received from HK Recreation for the use of Sheldon Park from 9:30 to 10:30 AM on 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/17, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5 for summer camps.
An application was received from HK Recreation for the use of lower or upper Sheldon Park on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 from 7/3 to 7/31, raindate 8/7, for MLS Camp.
An application was received from Lori Marriot of Shoreline Focus on Fitness for the use of Sheldon Park from 5:45 to 7:45 AM Tues. – Thurs. 6/24 to 8/21 for Outdoor Boot Camp. She must provide proof of business insurance or signed individual Hold Harmless forms from each participant.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Susan Otto to approve all of the above noted applications. Motion passed unanimously.

The Treasurer’s report presented at the May 12, 2008 meeting was presented again:
Since Treasurer Bill Silas was not in attendance, Dan presented an ending account balance of $ 10474.07, or 48% of budget was spent. Dan reported the Fishing Derby held on April 11, 2008, was a success. Susan Otto commended Ron and Cloverleaf for their assistance with the day, and Susan Dean wrote notes to thank them. At the previous meeting Bill had asked to purchase clay, wood chips, tree work, bases and gravel totaling approximately $ 4,800.00.
*A motion was made by Chris and seconded by Susan Otto to approve all of the above noted applications. Motion passed unanimously.

Other business discussed at the May 12, 2008 meeting included:
Dan questioned the cost to repaint the swings, Susan Otto will investigate for next meeting. The water fountain at Sheldon Park was completed, Susan Otto reported the painting and scraping of benches at Sheldon Park was started by Ryan Dotson, work was done on pull-down door, spending $57.00 on materials. The port-a-potties are going to be cleaned twice a week now, and Dan will ask Frank if that should be done during the summer for camps. Garbage collection will be done on Thursdays, Sheldon field only. KYL shed delivered to Sheldon Park was unsteady and therefore not safe, and Bill would handle. Dan reported that has been corrected now, and the tree down at the Sheldon Park between the pavilion and playground has also been removed.
The master plan matrix was discussed. (A copy of the matrix is attached to the minutes.) Sledding would occur at the Wettish Property on a location with a slope if possible, but could not be guaranteed. The possibility of a skateboard park at the Wettish Property was offered to Mary Keithan, but she stated it was not centrally located, too far away and not visible from the street. She questioned lower Sheldon, but that serves other uses and is also too far from the street. Mary also questioned use of the property in front of Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field, but that land is under the jurisdiction of the Land Use Committee and she was referred to Hilary Kumnick. Bill questioned who would supervise such a park and who would cover liability insurance. Dan stated he personally would support the idea of a skateboard park, and Park & Recreation Commission would consider a contribution of approximately $ 5,000 but the funds are limited. The skateboard park is listed on the matrix as a separate long-term item due to lack of land. The matrix is a “plan” and every attempt will be made by the commission to meet the plan. The matrix is an appendix to the Master Plan and will be referenced therein. Chris will present the plan to the Land Use Committee. In consideration of the interest of the Killingworth community, this is Park & Recreation’s proposed plan.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Chris Kelly to approve the above noted matrix correcting a typographical error. Motion passed unanimously.

3. Visitors:
Alan Kostek, president of Killingworth Youth League (KYL), attended the meeting. Alan asked for the commission’s support to erect a 8” x 8’ x 4’ official electronic scoreboard at Rocco M. Reale Field and presented a diagram of the scoreboard. Alan explained that 400 Killingworth children play on KYL teams and the scoreboard would be funded entirely by a league sponsor. KYL hosts district tournaments, such as the 9-10 year old All Star Tournament scheduled for later this season, and there is no scoreboard at this field. Fields in other area towns, such as Duval Field in Haddam, have this scoreboard. Discussion of funding, maintenance, durability and placement of the scoreboard followed. Alan stated that KYL could contribute to it’s maintenance financially, but more specific details needed to be worked out. Alan further stated that the scoreboard installation and its electrical wiring would be funded 100% by the sponsor, and that it would be installed permanently behind left field, to remain in place until it was no longer needed. The commission stated they would like more specific information before approving this request and presenting the request to the Planning & Zoning and the Zoning Board of Appeals. All members of the commission in attendance stated they were personally in favor of the scoreboard but needed more information.

4. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. The following bills were presented:
Bill for photos of stone walls in the amount of $ 12.80
Bill for photos, Wettish Property survey in the amount of $ 4.24
Bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 38.53,
Second bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 38.97,
Third bill from CL&P in the amount of $47.08,
Bill from Anthony Carri for May in the amount of $ 279.00,
Bill from Thomas Keegan & Sons for 43.72 tons of clay at $35/ton in the amount of $ 1,530.20,
Bill from Olson Sanitation for May for Sheldon, Rocco and Bethke fields, with a $ 3.00 fuel surcharge per field, in the amount of $ 219.00,
Bill from True Value for concrete mix in the amount of $ 28.35,
Second bill from True Value paint and brushes in the amount of $ 37.76,
Bill from Killingworth Garage for gas in the amount of $ 108.78,
Bill from New England Power Equipment for John Deere mower in the amount of $ 97.98,
Second bill from New England Power Equipment for John Deere mower (blade and pulley) in the amount of $70.52,
Third bill from New England Power Equipment for John Deere mower (roller and rod) in the amount of $27.46.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Chris Kelly to approve all of the above noted bills. Motion passed unanimously.

Two additional bills were presented:
Bill from Richard Gates, Land Surveyor, Wettish Property regarding the area behind the parking area not yet contour surveyed, in the amount of $ 3,700.00, to be paid from Wettish Property $ 120,000.00 funds.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Susan Dean to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.

Bill from Weston & Sampson, signed by First Selectman Richard Cabral, in the amount of $ 14,943.75 for Phase A evaluation, Phase B schematic design, Phase C preliminary design, Phase D bidding services and Phase E storm drainage evaluation. Chris recommended forwarding this bill to the Wettish sub-committee for review. This bill will be brought back to the next meeting for presentation.

b. The following applications were received:
An application was received from Timothy Venuti, Killingworth Horseshoe League, for the use of Irene Sheldon Park’s horseshoe pits from 6:30 to 9:00 PM from 5/8 to 8/16. Discussion followed regarding whether each individual participant needed to sign a Hold Harmless agreement, but since Timothy Venuti signed a Hold Harmless agreement for the entire group it was decided unnecessary.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Susan Dean to approve the above noted application. Motion passed unanimously.

An application was received from Donna DiGregorio, KES 2nd Grade teacher for the use of Irene Sheldon Park on from 11:40 AM to 2:45 PM on 6/16, with no raindate, for the KES 2nd Grade Picnic.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Susan Dean to approve the above noted application. Motion passed unanimously.

An application was received from HK Recreation for the use of Sheldon Park Monday thru Friday from 4:30 PM to dark, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, rain date of Sundays, from 8/18 to 11/1/08 for fall soccer league. Dan suggested postponing approval of this application until a later meeting to allow other organizations possible use of the park as well. The other members of the commission agreed.


c. The following communications were received:
Dan passed around a copy of the minutes from the Board of Selectmen’s meeting for members to review.
A letter was received from Killingworth resident Mary Keithan, with e-mail letters from approximately 40 Haddam and Killingworth residents, asking for the commission’s help to find a location for a skateboard park. Dan read Mary’s letter to the commission and discussion followed. (A copy of Mary’s letter is attached to the minutes.) Dan and Chris explained that a skateboard park requires a paved surface with ramps, a bowl, etc., and gave examples of other skateboard parks such the one located at the Ethel Peters facility in Clinton. Dan questioned if the Park & Recreation commission had property to locate such a park. Chris suggested checking past resident surveys to rank a skateboard park’s importance versus other athletic facilities such as tennis or basketball courts. Susan Otto questioned if this group would do their own fundraising, since the letter asked primarily for a location and not for funding. Dan and Susan Otto agreed that this commission does not have land to offer and should refer the group to the Land Use Committee. The Park & Recreation Commission is supportive of the endeavor but does not have the space necessary, and the request for help should be directed to the Land Use Committee. Susan Dean will respond to the letter.

5. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas was not in attendance. Dan presented and ending account balance of $ 8,859.51.

6. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
- Irene Sheldon Park
- Survey - Contour survey to be done this week
- Water Fountain - Complete
- Port-a-potties – On schedule, now twice per week
- Garbage Collection – Once per week, Sheldon Park only
- Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field - No items to discuss at this time.
- Bethke Field
Bill Silas had previously put up a pole to prevent parking in back/outer field. Susan Dean noted that she has observed the pole down and cars parked in the prohibited area. Dan suggested contacting Eric Auer to install the more permanent gate discussed in the past. Chris suggested locking the existing pole in place. Chris will look at the gate to the outer field and attempt to padlock it.
b. Wettish Property Development
Chris reported that Weston & Sampson, landscape architects, presented 3 conceptual plans to minimize impact on property and stone walls, met with Cathy Jefferson to get zoning input, requested a walk of the property scheduled for 6:30 PM on June 10, 2008. Discussion followed about the plans and the importance of the walk, noting that this process is a compromise of what can be done with the least disruption to the property and stone walls, yet maintain the least possible cost. Chris stated that there could be as much as $ 300,000 difference in cost between the 3 plans. Planning & Zoning will meet next on June 11, 2008, and will discuss further. Copies of the plans must be further revised by the engineer, Planning & Zoning and Parks & Recreation Commission and are not yet ready for public review. The group further discussed possible locations for a playground and possible driveway options to improve bus access and maintain safety for children being dropped off.
c. Master Plan Matrix
As discussed earlier in meeting.
d. HK Recreation Authority
Dan Colonia and John Machold membership will be addressed at the Special Town Meeting on June 11, 2008, leaving one vacancy. Discussion followed among commission members but no on present could serve. Dan received a letter from a Killingworth resident interested in filling the vacancy and Dan has contacted First Selectman Richard Cabral and is awaiting his reply. (A copy of the letter is attached to the minutes.)

7. New Business
Community Service - Susan Otto reported she was very pleased with Ryan Dotson’s 14 hours of community service painting and scraping benches at Sheldon Park. All the paint from True Value was used.

8. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Susan Dean to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 PM. Motion passed unanimously.