Willington Recreation Commission
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Town Offices, 40 Old Farms Road, Willington, Connecticut 06279 (860) 487-3108
Committee Minutes
Regular Meeting
August 26th 2008
7:00 PM
Attending Members: Greg Suchy, Joseph Colangelo, Ed Taiman, Mike Pinatti and Rich Mindek. Teri Gareau and Jim Poole were also in attendance.
Meeting called to order at 7:10 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes from the previous WRC meeting were reviewed. Greg Suchy made a motion to accept the minutes with changes, which was seconded by Ed Taiman. The change applied to the minutes for 7/22/08 was the ice skating date for the UCONN/Willington Town Skate for 2/28/09 changed to 11/15/08. All members were unanimous in approval with changes made.
GENERAL DISCUSSION:
· Jim Poole was welcomed to the meeting and introduced himself to the attending members and Teri Gareau. The Senior Center water system was discussed briefly pertaining to a recent test of the water. Mr. Poole also made some suggestions on how the WRC should approach the Planning and Zoning Committee for future projects. His comments were very helpful.
· Ed Taiman made a suggestion that the WRC invite some members of the Senior Center to an upcoming meeting to see if there are any recreation programs or possible future projects we could help in providing to the seniors.
DIRECTORS REPORT:
· Halls Pond posted another loss due to a lack of passes purchased this season. Some of the loss was due to a lowered fee for this past season. A daily pass may help to offset a loss for future seasons. Teri Gareau will see the BOF about some help with offsetting this loss. A system to provide daily passes would need to be implemented where no money is exchanged at the pond.
· A basketball sub-committee has been created and has met at least two times to date. Suggestions about uniforms, possible sponsorship, and better officiating were discussed. A possible multi town program is also being discussed. Final registration fees and other important information will be forthcoming.
· Summer camp was successful as a program in its implementation, but did post a financial loss. Changes will be discussed to make the program more fiscally responsible for next season.
· The shed at the RRAC has been relocated according to plan.
· Field maintenance is being undertaken for the end of this season and all of next season. The fields will be ready on time for Fall Ball this season.
· Teri Gareau is running a booth at the Flea Market and a table at the “Parent Expo” to promote the Recreation Department. A fall fundraiser is also being planned using “Interstate 911 Signs”.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. A basketball scoreboard for install at Hall School has been chosen. Funding will be by “Hoops for Hoops”, the PTA, the Recreation Department and possible the BOE. Joseph Colangelo and Rich Mindek have volunteered to remove the old scoreboard and install the new one.
B. A town meeting to vote on funding the next project at the RRAC has not been scheduled at this time. Projects include a well for irrigation, an electrical service with minimal lighting for the parking area, payment of the shed, and a simple enclosure for the new electrical gear. The next WRC meeting will focus on an extended plan for the remaining work at the RRAC.
C. All the attending WRC members deemed the existing job description for the Recreation Director acceptable.
D. Discussion of the “CT DEP Recreational Trails Grant” will be part of the next WRC meeting.
E. Teri Gareau has received several quotes on fertilizing and weed control at the town sports fields. No final decision has been made regarding this subject.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. As announced in the Directors Report a basketball subcommittee has been created to help
with the recreational basketball program season this year. We (the members of the WRC)
thank everyone involved in this subcommittee and know that it will make the program better
for the players. It was discussed that the officiating has to be made better for more control of
the games, and a better learning environment for the players and coaches.
B. It was suggested that $50.00 be provided for the Carol Sing as a line item in the Recreation Budget. Further discussion will follow in upcoming meetings.
C. Budget changes for the Recreation Department will be discussed at the next WRC meeting.
D. Halls Pond has been closed for this season with all the equipment stored properly. The Summer Camp has ended as well. Both programs will be reviewed and changed to help make them better balanced financially for next season.
E. Teri Gareau is creating a “motto and logo” contest to help distinguish the Recreation Department.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ed Taiman motioned to adjourn, which was seconded by Rich Mindek. The meeting adjourned at 9:12PM. The next meeting is scheduled for September 23rd, 2008 at 7:00PM at the Town Hall Office Building.
Respectfully submitted 8/28/08
Joseph C. Colangelo
Joseph C. Colangelo
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