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RECREATION,
PARKS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL COMMITTEE MINUTES |
OCTOBER 19, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Fred Bondi; Chairman, Betsy Bain, Ken Baker, Peter Wien
OTHER(s): Mike Mocciae, Director Recreation and Parks
CALL TO ORDER
Ms. Bain called the meeting to order at 8:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mr. Bondi took the roll call and announced there was a quorum.
MINUTES APPROVAL
September 21, 2005
Corrections
Pages 7 and 8; where it reads, Foto Farms should read, Fodor Farms
** MS. BAIN MOVED ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES WITH CORRECTIONS
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
It was stated that the agenda would be taken out of order as follows.
NEW BUSINESS
5. Technical Correction
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with the Norwalk Hospital for their annual Whittingham Cancer Center “Walk this way…with us”. To b be held at Calf Pasture Beach on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM. Estimated attendance 600. Set-up on Friday, May 12, 2006 at 5:00 PM and breakdown on Saturday, May 13, 2006 by 6:00 PM
Mr. Mocciae noted the technical correction was due to a date correction.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
6. Technical Correction
Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with the The March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for their annual Walk America to be held at Calf Pasture Beach on Sunday, April 30, 2006 from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Setup will begin at 5:30 AM with breakdown by 5:00 PM. Estimated attendance 500-700
Mr. Mocciae noted the technical correction was due to a date correction.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
1. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with The Round
Hill Highland Games, Inc. for the annual Round Hill Games to be held at Cranbury
Park on Saturday, July 1, 2006 from 9:00 AM-6:30 PM. Set-up would start at 12:00
Noon on Thursday, June 29, 2006 and breakdown by 12:00 Noon Monday, July 3,
2006. Estimated attendance 2,000+
The representative for this event was present .
** MR. BAKER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Ms. Bain asked how the event went last year. Mr. Mocciae noted that all went well with the event last year and he expressed that he was glad to have them back this year.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
*It was noted that the representative should call the Recreation & Parks office by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, to find out if the item would be on the City Council Meeting agenda that evening.
2. Approve the use of Witch Park by the United Church of Rowayton for overflow
parking for an evening event at the Church on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 from
6:30 PM-9:00 PM. Estimated attendance 25-30 cars
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mr. Mocciae updated that they were doing significant building in town, so the parking spaces were reduced due to the construction going on. He suggested that items 3 and 4 be approved also.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
3. Approve the use of Witch Park by the Rowayton United Methodist Church for
a Fall Harvest Fair and Parking to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2005 from
9:0 AM -4:00 PM. Estimated attendance 75-100
The representative for this event was present.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
7. Approve the use of Gallaher Estate of Cranbury Park and the immediate surrounding
grounds by Brian Morgan for a wedding reception to be held on Saturday, September
2, 2006 from 4:00 PM-12:00 Midnight. Estimated attendance 200
The representative for this event was present.
** MR. WEIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Mr. Mocciae reminded them to stay in touch with the Recreation & Parks
Department. He further reminded them that the entertainment should be concluded
by 11:00 p.m.
8. Approve the use of Veterans Park by the Board of Education for their annual Norwalk River Fun Run to be held on Saturday, December 3, 2005 from 9:00 AM-11:00AM. Estimated Attendance 600.
The representative for this event was present.
** MR. WEIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
*It was noted that the representative should call the Recreation & Parks office by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, to find out if the item would be on the City Council Meeting agenda that evening.
9. Approve the use of Cranbury Park Pavilion and the immediate surrounding grounds
by Josh Bland for a wedding to be held on Sunday, June 18, 2006 from 12:00 PM-7:30PM.
Estimated attendance 130.
The representative for this event was present.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Ms. Bain asked if all the dates cleared through the Recreation & Parks Department. Mr. Mocciae said yes.
10. Approve the use of Cranbury Park Pavilion and the immediate surrounding grounds by Temple Shalom for their Congregational Picnic to be held on Sunday, June 4, 2006 from 1:00PM-5:00PM. Estimated attendance 100+
** MR. BAKER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mr. Mocciae commented that this was a yearly event.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
11. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to enter an agreement with the Norwalk
Karting Association for the use of Calf Pasture Beach for their Spring &
Fall 2006 season to be held on Saturdays from 8:00 AM-4:00PM. Spring Dates –
March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6,13, 20. Fall Dates – September 30, October
7,14,21,28, November 4,11,18. With Sundays as rain dates (not available May
21, 2005). Estimated attendance 150 each day.
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mr. Mocciae noted that this was a yearly event. He further noted that the date
of May 13 was out because it was not available.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
*It was noted that the representative should call the Recreation & Parks office by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, to find out if the item would be on the City Council Meeting agenda that evening.
12. Authorize the Mayor A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with TriFitness LLC for the use of Calf Pasture Beach for their annual SOBE Mossman Triathlon to be held on Sunday, July 16, 2006 from 5:00 AM-11:00 AM. Setup 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 15, 2006 with break down by Monday, July 17, 2006 at 12:00 Noon. Estimated attendance 600+.
** MR. BAKER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
The representative for this event was present.
Ms. Bain asked using regular lifeguards. Mr. Mocciae said the Recreation & Parks Department will provide them with lifeguards.
Mr. Baker asked the number of people that attended last year. The representative said there were under (500) people last year, noting they want to keep it around that number for safety issues.
Mr. Mocciae mentioned there was a request to hold registration the day before
the event. The representative said they would like to hold registration the
day before from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mr. Mocciae said he should call his
office to discuss this further.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
*It was noted that the representative should call the Recreation & Parks office by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, to find out if the item would be on the City Council Meeting agenda that evening.
13. Approve the use of Veterans Park by the Water Sports Center for Interscholastic
Rowing Regatta to be held on Sunday, November 6, 2005 from 6:00 AM-4:00 PM.
Estimated attendance 250+.
The representative was present.
It was stated that the following should be added to the motion – with restrictions
from the Harbor Commission
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM WITH RESTRICITONS FROM THE HARBOR COMMISSION
Mr. Mocciae said this wasn’t a new race, it has been done for the past few years, but it would be different this year due to the dredging beginning. He said they met with the harbor contact to clear up the issues. If they find there is a hindrance on the day of the race because of the dredging, there are alternatives A,B or C in place of where else they can hold the race.
Mr. Mocciae updated that no one showed up to represent the event at the last
meeting. Mr. Bondi clarified to the rep that in the future, if someone doesn’t
show up, the matter gets tabled. He also urged him to apply earlier next year.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
14. Authorize the Mayor A. Knopp to enter into an with the Colombian American Family Entertainment to use Veterans Park for the Colombian Independence Celebration to be held on Sunday, July 16, 2006 from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM. Setup to take place on Sunday, July 16, 2006 at 7:00 AM with break down by Monday, July 17, 2006 at 12:00 Noon. Estimated attendance 5000+
The representative for this event was present.
Ms. Bain asked if this was the event that moved from Liberty Square. Mr. Bondi said yes.
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Ms. Bain asked if all the issues were worked out. Mr. Mocciae said the representative understood what they need to do with the permits. But for parking, he said he preferred there be limited parking on the grounds. He suggested they use municipal parking instead, noting that people can walk down S. Washington Street to the event. There shouldn’t be any parking on the pavement. Otherwise, he said the event went well.
Mr. Mocciae commented that the idea was to bring more concerts to Veterans Park, so they plan to advertise for the summer concert series. He said information would appear in the Recreation & Parks brochure to let people know.
Ms. Bain asked that as the park gets greater utilization with events, has there been some discussion with the neighborhood about this. Mr. Mocciae said they weren’t adding any new activities. And since they don’t hold the Puerto Rican Day Parade anymore, the Haitian Parade is much smaller. He further noted that the concerts wouldn’t go real late and expects they will end around 9:00 p.m. at the latest.
The representative asked about having electrical outlets this year. Mr. Mocciae said that has been arranged.
Mr. Bondi asked if shuttling would be required. Mr. Mocciae said that was up to the people running the event. But again, he said it was important not to impact the neighborhood. He urged event planner to review the details with him a couple months prior to the day of the event.
*It was noted that the representative should call the Recreation & Parks office by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, to find out if the item would be on the City Council Meeting agenda that evening.
15. Authorize the Mayor A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with the South Norwalk
Social Service Center for the use of Veterans Park on Saturday, August 19, 2006
from 8:00 AM -8:00 PM for their Community Unity Event. Estimated attendance
1,500.
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mr. Moccaie said the event was scheduled at Calf Pasture Beach last year with the churches involved, but they are under a new contract agreement, so that was the reason for the event name change.
Ms. Bain asked if the event was held before. Mr. Mocciae said yes. Mr. Bondi added that when it was previously held, there were supposed to be only 150 people but close to 800 people showed up.
Mr. Mocciae said the groups would be listed on the schedule as part of the concert series. Mr. Bondi commented that the music as outrageous last year.
Ms. Bain asked if Mr. Mocciae was comfortable with eth event details. Mr. Mocciae said yes, especially since everything had been worked out.
Mr. Bondi asked if 1,500 people was an accurate estimate. The representative said it would be better if they could up it to 3,000 people. Mr. Mocciae suggested staying with 1,500 people to ensure there would be enough police coverage.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
16. Authorize the Mayor Alex A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with the Rowayton
Civic Association for the use of Rowayton School Field for their Nativity Pageant
to be held on Sunday, December 11, 2005 from 6:00 PM-7:00PM. Set up on Saturday,
December 10, 2005 at 12:00 Noon with break down by 12:00 Noon on Monday, December
12, 2005. Estimated attendance 200.
** MS. BAIN MOVED APRPOVAL OF THE ITEM
She noted the event has been held for years.
Mr. Mocciae suggested they stay in touch with staff regarding details.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
** MR. BAKER MOVED TO SUSPEND THE RULES TO ADD ADDENDUM ITEMS 14 AND 15. A &
B TO THE AGENDA
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
15. A Authorized the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp to enter into an agreement with the United Haitian-American Society for the 4th Annual Haitian American Day to be held at Veterans Park on Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 8:00 AM-9:00PM. Estimated attendance 1,000.
15.B Approve the use of the Showmobile by the United Haitian American Society for their 4th Annual Haitian American Day to be held at Veterans Park on Saturday, July 22, 2006 from 8:00 AM -9:00 PM
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEMS
Mr. Mocciae said this event used to be held at Ryan Park. It was a great event and they did a great job. He urged the event planners to do more activity in the park to encourage more community involvement.
The representative asked if they could increase the number of people to 1,500. Mr. Mocciae agreed that would be acceptable. He noted that all the permits were set. He further noted the reps should schedule a meeting with him so they could review how the electrical outlets would work.
Mr. Bondi noted that parking should be considered so they don’t impact the neighborhood. He mentioned that they could possibly make arrangements to use one or two of the schools for parking; such as Norwalk High School or Marvin School. Mr. Mocciae noted this could be worked out with staff.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
*It was noted that the representative should call the Recreation & Parks
office by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, 2005, to find out if the item would
be on the City Council Meeting agenda that evening.
14. Approve the move of the Hungarian monument from Freeze Park to the Thomas
O’Connor Park Heritage Wall
** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE ITEM
Mr. Bondi recalled that this matter was previously discussed.
Ms. Bain asked if they found the finances to make the move. Mr. Mocciae said he hoped the Redevelopment Agency had the funds to move the monument to the Thomas O’Connor Park Heritage Wall. He noted they were still waiting to get prices though.
Ms. Bain asked then if they were approving the placement to Heritage Park. Mr. Mocciae said that was correct.
Mary Kocsis, the representative present explained that they moved the monument
once before without any problem. But she noted that for safety purposes, when
it’s moved, it could be bound in a steel box that would avoid breaking it. She
said the would like to have it placed 18” into the ground, so that it’s not
too obtrusive looking.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
4. Approve the use of Witch Park by the Community Cooperative Nursery School
for their annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale to be held Thursday, December
1, 2005 – Sunday, December 4, 2005 from 12:00 Noon -6:00 PM. Estimated attendance
100.
There was no one present to represent this item, so:
** MR. BAKER MOVED TO TABLE
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
V. DISCUSSION
Review the documents for the request for the proposal of the operation of a concession stand at Veterans Park.
Mr. Mocciae said they were looking to get an RFP out; the idea was to solicit bids and see what comes back.
Ms. Bain questioned whether there was a need for a concession stand all day, every day. Mr. Mocciae said he wanted to give all the options available to find out what people were interested in.
Ms. Bain suggested the RFP be reworded then to give a clearer picture of what options were available and to let people know they were open to suggestions. She thought it should be left flexible enough to maximize potential returns. Otherwise, she said she was in favor of it.
Mr. Moccaie noted it would be a good thing with all the activities going on in the park. The intent was to go through the RFP process.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. BAKER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Graham
Telesco Secretarial Services
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