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RECREATION,
PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL COMMITTEE MINUTES |
FEBRUARY 21, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Fred Bondi, Chairman; Joanne Romano, Rev. Phyllis Bolden (7:50
p.m.), Herbert Grant (7:55 p.m.)
STAFF: Michael Mocciae, Recreation and Parks Director
OTHERS: David Tracy, Norwalk Tree Alliance; Don Nelson, Chairman
Norwalk Tree Advisory Committee; Rev. Keith Welch, Norwalk Evangelical Association;
Pamela Howard, CT Chapter Alzheimer’s Association; Barry Metal, Urban Mulvehill
PUBLIC HEARING ON FACILITY & RENTAL FEES FOR 2007-2008
Chairman Bondi opened the public hearing on the Facility and Rental Fees for 2007-2008 at 7:45 p.m. There was no one from the public present. Chairman Bondi closed the public hearing on the Facility and Rental Fees for 2007-2008 at 7:46 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairman Bondi called the regular meeting of the Recreation and Park Committee to order at 8:00 p.m. There was a quorum present.
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 20, 2006 AND JANUARY 17, 2007
Minutes of December 20, 2006
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 20, 2006 AS SUBMITTED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Minutes of January 17, 2007
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 17, 2007 MINUTES
AS SUBMITTED.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH THREE IN FAVOR (BONDI, BOLDEN, AND GRANT) AND ONE
ABSTENTION (ROMANO).
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to consider at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
The following agenda items were considered in the order that they appear.
2. Approve the use of Mathews Park by the Norwalk Tree Alliance/Public Works Department for the Norwalk Tree Festival to be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Estimated attendance 300.
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE USE OF MATHEWS PARK BY THE NORWALK TREE ALLIANCE/PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE NORWALK TREE FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2007 FROM 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 300.
Rev. Bolden stated that she loves the tree program and suggested that some type of tree identification program be done in the schools. Mr. Nelson introduced Mr. Tracy to the Committee. Mr. Tracy gave a quick overview of the planned program. Mr. Tracy explained that the Tree Advisory Committee had received an award from the Mayor’s Conference and the Home Depot Foundation. Mr. Grant suggested that this information be included in the literature that is handed out at the Festival and encouraged the group to promote the Arbor Day program. Mr. Bondi stated that he had received a seedling at a program in Stamford many years earlier and the tree was still in his yard today. He suggested that Mr. Nelson and Mr. Tracy consider handing out seedlings. Mr. Nelson explained that seedlings are handed out on Arbor Day, but that they would consider seedlings for the Festival.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Approve the use of Calf Pasture Beach by the Norwalk Evangelical Association for their Annual Easter Sunrise Service to be held on Sunday, April 8, 2007 from 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM. Estimated attendance 100.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE USE OF CALF PASTURE BEACH BY THE NORWALK EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR ANNUAL EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2007 FROM 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 100.
Rev. Welch was present to answer any of the questions that the Committee might have.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. A) Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the Norwalk Exchange Club for the use of Taylor Farm for their Annual Car show to be held on Sunday, April 29, 2007 with a Rain Date of Sunday, May 6, 2007. Set-up at 12:00 PM on Thursday, April 26, 2007 with break down by 12:00 PM on Monday, April 30, 2007. Estimated attendance 1,500.
B) Approve the use of the Show Mobile by the Norwalk Exchange Club for their Annual Car Show to be held on Sunday, April 29, 2007 with a Rain Date of Sunday, May 6, 2007.
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING REQUESTS:
A) AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE NORWALK EXCHANGE CLUB FOR THE USE OF TAYLOR FARM FOR THEIR ANNUAL CAR SHOW TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 WITH A RAIN DATE OF SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007. SET-UP AT 12:00 PM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2007 WITH BREAK DOWN BY 12:00 PM ON MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2007. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 1,500.
B) APPROVE THE USE OF THE SHOW MOBILE BY THE NORWALK EXCHANGE CLUB FOR THEIR ANNUAL CAR SHOW TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007 WITH A RAIN DATE OF SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2007.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Approve the use of the Show Mobile by St Ann’s Club for their Annual Festival to be held Friday, July 27, 2007, Saturday, July 28, 2007 and Sunday, July 29, 2007.
** MR. GRANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE USE OF THE SHOW MOBILE BY ST ANN’S CLUB FOR THEIR ANNUAL FESTIVAL TO BE HELD FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2007, SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007 AND SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2007.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the
Rowayton School PTA for the use of the Rowayton School Grounds for their annual
Carnival to be held Friday, April 27, 2007 from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday,
April 28, 2007 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM with a Rain Date of Sunday, April 29,
2007. Set up will begin on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 with tear down by Monday,
April 30, 2007. Estimated attendance 300.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPPROVE THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ROWAYTON SCHOOL PTA FOR THE USE OF THE ROWAYTON SCHOOL GROUNDS FOR THEIR ANNUAL CARNIVAL TO BE HELD FRIDAY, APRIL 27, 2007 FROM 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM AND SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2007 FROM 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM WITH A RAIN DATE OF SUNDAY, APRIL 29, 2007. SET UP WILL BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2007 WITH TEAR DOWN BY MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2007. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 300.
**THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Approve the use of Cranbury Park Pavilion and immediate surrounding grounds by the Norwalk Little League for their Annual Picnic to be held on Saturday, June 16, 2007 from 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM. Estimated attendance 200.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE USE OF CRANBURY PARK PAVILION AND IMMEDIATE SURROUNDING GROUNDS BY THE NORWALK LITTLE LEAGUE FOR THEIR ANNUAL PICNIC TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2007 FROM 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 200.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Approve the use of Cranbury Park Pavilion and immediate surrounding grounds by the Norwalk H.S. Alumni Association for their Annual Picnic to be held on Thursday, July 12, 2007 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Estimated attendance 100.
** MR. GRANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE USE OF CRANBURY PARK PAVILION AND IMMEDIATE SURROUNDING GROUNDS BY THE NORWALK H.S. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR ANNUAL PICNIC TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007 FROM 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 100.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the Alzheimer’s Association, CT Chapter for the use of Calf Pasture Beach for their Annual Walkathon to be held on Sunday, October 7, 2007 from 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Estimated attendance 300.
After a brief discussion, it was decided to table this request, as there was no one from the Alzheimer’s Association present to answer questions. Rev. Bolden stated that she supports the group.
** MR. GRANT MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, CT CHAPTER FOR THE USE OF CALF PASTURE BEACH FOR THEIR ANNUAL WALKATHON TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2007 FROM 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 300.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH THREE IN FAVOR (BONDI, ROMANO AND GRANT) AND ONE ABSTENTION (BOLDEN).
10. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Streets Enigma Magazine for the use of Veterans Memorial Park for an Unsigned Hype/Care Showcase to be held on Saturday, July 7, 2007 from 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM. Estimated attendance 500+.
It was noted that there was no one present from Streets Enigma Magazine present to answer questions for the Committee.
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH STREETS ENIGMA MAGAZINE FOR THE USE OF VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK FOR AN UNSIGNED HYPE/CARE SHOWCASE TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2007 FROM 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 500+.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Approve the Department Facility and Rental Fees for 2007-2008 season.
Mr. Mocciae reviewed the proposed changes in the Recreation and Parks Department Facility Useage and Parking Fees for 2007.
** MR. GRANT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING FEE CHANGES:
FOR VETERAN’S PARK MARINA:
FOR RESIDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 65: A FEE INCREASE FROM $36.00 PER FOOT TO $38.00 PER FOOT.
FOR RESIDENTS OR NON-RESIDENTS AGE 65 AND OVER: A FEE INCREASE FROM $29.00 PER FOOT TO $31.00 PER FOOT.
FOR NON-RESIDENTS: A FEE INCREASE FROM $36.00 PER FOOT TO $38.00 PER FOOT.
FOR DINGHIES (SENIOR RESIDENTS AND NON-RESIDENTS): A FEE INCREASE FROM $24.00 PER FOOT TO $26.00 PER FOOT.
FOR DINGHIES (ALL OTHERS): A FEE INCREASE FROM $30.00 PER FOOT TO $32.00 PER FOOT.
VETERAN’S PARK VISITOR’S DOCKS AND MOORINGS
DAY BLOCK 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: A FEE DECREASE FROM $1.00 PER FOOT TO .75¢ PER FOOT WITH AN ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC FEE OF $3.00.
NIGHT BLOCK 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM: A FEE DECREASE FROM $1.25 PER FOOT TO $1.00 PER FOOT WITH AN ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC FEE OF $3.00.
A NEW OVERNIGHT BLOCK 9:00 PM – 9:00 AM: A FEE OF $1.25 PER FOOT WITH AN ADDITIONAL ELECTRIC FEE OF $6.00.
CRANBURY PARK MANSION
NON-RESIDENT: AN INCREASE FROM $450.00 FOR THE FIRST THREE HOURS TO $500.00 FOR THE FIRST THREE HOURS.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Howard from the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association arrived at this point. She respectfully explained to the Committee that she had been sent to the wrong room.
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO RECONSIDER THE PREVIOUSLY TABLED AGENDA ITEM #6 - AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, CT CHAPTER FOR THE USE OF CALF PASTURE BEACH FOR THEIR ANNUAL WALKATHON TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2007 FROM 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 300.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** REV. BOLDEN MOVED TO APPROVE AGENDA ITEM #6 - AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR, RICHARD A. MOCCIA TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, CT CHAPTER FOR THE USE OF CALF PASTURE BEACH FOR THEIR ANNUAL WALKATHON TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2007 FROM 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM. ESTIMATED ATTENDANCE 300.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
V. DISCUSSION
1. Request to use Veterans Memorial Park Visitors Docks for a commercial enterprise.
Mr. Metal was present and explained that he was requesting the use of the city visitor dock for commercial purposes. Mr. Metal reported that he runs a charter boat, which does tours of the various lighthouses. He was requesting a permit for the discharge of passengers at the Visitor’s dock at Veteran’s Park.
Mr. Mulvehill, who is the Chairman of the Parking Authority and a member of the Seaport Association, was also present to support this request. Mr. Mulvehill pointed out that there was only one paddle wheeler in operation in Norwalk at this time. This gave very limited opportunities for non-boat owning people to get out on the water. He stated that he felt this would be an appropriate water related use.
Mr. Bondi asked for details of a proposed trip to Sheffield Island and Huntington Lighthouse, which Mr. Metal gave him. Mr. Mulvehill pointed out that the visitor’s dock is located south of the drawbridge, which will prevent the bridge from having to open more times than necessary. Mr. Bondi expressed concerns about moving more than twenty people through the launching parking lot when there are a number of trailers launching boats. He also mentioned that parking in that section of Veteran’s was tight on the weekends due to the number of boat trailers. Mr. Metal replied that he would encourage people to park at the Maritime Garage.
Mr. Mocciae said that he thought the concept was wonderful but that there were many technicalities that would have to be worked out. One issue was that this request might require an RFP. Another issue was that there is not much space at the dock during the weekends. He suggested that perhaps the East Basin would be the better location for something like this.
A discussion followed regarding the details of an RFP and how this would be done. Mr. Mocciae encouraged Mr. Metal to pursue this project and suggested that he put a presentation together for the next month.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. GRANT MOVED TO ADJOURN.
Mr. Bondi stated that he would like to have the May Recreation and Parks meeting include a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. about the parks. Mr. Mocciae said that he would schedule this.
** THE MOTION TO ADJOURN PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services
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