Regular Meeting September 14, 2009
Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting September 14, 2009
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 14, 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
Scot Thomas
Absent: John Machold
Rob Grasso
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Minutes of:
- Regular Meeting held August 10, 2009
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Glenn Johnson to accept the minutes of the August 10, 2009 Regular Meeting as written. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Visitors: Alan Kostek, President, KYL
Gerry Baron (arrived at 7:40 PM)
Richard Cabral, First Selectman (arrived at 9:05 PM)
Alan informed the commission that he was contacted by Steven Kindschi, a Killingworth boyscout looking to complete an Eagle Scout project at Rocco Field by painting the dugouts and benches, and possibly adding a picnic table and covered trash cans. Alan stated that KYL would provide the funds if the commission would approve the project.
*A motion was made by Scot Thomas and seconded by Susan Dean to approve the above described Eagle Scout project, with KYL providing any necessary funds. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan noted that he had been contacted by Al Zargo who offered to paint the shed at upper Sheldon as a donation, and gave permission to go ahead, but has not heard back from him. Dan noted he will contact Al Zargo.
Alan further asked what KYL can expect for field maintenance at Sheldon and Rocco Fields in the upcoming season. Bill stated that the commission had purchase seed to over-seed but had not yet addressed the clay issue, noting that upper Sheldon will need some work. Discussion followed regarding the needs at Sheldon Field and KYL’s possible input. Alan noted he will bring the discussion to the next KYL meeting and will contact Bill with the outcome. Bill mentioned contacting contractors for estimates because there is money in the budget for clay. It was noted that the fields at Sheldon Park are used for soccer until November 15.
5. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. Communications were emailed to the commission as received.
b. The following bills were received:
Bill from CL&P, 7/10-8/9/09, in the amount of 39.88
second bill from CL&P, 7/10-8/9/09, in the amount of 45.51
third bill from CL&P, 7/10-8/9/09, in the amount of 40.03
bill from CL&P, 8/10-9/9/09, in the amount of 80.06*
second bill from CL&P, 8/10-9/9/09, in the amount of 90.69*
third bill from CL&P, 8/10-9/9/09, in the amount of 79.60*
(*Dan noted that these amounts each represented 2 bills, but the only correct amounts would be paid)
bill from Anthony Carri, for July, in the amount of 279.00
second bill from Anthony Carri, for August, in the amount of 279.00
bill from Olson Sanitation, for July, in the amount of 231.50
bill from Killingworth Garage, in the amount of 128.08
bill from recording secretary Dawn Mooney, in the amount of 56.61
Treasurer Bill Silas questioned the Killingworth Garage bill, expressing concern that the Park and Rec Commission has been incorrectly paying for gas to mow the town’s municipal areas. The commission has been billed for more gas than mowing the parks alone could consume.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize payment of all of the above bills, except the Killingworth Garage bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan asked Richard Cabral about this issue when he arrived at the meeting. Richard suggested that in the future Gerry Manware should itemize all the gas bills indicating gas usage by location and discussion followed.
*A motion was made by Scot Thomas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the Killingworth Garage gas bill. Motion passed unanimously.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from American Carting, for trash removal, in the amount of 75.00
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize payment of the American Carting bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan also presented a bill for the Parmelee House Study submitted to the commission in error and suggested it be returned to the First Selectman’s office by the recording secretary. Bill questioned the financial reports he received showing bills allocated to Park & Rec before the Wettish Development funds go to Town Meeting.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from Arbor Gardens, for weed-whacking at Rocco and
Sheldon, in the amount of 450.00
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize payment of the Arbor Gardens bill. Motion passed unanimously.
c. No applications were received.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported:
Opening balance $ 26,385.78
Expenses 692.00
Ending balance $ 25,692.91 (3.5% of annual budget expended)
7. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
• Sheldon Park
-Fence Clearing - Dan noted that the fences at the park were very overgrown. Bill got quotes to clear a 3 foot area behind the fences of all overhanging branches, poison ivy and weed-whack the areas, as follows:
Scoville Landscaping $2,300.00
Langer Landscaping 2,500.00
Chris Plum (no response)
Discussion followed regarding clearing all the fence lines or only certain areas, and the commission agreed to clear all areas to preserved the investment in the fences. Bill added he will be sure the landscaper removes the brush from the property.
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize spending $2,300.00 for clearing and weed and poison ivy removal along the fence lines at Sheldon Field. Motion passed unanimously.
-Painting the shed – As previously noted, Dan will contact Al Zargo to paint the shed the same green color.
-Renovation design – Dan asked for and Scot supplied copies of Weston & Sampson’s conceptual designs. Dan discussed the new designs and offered Jerry Baron a look. After some confusion, the plans were discussed. Scot noted he will make copies for Dan. Glenn stated that at this time he is concentrating on the Wettish project and the Sheldon redesign will follow.
- Dan added that he noticed the yellow fence covers at Sheldon Park have holes and should be replaced for safety reasons. Bill stated he would investigate the cost for a 250’ roll and see if KYL could install it. Scot cautioned that these fence covers are often full of bees.
• Rocco – nothing additional to report.
• Bethke – Bill informed the commission that the 14’ gate is now at the field adding that he needs a large drill, and the power to run it, to install it. He noted the $147.00 cost of the gate at True Value was significantly less than expected, and further stated he is still trying to get C. Sherwood to drag the field.
b. Wettish Property Development
• Construction Progress – Glen stated that the contractor is making tremendous progress. Bill noted that he recently instructed motorcycle riders to leave the property, adding that he has the signs prohibiting motorized vehicles. The commission decided that a Friday evening would be the most convenient time to install them. Bill will determine the date and email the commission. Glen continued noting that the stumps were pulled out and being hauled away, and the drainage issue with the Palms was resolved. Glenn added that some of the drainage pipes were lowered 1 to 2’ at no additional charge, but noted that extra drainage stone will be needed around these pipes at an additional charge. This will improve the drainage at a cost of approximately $5,000. He further noted that PVC riders had to be extended at a minimal cost. The commission then discussed the parking areas and Glen stated that options are being explored so as not to incur the cost to undercut the entire parking area, such as geo-grade at $2.40 per square yard then stones on top. It was noted that stone pavers may be too costly. Dan then discussed options used at fields in other towns. Glen noted that he is investigating the cost to upgrade the handicapped sidewalk to an ambulance drive, and ambulance access was discussed at length. Susan then brought up a concern from the Conservation Commission’s last meeting about traffic in the area. They suggested that a free-standing caution sign could be put in the middle of the road only when the fields are in use, rather than speed bumps or a permanent sign that would eventually be ignored by drivers. Discussion of the options followed. Bill noted that he resides on the street and did not believe that traffic would increase, but did state that there are several repeat speeders in that area. Dan stated that he had tried to contact the Traffic Safety Committee but got no response. Susan and Dan discussed the email received from HKHS Athletic Director Richard Dupuis regarding use of the Wettish fields by the cross country team, noting that use of the fields would not be possible until next year and suggested he contact Susan or Debby Butler. The commission agreed that they support the team’s usage of the fields when complete. Discussion then centered around the indications that there are bears on the property. Scot Thomas questioned the documentation needed on change orders to comply with the STEAP Grant requirements. Discussion followed regarding change orders, the contingency fund and cost management and Glenn noted that other change orders may be coming and should be monitored. Dan suggested getting the costs for changes as early as possible. Weston & Sampson’s limited involvement in the process was discussed and Glenn noted that he contacted them regarding the pipe design issues and they satisfactorily explained them. It was noted that the change orders to date have resulted in a better final product being delivered to the residents of Killingworth.
• Irrigation – Glenn noted that the irrigation contract for Phase I, in the amount of $39,243.50 was signed on Friday, September 11 and work will begin in the next couple of weeks. The commission discussed irrigation for Phase II including the possible need for a second well due to the field’s distance from the first well. The option of a second well in comparison to the process to move water across the park was explored. Bill noted that the clay infield will need water as much as the grassed areas, adding that fields in Phase I will be used during different seasons and watered at different times than that in Phase II.
• Phase II – Glen spoke with Roger Nemergut earlier in the day and is meeting with Planning and Zoning the next day with the conceptual design. He noted that once approved, it will go out to bid, adding that he does not believe a traffic study will be required by the State. Susan questioned if both options for field location would be presented and Dan stated that the second option was removed because of its proximity to the neighboring house. Glen added that he will have a template with him to move on the map to illustrate placement of the field. The commission then discussed future options, such as adding a playground or preserving farmland for Planning and Zoning. Parking areas and additional drainage issues were discussed at length.
Two additional bills were presented:
bill from Venuti Enterprises for completion of 15% of 85,000.00
Wettish fields construction
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the second bill from Venuti Enterprises for completion of 15% of Wettish fields construction from STEAP Grant funds. Motion passed unanimously.
bill from Venuti Enterprises for 2 change orders for 21,533.34
Wettish fields construction (undercutting the
roadway and resolving the drainage issue with the Palms)
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the bill for change orders from Venuti Enterprises from STEAP Grant funds. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan stated that he will be attending the next Municipal Land Use Committee’s meeting on September 24. The commission noted that once the Wettish facility has opened, then the re-design of Sheldon Field can begin.
8. New Business – Dan distributed an updated matrix for Tom Lentz to include in the Town Plan, noting that the matrix is not set in stone but rather a work in progress. The commission discussed the possibility of a temporary ice skating rink in a parking lot, noting that the ice on the pond at Sheldon Field is not thick enough for safe skating.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve the updated matrix to pass on to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Scot Thomas and seconded by Susan Dean to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
Regular Meeting September 14, 2009
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, September 14, 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
Scot Thomas
Absent: John Machold
Rob Grasso
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Minutes of:
- Regular Meeting held August 10, 2009
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Glenn Johnson to accept the minutes of the August 10, 2009 Regular Meeting as written. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Visitors: Alan Kostek, President, KYL
Gerry Baron (arrived at 7:40 PM)
Richard Cabral, First Selectman (arrived at 9:05 PM)
Alan informed the commission that he was contacted by Steven Kindschi, a Killingworth boyscout looking to complete an Eagle Scout project at Rocco Field by painting the dugouts and benches, and possibly adding a picnic table and covered trash cans. Alan stated that KYL would provide the funds if the commission would approve the project.
*A motion was made by Scot Thomas and seconded by Susan Dean to approve the above described Eagle Scout project, with KYL providing any necessary funds. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan noted that he had been contacted by Al Zargo who offered to paint the shed at upper Sheldon as a donation, and gave permission to go ahead, but has not heard back from him. Dan noted he will contact Al Zargo.
Alan further asked what KYL can expect for field maintenance at Sheldon and Rocco Fields in the upcoming season. Bill stated that the commission had purchase seed to over-seed but had not yet addressed the clay issue, noting that upper Sheldon will need some work. Discussion followed regarding the needs at Sheldon Field and KYL’s possible input. Alan noted he will bring the discussion to the next KYL meeting and will contact Bill with the outcome. Bill mentioned contacting contractors for estimates because there is money in the budget for clay. It was noted that the fields at Sheldon Park are used for soccer until November 15.
5. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. Communications were emailed to the commission as received.
b. The following bills were received:
Bill from CL&P, 7/10-8/9/09, in the amount of 39.88
second bill from CL&P, 7/10-8/9/09, in the amount of 45.51
third bill from CL&P, 7/10-8/9/09, in the amount of 40.03
bill from CL&P, 8/10-9/9/09, in the amount of 80.06*
second bill from CL&P, 8/10-9/9/09, in the amount of 90.69*
third bill from CL&P, 8/10-9/9/09, in the amount of 79.60*
(*Dan noted that these amounts each represented 2 bills, but the only correct amounts would be paid)
bill from Anthony Carri, for July, in the amount of 279.00
second bill from Anthony Carri, for August, in the amount of 279.00
bill from Olson Sanitation, for July, in the amount of 231.50
bill from Killingworth Garage, in the amount of 128.08
bill from recording secretary Dawn Mooney, in the amount of 56.61
Treasurer Bill Silas questioned the Killingworth Garage bill, expressing concern that the Park and Rec Commission has been incorrectly paying for gas to mow the town’s municipal areas. The commission has been billed for more gas than mowing the parks alone could consume.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize payment of all of the above bills, except the Killingworth Garage bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan asked Richard Cabral about this issue when he arrived at the meeting. Richard suggested that in the future Gerry Manware should itemize all the gas bills indicating gas usage by location and discussion followed.
*A motion was made by Scot Thomas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the Killingworth Garage gas bill. Motion passed unanimously.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from American Carting, for trash removal, in the amount of 75.00
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize payment of the American Carting bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan also presented a bill for the Parmelee House Study submitted to the commission in error and suggested it be returned to the First Selectman’s office by the recording secretary. Bill questioned the financial reports he received showing bills allocated to Park & Rec before the Wettish Development funds go to Town Meeting.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from Arbor Gardens, for weed-whacking at Rocco and
Sheldon, in the amount of 450.00
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize payment of the Arbor Gardens bill. Motion passed unanimously.
c. No applications were received.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported:
Opening balance $ 26,385.78
Expenses 692.00
Ending balance $ 25,692.91 (3.5% of annual budget expended)
7. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
• Sheldon Park
-Fence Clearing - Dan noted that the fences at the park were very overgrown. Bill got quotes to clear a 3 foot area behind the fences of all overhanging branches, poison ivy and weed-whack the areas, as follows:
Scoville Landscaping $2,300.00
Langer Landscaping 2,500.00
Chris Plum (no response)
Discussion followed regarding clearing all the fence lines or only certain areas, and the commission agreed to clear all areas to preserved the investment in the fences. Bill added he will be sure the landscaper removes the brush from the property.
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to authorize spending $2,300.00 for clearing and weed and poison ivy removal along the fence lines at Sheldon Field. Motion passed unanimously.
-Painting the shed – As previously noted, Dan will contact Al Zargo to paint the shed the same green color.
-Renovation design – Dan asked for and Scot supplied copies of Weston & Sampson’s conceptual designs. Dan discussed the new designs and offered Jerry Baron a look. After some confusion, the plans were discussed. Scot noted he will make copies for Dan. Glenn stated that at this time he is concentrating on the Wettish project and the Sheldon redesign will follow.
- Dan added that he noticed the yellow fence covers at Sheldon Park have holes and should be replaced for safety reasons. Bill stated he would investigate the cost for a 250’ roll and see if KYL could install it. Scot cautioned that these fence covers are often full of bees.
• Rocco – nothing additional to report.
• Bethke – Bill informed the commission that the 14’ gate is now at the field adding that he needs a large drill, and the power to run it, to install it. He noted the $147.00 cost of the gate at True Value was significantly less than expected, and further stated he is still trying to get C. Sherwood to drag the field.
b. Wettish Property Development
• Construction Progress – Glen stated that the contractor is making tremendous progress. Bill noted that he recently instructed motorcycle riders to leave the property, adding that he has the signs prohibiting motorized vehicles. The commission decided that a Friday evening would be the most convenient time to install them. Bill will determine the date and email the commission. Glen continued noting that the stumps were pulled out and being hauled away, and the drainage issue with the Palms was resolved. Glenn added that some of the drainage pipes were lowered 1 to 2’ at no additional charge, but noted that extra drainage stone will be needed around these pipes at an additional charge. This will improve the drainage at a cost of approximately $5,000. He further noted that PVC riders had to be extended at a minimal cost. The commission then discussed the parking areas and Glen stated that options are being explored so as not to incur the cost to undercut the entire parking area, such as geo-grade at $2.40 per square yard then stones on top. It was noted that stone pavers may be too costly. Dan then discussed options used at fields in other towns. Glen noted that he is investigating the cost to upgrade the handicapped sidewalk to an ambulance drive, and ambulance access was discussed at length. Susan then brought up a concern from the Conservation Commission’s last meeting about traffic in the area. They suggested that a free-standing caution sign could be put in the middle of the road only when the fields are in use, rather than speed bumps or a permanent sign that would eventually be ignored by drivers. Discussion of the options followed. Bill noted that he resides on the street and did not believe that traffic would increase, but did state that there are several repeat speeders in that area. Dan stated that he had tried to contact the Traffic Safety Committee but got no response. Susan and Dan discussed the email received from HKHS Athletic Director Richard Dupuis regarding use of the Wettish fields by the cross country team, noting that use of the fields would not be possible until next year and suggested he contact Susan or Debby Butler. The commission agreed that they support the team’s usage of the fields when complete. Discussion then centered around the indications that there are bears on the property. Scot Thomas questioned the documentation needed on change orders to comply with the STEAP Grant requirements. Discussion followed regarding change orders, the contingency fund and cost management and Glenn noted that other change orders may be coming and should be monitored. Dan suggested getting the costs for changes as early as possible. Weston & Sampson’s limited involvement in the process was discussed and Glenn noted that he contacted them regarding the pipe design issues and they satisfactorily explained them. It was noted that the change orders to date have resulted in a better final product being delivered to the residents of Killingworth.
• Irrigation – Glenn noted that the irrigation contract for Phase I, in the amount of $39,243.50 was signed on Friday, September 11 and work will begin in the next couple of weeks. The commission discussed irrigation for Phase II including the possible need for a second well due to the field’s distance from the first well. The option of a second well in comparison to the process to move water across the park was explored. Bill noted that the clay infield will need water as much as the grassed areas, adding that fields in Phase I will be used during different seasons and watered at different times than that in Phase II.
• Phase II – Glen spoke with Roger Nemergut earlier in the day and is meeting with Planning and Zoning the next day with the conceptual design. He noted that once approved, it will go out to bid, adding that he does not believe a traffic study will be required by the State. Susan questioned if both options for field location would be presented and Dan stated that the second option was removed because of its proximity to the neighboring house. Glen added that he will have a template with him to move on the map to illustrate placement of the field. The commission then discussed future options, such as adding a playground or preserving farmland for Planning and Zoning. Parking areas and additional drainage issues were discussed at length.
Two additional bills were presented:
bill from Venuti Enterprises for completion of 15% of 85,000.00
Wettish fields construction
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the second bill from Venuti Enterprises for completion of 15% of Wettish fields construction from STEAP Grant funds. Motion passed unanimously.
bill from Venuti Enterprises for 2 change orders for 21,533.34
Wettish fields construction (undercutting the
roadway and resolving the drainage issue with the Palms)
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Dean to authorize payment of the bill for change orders from Venuti Enterprises from STEAP Grant funds. Motion passed unanimously.
Dan stated that he will be attending the next Municipal Land Use Committee’s meeting on September 24. The commission noted that once the Wettish facility has opened, then the re-design of Sheldon Field can begin.
8. New Business – Dan distributed an updated matrix for Tom Lentz to include in the Town Plan, noting that the matrix is not set in stone but rather a work in progress. The commission discussed the possibility of a temporary ice skating rink in a parking lot, noting that the ice on the pond at Sheldon Field is not thick enough for safe skating.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve the updated matrix to pass on to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
9. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Scot Thomas and seconded by Susan Dean to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
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