Regular Meeting October 5, 2009
Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting October 5, 2009
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 5, 2009, at 7:30 PM at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Glenn Johnson
Rob Grasso
John Machold
Bill Silas
Absent: Susan Dean
Scot Thomas
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:37 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Minutes of:
- Regular Meeting held September 14, 2009
*A motion was made by Glenn Johnson and seconded by Bill Silas to accept the minutes of the September 14, 2009 Regular Meeting as written. John Machold abstained. Motion passed.
4. Visitors: No visitors were present.
5. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. Communications were emailed to the commission as received.
b. The following bills were received:
bill from Anthony Carri, for September, in the amount of $270.00
bill from Olson Sanitation, for September, in the amount of 219.00
bill from Killingworth Garage, in the amount of 75.46
bill from recording secretary Dawn Mooney, in the amount of 46.62
bill from Killingworth True Value, for gate, in the amount of 173.34
bill from Killingworth True Value in the amount of 11.08
Dan noted that the bill from Killingworth Garage reflected mowing only the parks, as discussed at the last meeting.
*A motion was made by Glenn Johnson and seconded by Rob Grasso to authorize payment of the above bills. Motion passed unanimously.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from New England Power Equipment, for mower blades,
in the amount of 164.05
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Glenn Johnson to authorize payment of the New England Power Equipment bill. Motion passed unanimously.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from Signs of Our Times in the amount of 500.00
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by John Machold to authorize payment of the Signs of Our Times bill. Motion passed unanimously.
c. No applications were received.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported:
Opening balance $ 25,076.55
Expenses 1,120.68
Ending balance $ 23,556.67 (10% annual budget expended)
7. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
• Sheldon Park – Bill noted he put in 3 calls to Chris Plum for an estimate to clear the fence lines as discussed at the last commission meeting, but has not yet heard back. He stated he hopes to hear soon or a decision will be made without his estimate. It was noted that the pieces of concrete are still at the field, and Dan noted he will investigate. The fence covers were discussed at length and it was noted that children are diving over the fence for fun, damaging the covers.
• Rocco – nothing additional to report.
• Bethke – Bill stated gate will be installed when he gets his generator back. He will notify the commission at that time for their assistance.
b. Wettish Property Development
• Construction Progress – Glenn informed the commission that steady progress is being made, with the lower fields being rough graded. A third invoice was received from Venuti Enterprises in the amount of $91,000 bringing the total of the invoices received as of 9/24/09 to approximately $210,000. Glenn stated that this represents approximately 30% of the contracted amount, but the project is closer to 60% complete. To date, there have been three change orders, representing an additional cost of $38,000, as discussed at previous meetings: undercutting and additional stone for the roadway, under-drains and additional stone for the fields and relocation of the drainage outlet pipes away from the Palms’ property. Glenn noted that further change orders must be closely monitored. The commission then discussed the benefit of improving the roadway at the facility in comparison with facilities in other towns. Glenn added that he and Eric investigated wooden sheds at both Kloter Farms and Carefree Small Buildings, noting Carefree was less expensive, and they selected a location near the parking area. They suggested an attractive 10’ x 28’ vinyl-sided structure, costing about $5,000, on a concrete pad, for a total cost of about $8,000. Bill stressed that the concrete pad would cost closer to $4,000 bringing the installed cost to approximately $10,000. Bill also expressed concern about the security, life span and maintenance costs of a wooden structure, urging the commission to price out concrete block or steel buildings as well. Bill further suggested that other groups, such as KYL, may be willing to contribute to the cost of a permanent building, since it could be used to store their equipment. The commission agreed to take the time to investigate prices since the building is not an immediate need. Glen encouraged all members of the commission to visit the facility and view the progress, adding they should let the contractor know who they are. Glen mentioned that at some point in the past the commission informed the Palms that they would further improve their drainage issues by creating a swale on the side of their property. Glenn noted that Mr. Palm had cleared the area, and only a couple of hours with a small machine would be required by the contractor estimating the cost at $500. Mr. Palm would then seed the area. The commission then discussed the need to do more work at the Palms’ when the drainage issues have already been immensely improved. Bill questioned the need to get something in writing detailing the scope of the work to be done, if any, and discussion followed regarding wells, septic systems and liability. Bill further cautioned to be very careful bringing equipment onto private property, and added that this same thing could not be done for all the neighbors in the area. Glenn stated that it was explained to Mr. Palm that the commission would fix this area. John explained that he has no problem with spending the $500, but could not agree without a waiver being signed and suggested checking the commission minutes to determine exactly what was approved. Glenn stated he would get the price to do the work and investigate with Eric, and then cautioned that Phase II could create the same issues with another neighboring property and discussion followed regarding options. Dan questioned drainage on the fields with the recent rains and Glenn stated the fields are dry, but the parking area is very wet and should be resolved. Drainage was discussed at length, and it was noted that there are no drainage pipes in the parking area at this time. Glenn stated that the fields will not be seeded this year, but will be graded and top soiled, and the contractor will have to return in the spring at no additional cost. It was also noted that ATV’s and horses on the property are an ongoing issue. Glenn commented on the diligence of the contractor, mentioning the length of their work day and their presence on the weekends. Bill noted that this area is not yet open for recreation because it is a construction site posing some danger. He stated that he frequently sees cars and people on the property and suggest noting no trespassing in the paper and/or on Killingworthtoday.com . Discussion followed and Dan suggested putting photos of the project’s progress and warning visitors to be very cautious because it is a construction site.
• Irrigation – Glenn stated that the irrigation contract was signed, coordination between the two contractors is underway but the actual irrigation work has not yet begun.
• Phase II – Glenn stated that he met with Municipal Land Use and Planning & Zoning with the proposed placement of the baseball field, and both commissions objected to the location due to its impact on the stone walls. Therefore, the location of the baseball field was changed to the far end of the property closer to the neighbor, but it will still be a full-sized field (380’ at center and 310’ to both lines.) The final design of the field is in progress and drainage issues were discussed. Glenn noted that blasting will be necessary, and a pre-blast survey must be done, costing more money, because the new location is less than 200’ from the neighboring house. Also, 6 or more test holes must be dug at the new location to prepare the bid documents. Discussion followed and Glenn noted he will do much of the work himself to save money. He estimated the cost for the test holes will be approximately $200. The final design will then be presented to Municipal Land Use and Planning & Zoning again for approval. Dan questioned the need for an access road for emergency vehicles and Glenn discussed placement without breaching any stone walls. Parking was then discussed at length. It was noted that the number of spots could be increased because of the field’s distance from a state road.
8. New Business – No new business was presented. However, as the meeting was concluding, Bill did receive a call back from Chris Plum with a verbal estimate of $1,800 to clear the fence lines at Sheldon Field as requested. Bill noted that since up to $2,300 was approved at the September 14 meeting, no additional action was necessary by the commission.
9. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Rob Grasso to adjourn the meeting at 8:40PM. Motion passed unanimously
Regular Meeting October 5, 2009
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 5, 2009, at 7:30 PM at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Glenn Johnson
Rob Grasso
John Machold
Bill Silas
Absent: Susan Dean
Scot Thomas
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:37 PM.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Minutes of:
- Regular Meeting held September 14, 2009
*A motion was made by Glenn Johnson and seconded by Bill Silas to accept the minutes of the September 14, 2009 Regular Meeting as written. John Machold abstained. Motion passed.
4. Visitors: No visitors were present.
5. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. Communications were emailed to the commission as received.
b. The following bills were received:
bill from Anthony Carri, for September, in the amount of $270.00
bill from Olson Sanitation, for September, in the amount of 219.00
bill from Killingworth Garage, in the amount of 75.46
bill from recording secretary Dawn Mooney, in the amount of 46.62
bill from Killingworth True Value, for gate, in the amount of 173.34
bill from Killingworth True Value in the amount of 11.08
Dan noted that the bill from Killingworth Garage reflected mowing only the parks, as discussed at the last meeting.
*A motion was made by Glenn Johnson and seconded by Rob Grasso to authorize payment of the above bills. Motion passed unanimously.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from New England Power Equipment, for mower blades,
in the amount of 164.05
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Glenn Johnson to authorize payment of the New England Power Equipment bill. Motion passed unanimously.
An additional bill was presented:
bill from Signs of Our Times in the amount of 500.00
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by John Machold to authorize payment of the Signs of Our Times bill. Motion passed unanimously.
c. No applications were received.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported:
Opening balance $ 25,076.55
Expenses 1,120.68
Ending balance $ 23,556.67 (10% annual budget expended)
7. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
• Sheldon Park – Bill noted he put in 3 calls to Chris Plum for an estimate to clear the fence lines as discussed at the last commission meeting, but has not yet heard back. He stated he hopes to hear soon or a decision will be made without his estimate. It was noted that the pieces of concrete are still at the field, and Dan noted he will investigate. The fence covers were discussed at length and it was noted that children are diving over the fence for fun, damaging the covers.
• Rocco – nothing additional to report.
• Bethke – Bill stated gate will be installed when he gets his generator back. He will notify the commission at that time for their assistance.
b. Wettish Property Development
• Construction Progress – Glenn informed the commission that steady progress is being made, with the lower fields being rough graded. A third invoice was received from Venuti Enterprises in the amount of $91,000 bringing the total of the invoices received as of 9/24/09 to approximately $210,000. Glenn stated that this represents approximately 30% of the contracted amount, but the project is closer to 60% complete. To date, there have been three change orders, representing an additional cost of $38,000, as discussed at previous meetings: undercutting and additional stone for the roadway, under-drains and additional stone for the fields and relocation of the drainage outlet pipes away from the Palms’ property. Glenn noted that further change orders must be closely monitored. The commission then discussed the benefit of improving the roadway at the facility in comparison with facilities in other towns. Glenn added that he and Eric investigated wooden sheds at both Kloter Farms and Carefree Small Buildings, noting Carefree was less expensive, and they selected a location near the parking area. They suggested an attractive 10’ x 28’ vinyl-sided structure, costing about $5,000, on a concrete pad, for a total cost of about $8,000. Bill stressed that the concrete pad would cost closer to $4,000 bringing the installed cost to approximately $10,000. Bill also expressed concern about the security, life span and maintenance costs of a wooden structure, urging the commission to price out concrete block or steel buildings as well. Bill further suggested that other groups, such as KYL, may be willing to contribute to the cost of a permanent building, since it could be used to store their equipment. The commission agreed to take the time to investigate prices since the building is not an immediate need. Glen encouraged all members of the commission to visit the facility and view the progress, adding they should let the contractor know who they are. Glen mentioned that at some point in the past the commission informed the Palms that they would further improve their drainage issues by creating a swale on the side of their property. Glenn noted that Mr. Palm had cleared the area, and only a couple of hours with a small machine would be required by the contractor estimating the cost at $500. Mr. Palm would then seed the area. The commission then discussed the need to do more work at the Palms’ when the drainage issues have already been immensely improved. Bill questioned the need to get something in writing detailing the scope of the work to be done, if any, and discussion followed regarding wells, septic systems and liability. Bill further cautioned to be very careful bringing equipment onto private property, and added that this same thing could not be done for all the neighbors in the area. Glenn stated that it was explained to Mr. Palm that the commission would fix this area. John explained that he has no problem with spending the $500, but could not agree without a waiver being signed and suggested checking the commission minutes to determine exactly what was approved. Glenn stated he would get the price to do the work and investigate with Eric, and then cautioned that Phase II could create the same issues with another neighboring property and discussion followed regarding options. Dan questioned drainage on the fields with the recent rains and Glenn stated the fields are dry, but the parking area is very wet and should be resolved. Drainage was discussed at length, and it was noted that there are no drainage pipes in the parking area at this time. Glenn stated that the fields will not be seeded this year, but will be graded and top soiled, and the contractor will have to return in the spring at no additional cost. It was also noted that ATV’s and horses on the property are an ongoing issue. Glenn commented on the diligence of the contractor, mentioning the length of their work day and their presence on the weekends. Bill noted that this area is not yet open for recreation because it is a construction site posing some danger. He stated that he frequently sees cars and people on the property and suggest noting no trespassing in the paper and/or on Killingworthtoday.com . Discussion followed and Dan suggested putting photos of the project’s progress and warning visitors to be very cautious because it is a construction site.
• Irrigation – Glenn stated that the irrigation contract was signed, coordination between the two contractors is underway but the actual irrigation work has not yet begun.
• Phase II – Glenn stated that he met with Municipal Land Use and Planning & Zoning with the proposed placement of the baseball field, and both commissions objected to the location due to its impact on the stone walls. Therefore, the location of the baseball field was changed to the far end of the property closer to the neighbor, but it will still be a full-sized field (380’ at center and 310’ to both lines.) The final design of the field is in progress and drainage issues were discussed. Glenn noted that blasting will be necessary, and a pre-blast survey must be done, costing more money, because the new location is less than 200’ from the neighboring house. Also, 6 or more test holes must be dug at the new location to prepare the bid documents. Discussion followed and Glenn noted he will do much of the work himself to save money. He estimated the cost for the test holes will be approximately $200. The final design will then be presented to Municipal Land Use and Planning & Zoning again for approval. Dan questioned the need for an access road for emergency vehicles and Glenn discussed placement without breaching any stone walls. Parking was then discussed at length. It was noted that the number of spots could be increased because of the field’s distance from a state road.
8. New Business – No new business was presented. However, as the meeting was concluding, Bill did receive a call back from Chris Plum with a verbal estimate of $1,800 to clear the fence lines at Sheldon Field as requested. Bill noted that since up to $2,300 was approved at the September 14 meeting, no additional action was necessary by the commission.
9. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Rob Grasso to adjourn the meeting at 8:40PM. Motion passed unanimously
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