Board of Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes September 26, 2012

Board of Parks & Recreation Meeting Minutes

September 26, 2012 Please be advised that these minutes are in DRAFT form and will not become “Public Record”

until they are formally approved by the Board of Parks and Recreation at their next regularly scheduled meeting planned for October 30, 2012.

Board Attendees: Nancy Caplan, Cathy Weisenburger, Scott Johnson, Gary Dell’Abate, John

Craine, Donald Landsman, Patrick Slyne and Rick Loh Ex-Officio Attendees: None Staff Attendees: Joseph Siciliano, Bruce Spaman, Tom Greco and Billie Schock Guest Attendees: Sue Baker, Bob Brady, Joseph Peters, Paul Peters, Greg Islan and Nancy

Chapin

I. A tour was conducted before the meeting was called to order at 6:43 P.M. at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center

II. Motion made, seconded, and approved to accept the Minutes of the July 25, 2012 meeting. 8-0-0.

III. Board Priorities

Fiscal Year-end and Park Funding Proposal, Tom Greco

Mr. Greco distributed and reviewed the fiscal year end June 30, 2012 (attachment A).

Mr. Siciliano reported there are placeholders in the 10-year plan for park improvements; the projects have not yet been identified. The goal moving forward will be a joint effort between the department and the Board to identify projects for park upgrades. Mr. Siciliano reported a professional designer and a professional cost estimator have been hired for the Byram Pool project The project has not been slated for a particular year as of yet. Ms. Caplan distributed and reviewed Board priorities. (attachment B)

A discussion ensued regarding the Greenwich Common update. Trees are posted for removal; there will be a Tree Hearing on October 3rd. Mr. Siciliano added the department has committed to cosmetic, in-house upgrades that can be done without a budget for the project. Mr. Siciliano

Board of Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes September 26, 2012

suggested the Downtown Committee and the department work together with the pro bono architect to generate a schematic for budget purposes. Mr. Johnson reported the Open Space and Parks Committees are concerned that they have not seen the details of the amenities being proposed in particular the restrooms. Upon extensive discussion and debate regarding the proposal of restroom facilities for the Greenwich Common, the Board voted to accept the following resolution made by Mr. Johnson seconded by Mr. Slyne: RESOLVED, that the Board of Parks and Recreation accepts the recommendations of the Downtown Committee concerning the Greenwich Common and the grounds surrounding the Havemeyer building and field be improved to be more inviting and more usable for our residents. Motion by Mr. Dell ‘Abate seconded by Ms. Weisenburger: RESOLVED, that the Board of Parks and Recreation approves the subcommittees as outlined. (attachment B)

IV. Director’s Report, Joe Siciliano Mr. Siciliano reported the wiffle ball field has been relocated to the Byram picnic field behind the tennis courts; they are operating on a 2 month field use permit. Mr. Siciliano stated he and Alan Monelli met with members of the Greenwich Point Conservancy on the “Old Barn” project, updated drawings to come. There has been positive feedback on the funding for the project. The rink is open with a new concessionaire. User groups have split their time with Hamill and other facilities allowing time to accommodate others who want more time. Schedule is not fully set as of yet. The Department is currently working through the budget process. The Department has been given approval to replace the Superintendent of Recreation; the job description is in final draft. Expecting to have the position filled two months from posting.

V. Chairman’s Report, Nancy Caplan Ms. Caplan reported Dave Theis has a proposal for a pocket park in front of the old post office. Ms. Caplan thanked the Parks and Rec. staff for their work on the Byram Park concerts. Ms. Caplan reported she toured Roger Sherman Baldwin Park with Mary Hull from Green and Clean as a follow-up to their presentation to the Board in March. The purpose of the meeting was to identify funding opportunities for the foundation.

Board of Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes September 26, 2012

Ms. Caplan stated she spoke with Doug Massi from the Harbor Management group regarding boat slips they want to have at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. She sent him to the Friends of Roger Sherman Baldwin Park committee (Mary Hull and Peter Crumbine). Parks and Recreation Foundation. Mr. Siciliano expressed concern for side meetings taking place without including the department. Ms. Caplan indicated that she would contact Mr. Massi and ask him to contact the Department. There is Proposal in concept for an Eagle Scout project of over 200 feet of fixed walkway from 1st concession to the 1st pavilion at Greenwich Point. The scope of the project exceeds what the Eagle Scout projects are meant to be. Mr. Siciliano expressed his concern that due to the extensive permitting process the young man may not be able to see the project through in time.

VI. Board Member updates and comments Mr. Slyne, Mr. Craine and Ms. Caplan met with the department and Town Attorney concerning the Park Pass process. Mr. Slyne distributed and reviewed a report he and Mr. Craine drafted which includes the current park pass process and recommendations to make the process more automated. (attachment C)

Mr. Siciliano added the department is taking the next step in making the system automated with no changes to the current policy. Mr. Slyne came back to the Board with a proposal regarding discussion material. Mr. Slyne proposed that any discussion material be distributed to Board Members 5 days prior to the meeting. Mr. Slyne motioned, seconded by Ms. Caplan: RESOLVED, that the Board of Parks and Recreation approves the requirement that any material to be presented for consideration of the Board shall be provided to the Department at least five business days in advance of the Board Meeting at which presentation materials are to be presented.

VII. New Business

Mr. Dell’Abate reported he met with Peter Tesei regarding the EGCC Committee. Mr. Dell’Abate added he met with some individuals who sat on these committees and reviewed their reports. Mr. Siciliano added the functionality of the building needs to be determined. A community survey was helpful in determining the functionality of the building for the Western Greenwich Civic Center.

Board of Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes September 26, 2012

Mr. Siciliano reported he has met with the designers of the Cos Cob Power Plant property, working through the design phase. Artificial surfacing companies will be giving an overview of their products this week. Phase I site work is complete.

VIII. Public Comment

IX. Meeting adjourned 8:51 pm.