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RECREATION,
PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL COMMITTEE MINUTES |
JANUARY 19, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Fred Bondi, Chair; Betsy Bain, Peter Wien, Carvin Hilliard, Rick
McQuaid, Ken Baker
STAFF: Michael Mocciae, Director of Recreation & Parks
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Bondi called the meeting to order at 8:05p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 17, 2004
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17, 2004.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to report, as the two items were removed from the agenda.
2.) Approve the use of the Cranbury Pavilion and immediate surrounding grounds at the Cranbury Park by the Cranbury Community Athletic Association for their annual League Picnic to be held on Sunday, June 12, 2005 from 1:00 PM-3:00pm. Estimated attendance 300.
** MR. McQUAID MOVED APPROVAL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3.) Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to execute an agreement with the Norwalk Exchange Club for their annual Antique Auto Show to be held at Taylor Farm on Sunday, April 24, 2005 from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Set-up for the event would take place on Thursday, April 21, 2005. A rain date of May 1, 2005 is also requested. Estimated attendance 500+.
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Joe Tambora stated that the show has been going on for 30 years. Mr. Bondi told Mr. Tambora that he needed to appear at next Tuesday’s council meeting.
4.) Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to execute an agreement with the YMCA
for the use of Marvin School and Taylor Farm for their Summer Camp to take place
June 27, 2005 through August 26, 2005, Monday-Friday for ages 3-15. Estimated
attendance 150.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Bain questioned whether there was any change in this year’s request compared to the past years. Mr. Mocciae stated that the applicants were looking to use Ludlow Park, but that could not be apart of the agreement.
5.) Approve the use of Witch Lane Park for overflow parking on 15 Sundays from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM September 2005 through May 2005. Estimated attendance 20 vehicles. Also continued use on January 30th , February 6th, March 6th, March 20th, March 27th, April 10th and May 8th, 2005.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Bain stated that 23 vehicles had been used once before. She thought only 20 vehicles were allowed. Mr. Ray Murer said the last review permitted 20 vehicles. Ms. Bain said she would be concerned if the limit were to increase to 30+ vehicles. Mr. Mocciae stated that 25 could be the maximum amount of vehicles allowed. Mr. Murer stated that they could have used parking for as many as 50 vehicles. He reported having to close the lot and turn people away in the past. He said he might need five days for the use of 50 vehicles. Ms. Bain questioned whether the anticipated list date required a greater usage. Mr. Murer said yes. He said Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are the two days that could probably use space for more than 20 cars. He said that five days might need to be established. Mr. Murer affirmed that he would like to come back with better numbers. Mr. Bondi asked whether he was comfortable with using 20 vehicles. Mr. Murer said yes. Mr. Bondi said they would leave the estimated attendance at 20.
Mr. Chris Cusky introduced himself and stated that he had spearheaded the effort to prevent Witch Lane Park from being developed. He asked whether the park is controlled by Norwalk. Mr. Mocciae replied yes. Mr. Cusky questioned whether the park could be used as a parking lot. Mr. Mocciae replied yes. Ms. Bain stated that the district commissioner expressed interest in gaining management control of the park in order to get feedback from people in the community. There might be a broader public hearing to discuss the future.
6.) Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to execute an agreement with the Rowayton PTA for their Annual Spring Carnival to be held at the Rowayton School field on Friday, April 29th, 5:00 PM-10:00 PM, Saturday, April 30th, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Set up for the event will take place on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 and break down on Sunday, May 1, 2005. Estimated attendance 500+.
** MS. BAIN MOVED TO TABLE.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
7.) Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to execute an agreement with the Norwalk Karting Association to use Calf Pasture Beach for their annual racing season on Saturdays, April 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, May 7th, 14th, 21st. The races will be held from 7:00 AM-4:00 PM. Rain dates on Sundays with the exception of May 8th and May 22nd.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED APPROVAL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. McQuaid told Mr. Chris Copley that he has been doing a much better job with this project. Mr. Copley said thank you and presented the committee with a check. Mr. Bondi told Mr. Copley that he needed to attend next Tuesday’s council meeting.
8.) Approve the use of advertising to be placed at Norwalk High School and McMahon softball and baseball fields by the Norwalk Diamond Club (Tony Coppola) to supplement and upgrade the baseball and softball programs in Norwalk.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED APPROVAL.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Coppola passed a handout around to the committee. He reported that the organization is nonprofit and that he has filed for a 501c3. He said that he wished to place temporary signs around the ball field. He stated that he would work with the principals and coaches. The signs would be taken down and the end of the season. This is for the kids. Mr. Coppola said everything he was doing is coming out of his pocket. He asserted that he is planning a golf tournament and that he is looking for vendors to sponsor the tees and greens. There will be two parents from baseball and softball from both schools.
Mr. Hilliard questioned whether prices are going to be reasonable for businesses. Mr. Coppola said the signs would be $300. Mr. McQuaid asked whether this project has been discussed with other schools. Ms. Bain asked Mr. Coppola whether he has spoken to Joseph Rodriguez of Brien McMahon High School. Mr. Coppola said no.
Mr. McQuaid said he would like to have further discussion with the Diamond Club. He said he would be more comfortable with documentation showing that the principals and other staff are on board. He said he would like to know more about the Diamond Club. Mr. Bondi requested letters from the principals of the schools involved. Mr. Coppola said he could do that. Mr. Mocciae stated that Mr. Coppola had spoken to the NAA about this.
Mr. Bondi said he thought signs could not be put up on Norwalk property. Mr. Mocciae said this could not be done at Calf Pasture because of deal restrictions. Mr. Coppola said he needed to know the decision as quickly as possible because the new season starts in March. Mr. Baker asked Mr. Coppola whether he could line up advertisers. Mr. Bondi said that he needed to check with zoning.
Mr. McQuaid told Mr. Coppola that his idea is good. Mr. Hilliard asked whether the superintendent being on board would cover the entire school system. He stated that he thinks this is a progressive idea that is about raising money. This will be better for the players. It would be valid to check with zoning. Ms. Bain said the idea is good, but needs a little bit more work.
Mr. Wien asked whether bars and restaurants would be utilized for advertising. Mr. Coppola said he did not think using bars would be a good idea. Mr. Bondi said that restaurants usually do a lot of sponsoring.
** MS. BAIN MOVED TO TABLE ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
DISCUSSION
RFP for Veteran Park Concession
Mr. Mocciae stated that the draft was put back on the agenda as an action item for next month. He asserted that they were pressed for funds. He said there is a need for a place for people to be able to congregate. The idea is to rent out the two rooms. The concession stand needs total refurbishment. Mr. Bondi said there could also be a possibility of booths and checking park stickers. Mr. Mocciae said the plan is to produce revenue. Mr. Baker asked how much the project would cost to enforce. Mr. Mocciae said it would probably cost about $15,000 yearly to have someone posted at the gate. Mr. Bondi said the ramps could be policed.
** MS. BAIN MOVED ADJOURNMENT.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Joseph
Telesco Secretarial Services
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