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RECREATION,
PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL COMMITTEE MINUTES |
WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Fred Bondi, Chair; Rev. Phyllis Bolden; Richard McQuaid
STAFF: Michael Mocciae, Recreation and Parks Director
I Roll Call
Mr. Bondi called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. He noted that they did not have a quorum, and therefore no votes could be taken.
II Minutes of March 21, 2007
There was no action taken on the minutes.
III Old Business
There was no old business.
IV New Business
1. Approve the Planned Miniature Golf improvement and sent to the Planning Commission for an 8-24 review with CAM application.
This item was not discussed.
2. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for the Annual “Light the Night Walk” on Thursday, October 4, 2007 from 12:00 Noon – 9:00 PM at Calf Pasture Beach. Estimated attendance 450.
Mr. Bondi said that he would put this on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
3. Approve the use of the Testa Athletic Field Complex at Norwalk High School by the Norwalk High Marching Band for their 25th Annual Cavalcade of Bands to be held Saturday, November 3, 2007 from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Estimated attendance 2000+.
Mr. McQuaid said that over the past few years, this group has been asked to do a few thing and last year was the best they eve did.
Rev. Bolden said that she way happy that they were doing such a great job of keeping within the guidelines.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
4. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with NEON/South Norwalk Community Center to utilize the grounds at Roton Middle School for their Annual Summer Camp from Monday, July 2, 2007 – August 10, 2007 from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Estimated attendance 125.
This item was tabled.
5. Approve the use of the Silvermine Elementary School Grounds by the PTO for a family picnic to be held on Saturday, June 2, 2007 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Estimated attendance 200. Check with Health Department regarding Sale of Food
Mr. Bondi informed the representative from Silvermine School that they should come before the Committee one month before the event because there is a lot to do with getting the proper permits.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
6. Approve the use of Brien McMahon Athletic Complex for the Annual Celebration of Sound Band Competition to be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 from 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Estimated attendance 1,500+.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
7. Approve the use of Taylor Farm for the Annual Drums Around the World sponsored by Drum-N-Dance and the Recreation and Parks Department to be held Sunday, August 26, 2007 from 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM. Estimated attendance 75.
There was no discussion or action taken on this item.
8. Approve the use of Cranbury Park Pavilion and the immediate surrounding grounds by “Save the Children” for a Founder’s Day Agency Picnic to be held Thursday, June 14, 2007 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Estimated attendance 250.
This employee picnic is a first time event for this group.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
9. Approve the use of Andrews Field Parking Lot by Stew Leonard’s for additional employee parking on the following date:
May 25,26,27,28
June 30
July 1,2,3,4,
September 1,2
November 17,18,20,21
December 1,2,8,9,15,16,22,23,24,29,30,31
This is an annual request and will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
10. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with Sea Fair for the use of Veteran’s Park and Visitors Docks from October 17-21, 2007 from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily for the “Invitation Only” art gallery aboard the Grand Luxe. Estimated attendance 2000.
Mr. Mocciae said that the person representing this group was unable to attend because his flight from Washington, DC was cancelled due to weather.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
11. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with the National Marine Manufacturers Association for the use of Calf Pasture Beach, Shady Beach, Taylor Farm and Marvin School for the Annual Boat Show parking to be held September 20-23, 2007 from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Estimated attendance 50,000+.
Mr. Bondi said that this is an annual event.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
12. Approve the use of Cranbury Park Pavilion and the immediate surrounding grounds by the Senior Center for the Annual Picnic to be held Thursday, September 6, 2007 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Estimated attendance 200.
Mr. Bondi said that he would answer any questions about this item, because Ms. Allen from the Senior Center was unavailable. Rev. Bolden said that she did not want to see this item delayed.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
13. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to enter into an agreement with A.C.H.I.E.V.E.
(All Children Have the Intelligence, Enthusiasm and Values to Excel) for the
use of the grounds at Jefferson Elementary School for the Annual Summer Enrichment
Program to be held June 25 – August 10, 2007 from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Estimated
attendance 150.
The representative asked if they could use the paved tennis court area and Mr. Mocciae agreed. The representative asked about closing the hill and Mr. Mocciae directed him to call the DPW.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
16. Approve the use of a field for West Rocks Middle School to hold a Soccer Tournament on June 3, 10 and 17 2007 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Estimated attendance 100+
Mr. Mocciae said that he needed to see a set up. He added that they need to go through the Health Department and the City’s food service for food.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
14. A. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to execute an agreement with Marquise
Development, Thornwood, NY for the proposed Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot Improvements
Project Parks, 2007-1 for the sum not to exceed $191,005.40. Account #09076030-5777-C0365.
B. Authorize the Mayor, Richard A. Moccia to issue Orders on Contract to the Lowest Responsible Bidder for Project Park, 2007-1 Calf Pasture Beach Improvements for a sum not to exceed $19,100.00. Account #09076030-5777-C0365.
Mr. Gerald Frank asked if they were going to put in more bathroom facilities. Mr. Mocciae agreed that is a project that is long overdue, because of lack of funding. He said that this paving and lighting project on the islands in the parking lot and is being done for the safety of the visitors. Ms. Diane Lauricella suggested placing small drainholes in the islands to keep the shrubs hydrated. Mr. Mocciae said that was a good idea, but would depend upon the location of the island.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
15. A. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to M.E. O’Brien & Sons Inc. for the supplies and installation of Playground Equipment at Veteran’s Park, Marvin Elementary School and Wolfpit Elementary School for the sum not to exceed $146,842.00. Account #09066030-5777-C0364 and #09056030-5777-C0072.
B. Authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue orders on Contract to M.E. O’Brien
& Sons Inc. for the supplies and installation of Playground Equipment for
a sum not to exceed $10,000. Account #09066030-5777-C0364 and #09056030-5777-C0072.
Mr. Tom Kosky of East Norwalk asked where this will be located. Mr. Mocciae said that it would be near the City docks. Mr. Kosky asked if there was a master plan for Veteran’s Park. Mr. Mocciae said that there were some conceptual plans.
Dr. Ed Polici pointed out that the area floods. Mr. Mocciae explained that the new location would be tied into the underground drainage. Dr. Polici asked about the toxicity of the landfill. He suggested that before any development begins that core samples be collected. Mr. Mocciae said that when the State funded the project in 1983, they raised the Park 3 feet. He said that he did not believe the State would allow a recreational facility if they knew the land held toxins.
Ms. Lauricella said that she worked for the DEP in 1983 and the decision was made not to do a lot of studies of municipal landfills. She said that in 1983 the science and regulations were not available. Ms. Lauricella said that there are brownfield funds available to do a professional site investigation.
Mr. Bondi said that the area where the playground will be located was not a landfill.
Mr. Art Santella said that there is a federal report that shows toxicity along the east coast. Mr. Mocciae said that they know that from the Harbor study that was done.
Ms. Laurel Lindstrom said that this is an ideal time to put this item on the Conservation Commission’s master plan. There are a lot of questions about the planned improvements. Mr. Mocciae said that the only plan is to replace the existing playground.
Mr. Mocciae said that this creating a master plan of Veteran’s Park is a capital item and he has seen no support for his budget except from Ms. Lauricella. He said that it is a wonderful idea, but he needs the funding.
Ms. Lauricella suggested to Mr. Mocciae that he talk with Mr. Moore in Redevelopment about finding funding for a survey.
Mr. Santella asked if there was a recent survey of the Park. Mr. Mocciae said that the last survey was done in 1983 by Grumman Engineering when they did the project. Mr. Mocciae said that it is important to have a master plan, but that is a capital item.
Mr. Mocciae said that he would research the cost of having soil testing done at the site of the proposed playground. Ms. Lauricella told Mr. Mocciae that the City is currently tapped into brownfield grants and Mr. Moore can tell him if this site would be eligible.
Mr. Mocciae said that the bottom line is that he has not gotten support during the capital budget process. In the 23 years that he has been here only a handful of people come out to support the projects.
Ms. Lindstrom said that this year she put her support in flooding, but in the past has been there in support of this department.
Dr. Polici suggested charging a fee for beach stickers. Mr. Mocciae explained that the issue with charging for beach stickers was that the money collected would not be dedicated to parks.
Mr. Bondi added that they could probably raise $350,000 if they charge $10.00 per sticker, but it would cost $50 – 60,000 to administer the beach stickers. He said that they have tried to find other ways to help the budget. If the miniature golf course was successful they could draw $150,000 per year.
Mr. Bondi said that there are serious flooding problems in the City and the Common Council are dedicated to doing as much as possible to repair the City’s infrastructure. He said that other than that the City cut back on all other departments. He said that Parks and Rec. usually has a crew at the beach by May 1st, but couldn’t afford to at this time.
Dr. Polici said that a sticker program would defuse the costs. Mr. Bondi said that this was proposed 10 years ago. He noted that every city on Long Island Sound charges a fee for a park sticker ranging from $10.00 to $50.00.
Ms. Siby Nejersey asked why the money raised from the sale of beach stickers would go into the general fund. Mr. Mocciae said that anything they make goes into the general fund.
This item will be on Tuesday’s Common Council agenda.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services
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