JANUARY 21, 2004

ATTENDANCE: Fred Bondi, Chairman; Betsy Bain, Carvin Hilliard, Leona Williams,
Rick McQuaid, Ken Baker, Peter Wien

STAFF: Mike Mocciae, Director

CALL TO ORDER

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – December 17, 2003

** MS. BAIN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED

Corrections:
Page 1 – under Attendance, add Carvin Hilliard
Page 1 – last paragraph, last line where it reads, it wasn’t sure if should read, he wasn’t sure if
Page 2 – 2nd paragraph, 3rd line down, where it reads, keep their original date should read, keep their original time

** MOTION PASSED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR AND TWO ABSTENTIONS (MR. McQUAID and MS. WILLIAMS)

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

The Chair announced that they would take the agenda out of order to take up item No. 4 first.

4. Approve the naming of the Boating Center and visitors docks, Veterans Park to the David Dunavan Boating: Center and visitors docks.

** MR. McQUAID MOVED APPROVE THE NAMING OF THE BOATING CENTER AND VISITORS DOCKS, VETERANS PARK TO THE DAVID DUNAVAN BOATING: CENTER AND VISITORS DOCKS
Mr. Mike Griffin, the Harbor Master stated a letter was submitted from the Chairman of the Commission, John Pinto for the area to be named after Mr. Dunavan. He shared that Mr. Dunavan gave many years to the waterfront and boating community, so he felt the naming would be beneficial to the boating center itself. He also thought there would be a lot of support forthcoming to the boating center that would alleviate some burden on the city.

Ms. Bain asked if there were any guidelines established for the naming of this type of thing such as it is for streets etc. Mr. Mocciae said there wasn’t anything formally written, but the criteria always used has been if someone always made a strong contribution to the community (he relayed some past examples) such as the softball field and said Mr. Dunavan has worked tirelessly for years in the boating community, so this naming fits the criteria.

Ms. Bain asked if the naming had a strong recommendation from the Recreation and Parks Department. Mr. Mocciae said absolutely.

Mr. Bondi clarified this matter wouldn’t be the same as naming a street; that type of thing would be handled through the police department.

Mr. Griffin further shared that Mr. Dunavan was a major player on a number of different projects.
Mr. Wien commented that a plaque listing a person’s requirements would be a nice addition and allow others to get a history of the person being honored. Mr. Mocciae said that sort of thing had been done in the past.

Mr. Tony Mobilia shared that he knew Mr. Dunavan for many years; and he offered to lend a hand in designing a plaque.

Mr. McQuaid stated he also worked with Mr. Dunavan on projects and he was always a gentleman; so he thought the naming was a good idea.

Mr. Griffin noted the Splash weekend event might also be named in Mr. Dunavan’s honor.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
It was noted this matter would move on for a full commission vote on Tuesday.

1. Approve the use of Gallagher Estate, Cranbury Park and immediate surrounding grounds
by Jeff Fox and Laura Huber for a wedding to be held September 18, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Estimated attendance: 100.

The Chairman announced that the applicant was not present for this matter.
2. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A: Knopp, to execute an agreement with the YMCA of Norwalk for use
of the Marvin School ground at Taylor Farm for their annual Norwalk Summer Camp 2004; from
June 22nd through August 27, 2004 Monday- Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - estimated attendance 150.

** MR. MCQUAID MOVED THAT THIS MATTER BE TABLED UNTIL THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

3. Refer the proposed creation of three residential lots at Fodor Farm to the Land
Use and Building Management Committee to proceed with the approval and disposition processes.

** MR. WIEN MOVED APPROVAL TO REFER THE PROPOSED CREATION OF THREE RESIDENTIAL LOTS AT FODOR FARM TO THE LANDUSE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO PROCEED WITH THE APPROVAL AND DISPOSITION PROCESSES
Ms. Bain asked if there had been any movement on forming a committee to look over the long range plan for this matter. Mr. Mocciae said a meeting with key people attending would be held on February 2, 2004.

Ms. Bain asked about the public review process by the Land Use Committee and she mentioned that she expected the matter would create a lot of comments and discussion from the public.

Mr. Hilliard asked if the committee had met yet? Mr. Bondi replied no. Mr. Hilliard went on to ask why a meeting was being held before a committee was formed. Mr. Bondi explained they were scheduled to meet on a certain date, but one person couldn’t attend; with that said, Mr. Bondi suggested they table this matter.

Mr. Mocciae explained they came up with the easiest plan to take three or four parcels and what was outlined on the agenda was deemed to be the easiest plan, although the matter has to go through the public process. He gave further details regarding the proposed process of selling the lots and stated the request came from the Mayor, but here was some discussion that if this happened, where would the money go.

Mr. Hilliard said he agreed with selling the three parcels, but again, he felt the committee should be formed first.

** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO TABLE THE REFERRAL OF THE PROPOSED CREATION OF THREE RESIDENTIAL LOTS AT FODOR FARM TO THE LANDUSE AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO PROCEED WITH THE APPROVAL AND DISPOSITION PROCESSES
** MOTION PASSED WITH FIVE VOTES IN FAVOR AND ONE ABSTENTION (MR. McQUAID)

5. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with the Alzheimer Association to use Calf Pasture Beach for their Memory Walk, October 3, 2004 from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Estimated attendance 200.

The Chairman announced that the applicant was not present for this matter.

6. Approve the use of Veterans Park by the Norwalk Lacrosse Association in conjunction with Norwalk and Brian McMahon High Schools for a Lacrosse Jamboree on Sunday, March 28th from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Estimated attendance 400.

The Chairman announced that the applicant was not present for this matter.

Discussion

1. Capitol, Operating Budget requests.

Mr. Mocciae stated and explained that currently Recreation & Parks is operating with a small full-time staff and this has been existent for some time now. He went on to say he apologized if he offended anyone by taking a stance and defending Recreation & Parks Department. He further stated the department has been downsized severely, from fourteen (14) people to four (4) full time people and he expressed that many positions that were eliminated were sorely missed from a duties perspective, because those people were key in helping things run smoothly within the department. He said that currently he wears many hats and it’s a heavy load. He noted the amount of staff persons other cities have that pale in comparison to Norwalk. He reiterated the importance of having a full time staff to accomplish certain duties that are integral to keeping the parks running properly.

Mr. Bondi added that he himself being involved in Recreation & Parks for many years; they definitely needed two full-time secretaries and with all the functions and events going on, they need people to administer these programs, also, a payroll person is sorely needed to coordinate pay to all the positions the department employs. He further noted that when a secretary is eventually hired, that person must be extremely friendly and exercise the utmost patience to get the correct information to people. Overall, he felt two secretaries were definitely needed and at some point, they might also have to get another parks Foreman, because one is not enough. He further relayed that the fields need to be maintained and he expressed that many people have voiced to him that the field at City Hall is a great one.

Mr. McQuaid stated he has been involved with Recreation & Parks over the years. He spoke about observing lines for camp sign up and noted that (Lillian) worked hard to address everyone’s needs and (Mary) who dealt with payroll, had a key position. He shared that seeing the department lose people over the years has had an effect on maintaining the parks and what needed to be done. He commended Mr. Mocciae on what he accomplishes although short staffed.

Mr. Wien stated keeping the parks system going was key in the city and he felt that front office people were certainly needed to alleviate Mr. Mocciae taking on too much himself.

Ms. Bain mentioned what has happened showed a dilemma set up in the city of how finances are budgeted and then when it comes to meeting the cap amount, it becomes a task to determine where funds should always go, however, the committee doesn’t always have a say as to where cuts will be made.

Ms. Williams asked the difference between a Park Supervisor and a Park Maintenance person. Mr. Mocciae explained:
Park Supervisor – is a Foreman responsible for the daily schedules of the men, to make sure tasks are completed
Park Maintenance – maintains the fields that involves irrigation work and the people who do this work consist of carpenters, plumbers etc.

Mr. Mocciae offered stated if there were any further questions regarding the department to contact him.

Mr. Bondi asked if they kept all status quo, what would the increase in the operating budget be. Mr. Mocciae said the budget showed $250k-300k, but he pointed out equipment was not included in the capital account, it’s in the operating budget, so the budget right now is status quo. He noted however, that they have been asked to make cuts, such as, not replacing the inoperable Show mobile that is used for many functions.

Ms. Bain asked if the committee makes decision as to how the monies were spent by line items, but she stressed that staff persons should take priority over new equipment purchases.

The Capital Budget was reviewed. It was stated that Mr. Bondi and Mr. Mocciae met with the Mayor to trim the budget down per the year 2004-2005 request. They will continue with the schools and playgrounds, so they allocated $150k to them and they plan to do the areas and streets as they were outlined.

Mr. Mocciae explained that key equipment was needed at each location and this was promised in line with how those areas have come through and did what they said they would.

Ms. Bain stated her preference would be to maintain or replace any equipment that was unsafe of what they already have. And she further felt that any new purchases or luxuries should be secondary. Mr. Bondi commented that was what has generally been done through maintenance means.

Mr. Bondi questioned if Heeley Park was widely used. Ms. Williams replied she had seen more activity in recent years due to more families residing in the area.

Mr. Bondi reviewed the lighting budget.

Mr. Mocciae noted that some numbers as outlined in the budget may not match because the Mayor shifted some things around, for example: he has earmarked monies for comfort stations (bath houses).

Mr. Bondi reviewed the bocce court and light path. Mr. Mocciae commented the bike paths needed lighting due to elderly persons and people that rollerblade that use the area; he felt if they put in a bikeway adjacent to the existing sidewalks and give a clear distinction, it would be lit and will give a better portrayal of what people are suppose to do.

Mr. Mocciae further stated the bocce court would get matching funds.

Ms. Bain expressed that she thought the bocce court was adding a new cost to the budget.

Mr. Bondi mentioned it would be nice to light the parking lot. Mr. Mocciae clarified it was being done and should be complete during the summer.

Mr. Wien concurred with Ms. Bain on cuts of things that don’t currently exist; they should maintain what they have already and keep it in top notch condition.

Mr. McQuaid asked what was the capital budget total request before and what it was now. Mr. Mocciae said they cut it by approximately $225k and he noted that most of the items listed are what is needed to operate the parks.

Mr. Mocciae reviewed the backstop and fencing items and he noted they provided all perimeters for the schools.

Ms. Bain asked about trees maintenance vs. planting new ones. Mr. Mocciae stated they lose a lot of trees annually due to disease, so they have to replace them. Mr. Hilliard felt the cost to replace trees was very minimal and he thought trees play an important part in the parks.

Mr. Mocciae reviewed the basketball /tennis court items; he said they took out $100k for Woodward Park because tennis was not as popular anymore and the area where the courts were is swamping and to rebuild them is too costly, so they will leave the basketball courts at a cost of $30k.

Mr. Mocciae reviewed the environmental and conservation study. He explained this item was the result of input from people concerning possible overuse, for example: the mountain bike race that is held takes a toll on the grounds. He further noted this item was requested to go in the capital budget upon much discussion.

Mr. Mocciae noted there was no amount budgeted for Veteran’s Park.

Mr. Mocciae reviewed that the master plan was added to the budget for Fodor Farms year 2005-2006.

Mr. Bondi commented that a community garden may go in off of Flax Hill Road. Mr. Wien expressed that a community garden tends to gather people of all backgrounds and a universal pride becomes apparent. Mr. Hilliard said he was not opposed to the community garden, but once again, he thought this suggestion should be made to the committee that will be formed for looking into the Fodor Farms issue; he thought that committee could take all aspects that pertain to Fodor Farms into consideration.

Mr. Mocciae concluded his review of the budget items and stated that the rest of the items should be look over at everyone’s leisure.

2. Facilities rentals.

Mr. Mocciae recommended tabling this item.

Mr. Bondi requested motions be made for the items that were not heard; Items 1, 5 and 6.

1. Approve the use of Gallagher Estate, Cranbury Park and immediate surrounding grounds
by Jeff Fox and Laura Huber for a wedding to be held September 18, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Estimated attendance: 100.
** MR. HILLIARD MOVED TO TABLE
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

5. Authorize the Mayor, Alex A. Knopp, to execute an agreement with the Alzheimer Association to use Calf Pasture Beach for their Memory Walk, October 3, 2004 from 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Estimated attendance 200.
** MS. WILLIAMS MOVED TO TABLE
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Approve the use of Veterans Park by the Norwalk Lacrosse Association in conjunction with Norwalk and Brian McMahon High Schools for a Lacrosse Jamboree on Sunday, March 28th from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Estimated attendance 400.
** MR. WIEN MOVED TO TABLE
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

*It was noted by Mr. Mocciae that he would contact these parties to advise that they must appear for the next scheduled meeting.

Other Business:
Mr. Bondi asked if they could reschedule the next scheduled meeting. It was decided to hold the meeting on February 11, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. instead of February 18, 2004.

ADJOURNMENT

** MS. BAIN MOVED TO ADJOURN
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Graham
Telesco Secretarial Services

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