Regular Meeting August 10, 2009
Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting August 10, 2009
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, August 10, 2009, at 7:30 PM at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Dean
Glenn Johnson
Bill Silas
Absent: John Machold
Rob Grasso
Scot Thomas
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Minutes of:
- Regular Meeting held July 13, 2009
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to accept the minutes of the July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting as written. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Visitors: Debby Butler, Killingworth Land Trust
Eric Auer, Wetttish Property Development advisor
Dick Otto, Wetttish Property Development advisor
Susan Dean stressed the desire to capitalize on the opportunity to include trails at the Wettish property and shared her conversation with Dale Wilcox, VP of Killingworth Chamber of Commerce, hoping that Killingworth could someday be known for its hiking trails. Dan Colonia added that the property is now open with an access road and noted that the road and parking area will usable for hiking the trails before the fields are available. The commission discussed including trails on any future town website. Susan introduced Debby Butler of the Killingworth Land Trust who stated that she had already visited the property, blazed the main trail (GPS) and will print a map. She noted that every time she visited the property she encountered ATV’s and horses and Glenn added that there are numerous signs of bears on the property. Bill Silas stated that he has the 15 signs prohibiting ATV’s. The commission then discussed alternate route currently being developed for horses, and reviewed a map with Debby noting possible trail locations relative to the existing road, well and walls. It was noted that these trails could link to existing Pattaconk trails and bike trails. Bill and Dan noted that HKHS would like to hold Cross Country meets at the property as well. Debby suggested that a kiosk containing trail information and maps would be a good Eagle Scout project and options for printing color maps were discussed. Dan and Glenn suggested the house/building could be used as a pseudo-museum containing photos of the stone walls, trail maps and nature center and community service hours could be utilized for help.
5. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. Communications were emailed to the commission as received.
b. The following bills were received:
Bill from Killingworth Garage for June, in the amount of $120.00
second bill from Killingworth Garage for July, in the amount of 203.91
bill from CL&P, in the amount of 40.00
second bill from CL&P, in the amount of 39.89
third bill from CL&P, in the amount of 45.86
bill from American Carting, for August, in the amount of 75.00
bill from Anthony Carri, for June, in the amount of 270.00
bill from Olson Sanitation, for July, in the amount of 231.50
bill from recording secretary Dawn Mooney, in the amount of 46.62
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the above bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Bill Silas noted that the line item for Sheldon Field design was moved. Dan noted that he will discuss this with Gina Regolo and Richard Cabral because he had asked for this line item to be carried over and was told it would not be a problem. Two additional bills were presented for Wettish Phase II test holes:
bill from Richard Gates, surveying, in the amount of 800.00
bill from Roger Nemergut Cons., observation in the amount of 812.50
Bill questioned where the money would be coming from since the line item is not there. He further noted that when he had questioned where the money would come from at an earlier meeting, he was told not to worry about it because the town would probably do it.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Glenn Johnson to authorize payment of the above two bills pending determination of the allocation of funds from the development account. Motion passed unanimously.
Another bill was presented
bill from Venuti Enterprises for completion of 7% of Wettish 50,000.00
fields construction
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the above bill from Venuti Enterprises with the funds to come out of Wettish monies. Motion passed unanimously.
c. The following applications were received:
- Application from the Democratic Town Committee for the use of Sheldon Park and pavilion on Sunday, August 16 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (rain date August 23) for a Meet the Candidates gathering. Discussion followed noting that alcohol could not be served.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Bill Silas to approve the application received from the Democratic Town Committee, for the use of Sheldon Park and pavilion on Sunday, August 16, 2009 (rain date August 23) for a Meet the Candidates gathering. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported on the close of the 2008-2009 budget year, noting that due to the commission’s responsible use of funding, $8,375.00 was given back to the town, with $4,200.00 coming from the Field Maintenance Fund.
Bill also reported on the 2009-2010 budget:
Opening balance $ 26,650.00
Expenses 247.00
Ending balance $ 26,375.88 (1%of annual budget expended)
Bill also discussed the $50,000.00 capital line item for Sheldon Field design.
7. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
• Sheldon Park – Dan noted that a rotten tree near the port-o-potty was reported and taken down for safety reasons.
Glenn questioned if the base mapping of Sheldon Park was already done and Dan presented a drawing. Glenn stated he would contact the surveyor and discuss with Roger Nemergut. The commission discussed the need for irrigation of the fields, including the use of water cannons, noting the grass infield. Dan suggested design should include irrigation, which could be eliminated if funding does not permit.
• Rocco – nothing to report.
• Bethke – Susan stated there was a rut at the pitcher’s mound. The commission discussed dragging the field and Bill noted the commission already has the equipment for the Kubota tractor and only needs to hire someone to do the work, adding he will investigate.
b. Wettish Property Development
- Construction Progress – Glenn stated that the western half of the property is open, but noted that construction had been delayed by the wet weather but it seems to be dryer now so progress should pick up. Tree cutting is proceeding. Drainage was discussed at length, noting the outlet toward the Palms had been moved and the water going toward Gargiulos was piped into a stream. The change order for drainage issues will cost approximately $2-3000.00. Eric Auer noted his concern of not ripping up too much land at one time.
Glen added that to get access to the property the road had to be undercut 12” and stabilization fabric was laid because of the weak soil resulting in a change order costing approximately $8500.00. Glenn further noted that the parking lot is of concern because it may need to be undercut as well, but other options are being explored, such as grass pavers. The commission then discussed the maintenance of grass pavers including mowing and plowing, and whether the soil issue is caused by this year’s excessive rain or oversight in the construction documents. Eric noted that he had brought up this concern at a design meeting with John Figurelli, but John did not increase the original 6”. Discussion of the culverts followed and Glenn noted that another change order may be necessary. Dick Otto advised the commission to keep Weston & Sampson in the information loop since they prepared the construction documents and should be made aware of any problems with them. If they are not kept informed, the commission cannot go back to them to recoup some of the extra costs if they get too high. Glenn noted that he has been cautious in going back to Weston & Sampson to avoid additional expenses.
Glenn added that the stumps are being hauled away and the wood is being chipped and hauled away for use as fuel. Dan questioned if stone walls have been impacted and Glenn stated that some have been moved out of the way.
- Irrigation – Eric stated he has worked with the irrigation contractor and the contractor has adjusted the plan. Eric noted that the contractor must be held to the original specs, and then this would be a good value at about 50% of budget. Dan noted he will schedule the contract signing since Richard Cabral is back from vacation, and added that the specs must be laid out in writing. Bill stated that CL&P was on the property and Glenn stated that they were installing poles. Discussion followed as to whether CL&P had been paid yet.
Dick stated that the Wettish project has now progressed beyond the point of his original charge and therefore he is stepping away from any further involvement, although he will continue to be available for questions if needed. Dan noted that Dick had been involved from the day the property was purchased by the town and commended his input as invaluable. The entire commission thanked Dick for his hard work.
- Phase II – Glenn and Eric stated that Roger Nemergut dug test holes last week finding bedrock at the surface. Glenn presented a template for the baseball field to place on the drawings, and two possible designs were discussed in relation to the parking areas, stone walls and neighboring homes. Eric suggested presenting both options to Planning & Zoning and Land Use, and Dan suggested presenting the location with less disruption to the walls and slopes and additional parking. Glenn recommended presenting Land Use with only one plan for the closer field because the farther field would be too close to the neighboring house. Glenn also discussed the storm water retention area and the need for 12” to 18” soil to build over ledge. A grass infield was also discussed.
Additional parking was also discussed at great length, noting that the baseball field will be used opposite seasons than the multi-purpose fields. The commission agreed that approximately 20 additional spaces could be added with minimal disruption. Eric cautioned the commission to carefully watch the number of parking spaces and ask the state for guidance so not to exceed 200 spaces and trigger a state traffic study. Bill noted the presentation must stress the need for a regulation sized baseball field for high school use. Dan will investigate when the presentations to Planning & Zoning and Land Use could be made.
Eric presented brochures for buildings/sheds for the pump house and storage, noting that prices are reduced at this time of year. The commission then discussed the costs of sheds compared to block buildings, the budget of $6000.00 and the size shed needed, noting that dick Leighton requires it to be on a pad. Eric will price out an appropriate shed with no windows. The commission further discussed the budget, the STEAP Grant funding and potential overages.
8. New Business – Bill noted that he had the 15 signs for the Wettish property prohibiting ATV’s and discussion followed. Dan suggested giving them to Glenn or to Venuti Enterprises to post at Wettish and Bill will order more signs for the other 3 parks.
Bill questioned if interest is being charged on change orders since the contractor needs to increase its bond amount, Glenn stated that came up earlier in the day and, therefore, Bill advised that an additional 3% must be added to overages.
9. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
Regular Meeting August 10, 2009
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, August 10, 2009, at 7:30 PM at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Dean
Glenn Johnson
Bill Silas
Absent: John Machold
Rob Grasso
Scot Thomas
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Minutes of:
- Regular Meeting held July 13, 2009
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to accept the minutes of the July 13, 2009 Regular Meeting as written. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Visitors: Debby Butler, Killingworth Land Trust
Eric Auer, Wetttish Property Development advisor
Dick Otto, Wetttish Property Development advisor
Susan Dean stressed the desire to capitalize on the opportunity to include trails at the Wettish property and shared her conversation with Dale Wilcox, VP of Killingworth Chamber of Commerce, hoping that Killingworth could someday be known for its hiking trails. Dan Colonia added that the property is now open with an access road and noted that the road and parking area will usable for hiking the trails before the fields are available. The commission discussed including trails on any future town website. Susan introduced Debby Butler of the Killingworth Land Trust who stated that she had already visited the property, blazed the main trail (GPS) and will print a map. She noted that every time she visited the property she encountered ATV’s and horses and Glenn added that there are numerous signs of bears on the property. Bill Silas stated that he has the 15 signs prohibiting ATV’s. The commission then discussed alternate route currently being developed for horses, and reviewed a map with Debby noting possible trail locations relative to the existing road, well and walls. It was noted that these trails could link to existing Pattaconk trails and bike trails. Bill and Dan noted that HKHS would like to hold Cross Country meets at the property as well. Debby suggested that a kiosk containing trail information and maps would be a good Eagle Scout project and options for printing color maps were discussed. Dan and Glenn suggested the house/building could be used as a pseudo-museum containing photos of the stone walls, trail maps and nature center and community service hours could be utilized for help.
5. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. Communications were emailed to the commission as received.
b. The following bills were received:
Bill from Killingworth Garage for June, in the amount of $120.00
second bill from Killingworth Garage for July, in the amount of 203.91
bill from CL&P, in the amount of 40.00
second bill from CL&P, in the amount of 39.89
third bill from CL&P, in the amount of 45.86
bill from American Carting, for August, in the amount of 75.00
bill from Anthony Carri, for June, in the amount of 270.00
bill from Olson Sanitation, for July, in the amount of 231.50
bill from recording secretary Dawn Mooney, in the amount of 46.62
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the above bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer Bill Silas noted that the line item for Sheldon Field design was moved. Dan noted that he will discuss this with Gina Regolo and Richard Cabral because he had asked for this line item to be carried over and was told it would not be a problem. Two additional bills were presented for Wettish Phase II test holes:
bill from Richard Gates, surveying, in the amount of 800.00
bill from Roger Nemergut Cons., observation in the amount of 812.50
Bill questioned where the money would be coming from since the line item is not there. He further noted that when he had questioned where the money would come from at an earlier meeting, he was told not to worry about it because the town would probably do it.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Glenn Johnson to authorize payment of the above two bills pending determination of the allocation of funds from the development account. Motion passed unanimously.
Another bill was presented
bill from Venuti Enterprises for completion of 7% of Wettish 50,000.00
fields construction
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the above bill from Venuti Enterprises with the funds to come out of Wettish monies. Motion passed unanimously.
c. The following applications were received:
- Application from the Democratic Town Committee for the use of Sheldon Park and pavilion on Sunday, August 16 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (rain date August 23) for a Meet the Candidates gathering. Discussion followed noting that alcohol could not be served.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Bill Silas to approve the application received from the Democratic Town Committee, for the use of Sheldon Park and pavilion on Sunday, August 16, 2009 (rain date August 23) for a Meet the Candidates gathering. Motion passed unanimously.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported on the close of the 2008-2009 budget year, noting that due to the commission’s responsible use of funding, $8,375.00 was given back to the town, with $4,200.00 coming from the Field Maintenance Fund.
Bill also reported on the 2009-2010 budget:
Opening balance $ 26,650.00
Expenses 247.00
Ending balance $ 26,375.88 (1%of annual budget expended)
Bill also discussed the $50,000.00 capital line item for Sheldon Field design.
7. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
• Sheldon Park – Dan noted that a rotten tree near the port-o-potty was reported and taken down for safety reasons.
Glenn questioned if the base mapping of Sheldon Park was already done and Dan presented a drawing. Glenn stated he would contact the surveyor and discuss with Roger Nemergut. The commission discussed the need for irrigation of the fields, including the use of water cannons, noting the grass infield. Dan suggested design should include irrigation, which could be eliminated if funding does not permit.
• Rocco – nothing to report.
• Bethke – Susan stated there was a rut at the pitcher’s mound. The commission discussed dragging the field and Bill noted the commission already has the equipment for the Kubota tractor and only needs to hire someone to do the work, adding he will investigate.
b. Wettish Property Development
- Construction Progress – Glenn stated that the western half of the property is open, but noted that construction had been delayed by the wet weather but it seems to be dryer now so progress should pick up. Tree cutting is proceeding. Drainage was discussed at length, noting the outlet toward the Palms had been moved and the water going toward Gargiulos was piped into a stream. The change order for drainage issues will cost approximately $2-3000.00. Eric Auer noted his concern of not ripping up too much land at one time.
Glen added that to get access to the property the road had to be undercut 12” and stabilization fabric was laid because of the weak soil resulting in a change order costing approximately $8500.00. Glenn further noted that the parking lot is of concern because it may need to be undercut as well, but other options are being explored, such as grass pavers. The commission then discussed the maintenance of grass pavers including mowing and plowing, and whether the soil issue is caused by this year’s excessive rain or oversight in the construction documents. Eric noted that he had brought up this concern at a design meeting with John Figurelli, but John did not increase the original 6”. Discussion of the culverts followed and Glenn noted that another change order may be necessary. Dick Otto advised the commission to keep Weston & Sampson in the information loop since they prepared the construction documents and should be made aware of any problems with them. If they are not kept informed, the commission cannot go back to them to recoup some of the extra costs if they get too high. Glenn noted that he has been cautious in going back to Weston & Sampson to avoid additional expenses.
Glenn added that the stumps are being hauled away and the wood is being chipped and hauled away for use as fuel. Dan questioned if stone walls have been impacted and Glenn stated that some have been moved out of the way.
- Irrigation – Eric stated he has worked with the irrigation contractor and the contractor has adjusted the plan. Eric noted that the contractor must be held to the original specs, and then this would be a good value at about 50% of budget. Dan noted he will schedule the contract signing since Richard Cabral is back from vacation, and added that the specs must be laid out in writing. Bill stated that CL&P was on the property and Glenn stated that they were installing poles. Discussion followed as to whether CL&P had been paid yet.
Dick stated that the Wettish project has now progressed beyond the point of his original charge and therefore he is stepping away from any further involvement, although he will continue to be available for questions if needed. Dan noted that Dick had been involved from the day the property was purchased by the town and commended his input as invaluable. The entire commission thanked Dick for his hard work.
- Phase II – Glenn and Eric stated that Roger Nemergut dug test holes last week finding bedrock at the surface. Glenn presented a template for the baseball field to place on the drawings, and two possible designs were discussed in relation to the parking areas, stone walls and neighboring homes. Eric suggested presenting both options to Planning & Zoning and Land Use, and Dan suggested presenting the location with less disruption to the walls and slopes and additional parking. Glenn recommended presenting Land Use with only one plan for the closer field because the farther field would be too close to the neighboring house. Glenn also discussed the storm water retention area and the need for 12” to 18” soil to build over ledge. A grass infield was also discussed.
Additional parking was also discussed at great length, noting that the baseball field will be used opposite seasons than the multi-purpose fields. The commission agreed that approximately 20 additional spaces could be added with minimal disruption. Eric cautioned the commission to carefully watch the number of parking spaces and ask the state for guidance so not to exceed 200 spaces and trigger a state traffic study. Bill noted the presentation must stress the need for a regulation sized baseball field for high school use. Dan will investigate when the presentations to Planning & Zoning and Land Use could be made.
Eric presented brochures for buildings/sheds for the pump house and storage, noting that prices are reduced at this time of year. The commission then discussed the costs of sheds compared to block buildings, the budget of $6000.00 and the size shed needed, noting that dick Leighton requires it to be on a pad. Eric will price out an appropriate shed with no windows. The commission further discussed the budget, the STEAP Grant funding and potential overages.
8. New Business – Bill noted that he had the 15 signs for the Wettish property prohibiting ATV’s and discussion followed. Dan suggested giving them to Glenn or to Venuti Enterprises to post at Wettish and Bill will order more signs for the other 3 parks.
Bill questioned if interest is being charged on change orders since the contractor needs to increase its bond amount, Glenn stated that came up earlier in the day and, therefore, Bill advised that an additional 3% must be added to overages.
9. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
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