Regular Meeting September 8, 2008
Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting September 8, 2008
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Otto
Chris Kelly
Bill Silas (arrived at 7:45 PM)
Scott Thomas
Absent: John Machold
Susan Dean
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
2. Minutes of regular meeting held August 8, 2008
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Chris Kelly to accept the minutes of the August 8, 2008, meeting. Motion passed. (Dan Colonia abstained.)
3. Visitors: Walter & Cindy Adametz
Jerry Manware
Walter introduced himself as the road foreman for the Town of Killingworth, his wife, Cindy, and Jerry Manware, sub-contractor currently maintaining the fields in Killingworth. As Walter explained, in the past there was a town employee responsible for maintaining the fields but the Board of Selectmen eliminated that position several years ago. Currently, Jerry Adametz is responsible for mowing/dragging the fields, and mowing the library and the Town Hall grounds. Jerry has been averaging between 25 to 30 hours per week, but recently First Selectman Richard Cabral has received complaints about his excessive mowing and is concerned about the increase in Jerry’s hours over last year. For this reason, Walter has asked Jerry to accomplish what he can in 20 hours per week and wanted the commission to know why his hours were being reduced. Walter explained that since Jerry is a sub-contractor, he is paid on a 1099. He is not a town employee and, therefore, the Town saves the additional monies associated with an employee. Dan Colonia questioned how Jerry’s hours are allocated between the town’s parks and Town Hall and the library, and Jerry indicated that could be found on his time sheets. Walter will summarize Jerry’s recent time sheets and forward that to Dan. The Parks and Recreation Commission will review this summary and consider paying for Jerry’s additional hours. Jerry stated that the increase in hours was due to this summer’s rains, the increase in crabgrass and preparing Rocco for tournaments, and stated there are many hours spent that he does not include on his time sheets. Jerry further stated it would be helpful for him to have a copy of the field use schedule to plan his hours in the most efficient way. Susan Otto questioned whether Jerry picks up many golf balls, since that seems to be an ongoing problem, and Jerry agreed saying he frequently runs over them with the mower causing holes in the grass and propelling them in a dangerous manner. Susan also asked about the pole blocking the Bethke Field driveway, and Jerry indicated he always replaces it when he leaves. Bill Silas asked about the green storage box at Sheldon Field and Walter stated it would be removed as quickly as possible along with the base/pitcher’s mound debris. Dan Colonia thanked Jerry for his hard work to maintain the parks and fields and for his support of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. The following communications were received:
Dan Colonia re-presented a letter from the Killingworth Conservation Committee regarding the skateboard park concept. Bill Silas cautioned he is concerned that the tone of the letter stereotypes skateboarders, as well as the youth of Killingworth. Dan Colonia expressed concern not with the idea of a skatepark, but rather with its cost of $ 300,000. Since the residents of Killingworth have diverse interests, devoting that large a sum of money to only one interest would not be appropriate. He further commented that he supports the sport, but is concerned that when left totally unsupervised it could attract inappropriate behavior. Susan Otto expressed disappointment at the hashness of the letter. More research is needed to determine how other towns, such as Clinton, Old Saybrook and Chester, manage their skateparks. For the Park & Recreation Commission to support the project further research is necessary to determine the number of residents who participate in this sport versus the number who participate in other sports, such as tennis or basketball.
b. The following bills were presented:
Invoice #164017 from Weston & Sampson, received 8/5/08, in the amount of
$ 15,175.00 (to be paid from $ 122,000)
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Otto to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Invoice #165031 from Weston & Sampson, submitted 9/3/08, in the amount of
$ 8,775.00 (in accordance with contract for final design & bid documents)
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Bill from Olson Sanitation for August in the amount of $ 219.00,
Bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 38.72,
Second bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 39.02,
Third bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 44.48,
Bill from American Carting, 8/01 to 8/31, in the amount of $ 75.00,
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve all of the above noted bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Bill from Dawn Mooney for recording services in the amount of $ 53.28.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.
c. The following applications were presented:
Duplicate applications were received from KYL for the use of Bethke and Rocco Fields for Fall Ball. These applications were previously approved.
An application was received from KYL for the use of Sheldon Field for additional hours from 8/18 to 10/31/08 for Fall Ball. Dan Colonia will check with Frank Sparks of HK Rec to see if he can give back unused times. Every effort will be made to accommodate this request, but due to the late submission no quarantee can be made.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported:
Starting account balance $ 25,757.25
Expenses $ 932.18 (or approx. 4% of budget) Ending balance $ 24,825.07
6. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
- Irene Sheldon Park
- Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field
- Bethke Field
Dan Colonia explained that John Machold completed a field review of Sheldon, Rocco, Bethke Fields the morning of this meeting (9/8), the findings of which Dan is typing and emailing to commission members and a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Susan Otto will contact HKHS to offer community service hours to volunteers who help accomplish some of the tasks.
- Dugout areas, pavilion and picnic tables need to be pressure washed. Dan Colonia will contact Jim Stannard for a quote.
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Chris Kelly to approve up to
$ 350 for power washing. Motion passed unanimously.
- Bill Silas will contact Chris Plum for a quote to trim fence lines and dugout areas at Sheldon, Rocco and Bethke Fields
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Otto to approve up to
$ 300 for trimming overgrown areas. Motion passed unanimously.
- Dan commented that since the Sheldon survey is complete, conceptual design plans would be the next step. The STEAP grant requires strict procedures be followed and the terminology is even more restrictive than when the Wettish project was designed. John Figurelli of KYL and Weston & Sampson has expressed interest in helping with the project, but Dan is concerned that this may appear to favor Weston & Sampson. Bill Silas will discuss this with John as a KYL issue. Scot Thomas will make copies of the drawings and Chris Kelly will contact the surveyor for mylar copies.
b. Wettish Property Development
Chris Kelly reported he and Susan Otto met with First Selectman Richard Cabral in August regarding funding ($ 19,200.00) and at the August 27 Town Meeting the funding was approved. Agreement was reached at the Planning & Zoning Committee meeting regarding the stone wall issue, and Chris contacted the state archeologist who gave approval since there is nothing at the Wettish property considered and archeological site. Eric Auer reported to Chris that the Inlands/Wetlands Commission’s initial review of the plan went well, and The State of Connecticut requires a hard surface walkway (bituminous or processed stone) to the fields be included for emergency access. Weston & Sampson is revising the plan, including changes, for the 14 day approval. The Land Use Committee requested a copy of the plan for review and will then send approval letter, and Planning & Zoning needs 7 sets of the drawings.
Dan Colonia questioned the property line inside the stone wall and the horse fence encroaching on the property, stating he does not want to wait to resolve any potential boundary issues. Bill Silas added that the neighbor mows the grass over the stone wall and has lawn furniture over the boundary. The Commission agreed that this issue should have been investigated and resolve with the original purchase of the property, but must be addressed at this time. Dan also discussed holes noted in stone walls on the plan, and the seed and soil types noted on the plan. The plan specifies that no topsoil or stones leave the property during the duration of the project.
c. HK Recreation Authority – nothing to report.
7. New Business
Dan Colonia reported that he met with First Selectman Richard Cabral earlier in the day regarding concerns about the progress of the Wettish Property Development Sub-Committee and its ability to function effectively. Recent conflicts within the sub-committee, between Chris Kelly and Eric Auer, have left questions in the minds of other town committees and officials, and Richard was considering making changes within the Sub-committee and/or with the project’s control and Eric was thinking of resigning. Dan went on to say that because of the differing styles of the two, Chris is very detail minded, and Eric wants to get things done quickly, he wondered whether a plan could be developed to divide responsibility for the sub-committee’s tasks between them. He also cited issues involving recording the minutes and votes of meetings.
Chris Kelly explained that feels it is not a personality issue, but rather a procedural issue. He has followed and will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the Town, as well as those requirements of the STEAP grant. Chris further explained that the time delays with the project have been administrative: STEAP grants were not submitted by former First Selectmen, Chris himself submitted second STEAD application, then the administration changed causing further delays. When the well issue arose, Chris was following the Town’s bidding procedure, but Eric wanted to award the contract to his contact. Chris explained that there can be no favoritism in awarding contracts, or the town will suffer. He also stated the proper documentation must be maintained since the state could audit the project at any time. Chris added that he realizes that Eric has a lot of knowledge and experience and Chris could work with him, but Eric must realize it is not a one-man operation.
Susan Otto questioned why the other members of the committee were not included in the meeting between Dan and Richard. Bill Silas added that the First Selectman should meet with the Wettish Sub-committee and detail the Town’s bidding process, to ensure that the project is completed in the best way possible, not necessarily the cheapest or the quickest. Scot Thomas agreed that the Town’s rules for bidding must be followed. Dan summarized that he would hate to lose either Chris or Eric from the sub-committee, and added that it is very important to keep the entire sub-committee together. He would prefer to divide the tasks between the two members while continuing to follow all the guidelines, but further investigation is needed to if such a division is possible.
Dan will ask the Board of Selectmen to attend a Special Meeting of the Park and Rec Commission to discuss these issues. Chris wants the Wettish Sub-Committee to attend as well. Dan and Chris asked recording secretary Dawn Mooney to attend to take the minutes.
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Otto to call a Special Meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the charge of the Wettish Property Development Sub-Committee for Monday, September 15, 2008 at 7:00pm at the Killingworth Town Office Building. Motion passed. (Chris Kelly abstained.)
8. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to adjourn the meeting at 10:49 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
Regular Meeting September 8, 2008
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2008, at the Killingworth Town Office Building, 323 Route 81, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia
Susan Otto
Chris Kelly
Bill Silas (arrived at 7:45 PM)
Scott Thomas
Absent: John Machold
Susan Dean
Chairman Dan Colonia called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
2. Minutes of regular meeting held August 8, 2008
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Chris Kelly to accept the minutes of the August 8, 2008, meeting. Motion passed. (Dan Colonia abstained.)
3. Visitors: Walter & Cindy Adametz
Jerry Manware
Walter introduced himself as the road foreman for the Town of Killingworth, his wife, Cindy, and Jerry Manware, sub-contractor currently maintaining the fields in Killingworth. As Walter explained, in the past there was a town employee responsible for maintaining the fields but the Board of Selectmen eliminated that position several years ago. Currently, Jerry Adametz is responsible for mowing/dragging the fields, and mowing the library and the Town Hall grounds. Jerry has been averaging between 25 to 30 hours per week, but recently First Selectman Richard Cabral has received complaints about his excessive mowing and is concerned about the increase in Jerry’s hours over last year. For this reason, Walter has asked Jerry to accomplish what he can in 20 hours per week and wanted the commission to know why his hours were being reduced. Walter explained that since Jerry is a sub-contractor, he is paid on a 1099. He is not a town employee and, therefore, the Town saves the additional monies associated with an employee. Dan Colonia questioned how Jerry’s hours are allocated between the town’s parks and Town Hall and the library, and Jerry indicated that could be found on his time sheets. Walter will summarize Jerry’s recent time sheets and forward that to Dan. The Parks and Recreation Commission will review this summary and consider paying for Jerry’s additional hours. Jerry stated that the increase in hours was due to this summer’s rains, the increase in crabgrass and preparing Rocco for tournaments, and stated there are many hours spent that he does not include on his time sheets. Jerry further stated it would be helpful for him to have a copy of the field use schedule to plan his hours in the most efficient way. Susan Otto questioned whether Jerry picks up many golf balls, since that seems to be an ongoing problem, and Jerry agreed saying he frequently runs over them with the mower causing holes in the grass and propelling them in a dangerous manner. Susan also asked about the pole blocking the Bethke Field driveway, and Jerry indicated he always replaces it when he leaves. Bill Silas asked about the green storage box at Sheldon Field and Walter stated it would be removed as quickly as possible along with the base/pitcher’s mound debris. Dan Colonia thanked Jerry for his hard work to maintain the parks and fields and for his support of the Parks and Recreation Commission.
4. Communications, Bills and Applications
a. The following communications were received:
Dan Colonia re-presented a letter from the Killingworth Conservation Committee regarding the skateboard park concept. Bill Silas cautioned he is concerned that the tone of the letter stereotypes skateboarders, as well as the youth of Killingworth. Dan Colonia expressed concern not with the idea of a skatepark, but rather with its cost of $ 300,000. Since the residents of Killingworth have diverse interests, devoting that large a sum of money to only one interest would not be appropriate. He further commented that he supports the sport, but is concerned that when left totally unsupervised it could attract inappropriate behavior. Susan Otto expressed disappointment at the hashness of the letter. More research is needed to determine how other towns, such as Clinton, Old Saybrook and Chester, manage their skateparks. For the Park & Recreation Commission to support the project further research is necessary to determine the number of residents who participate in this sport versus the number who participate in other sports, such as tennis or basketball.
b. The following bills were presented:
Invoice #164017 from Weston & Sampson, received 8/5/08, in the amount of
$ 15,175.00 (to be paid from $ 122,000)
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Otto to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Invoice #165031 from Weston & Sampson, submitted 9/3/08, in the amount of
$ 8,775.00 (in accordance with contract for final design & bid documents)
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.
Bill from Olson Sanitation for August in the amount of $ 219.00,
Bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 38.72,
Second bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 39.02,
Third bill from CL&P in the amount of $ 44.48,
Bill from American Carting, 8/01 to 8/31, in the amount of $ 75.00,
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve all of the above noted bills. Motion passed unanimously.
Bill from Dawn Mooney for recording services in the amount of $ 53.28.
*A motion was made by Susan Otto and seconded by Scot Thomas to approve the above noted bill. Motion passed unanimously.
c. The following applications were presented:
Duplicate applications were received from KYL for the use of Bethke and Rocco Fields for Fall Ball. These applications were previously approved.
An application was received from KYL for the use of Sheldon Field for additional hours from 8/18 to 10/31/08 for Fall Ball. Dan Colonia will check with Frank Sparks of HK Rec to see if he can give back unused times. Every effort will be made to accommodate this request, but due to the late submission no quarantee can be made.
5. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Bill Silas reported:
Starting account balance $ 25,757.25
Expenses $ 932.18 (or approx. 4% of budget) Ending balance $ 24,825.07
6. Old Business
a. Parks and Field Maintenance/Evaluations
- Irene Sheldon Park
- Rocco M. Reale Memorial Field
- Bethke Field
Dan Colonia explained that John Machold completed a field review of Sheldon, Rocco, Bethke Fields the morning of this meeting (9/8), the findings of which Dan is typing and emailing to commission members and a copy of which is attached to these minutes. Susan Otto will contact HKHS to offer community service hours to volunteers who help accomplish some of the tasks.
- Dugout areas, pavilion and picnic tables need to be pressure washed. Dan Colonia will contact Jim Stannard for a quote.
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Chris Kelly to approve up to
$ 350 for power washing. Motion passed unanimously.
- Bill Silas will contact Chris Plum for a quote to trim fence lines and dugout areas at Sheldon, Rocco and Bethke Fields
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Otto to approve up to
$ 300 for trimming overgrown areas. Motion passed unanimously.
- Dan commented that since the Sheldon survey is complete, conceptual design plans would be the next step. The STEAP grant requires strict procedures be followed and the terminology is even more restrictive than when the Wettish project was designed. John Figurelli of KYL and Weston & Sampson has expressed interest in helping with the project, but Dan is concerned that this may appear to favor Weston & Sampson. Bill Silas will discuss this with John as a KYL issue. Scot Thomas will make copies of the drawings and Chris Kelly will contact the surveyor for mylar copies.
b. Wettish Property Development
Chris Kelly reported he and Susan Otto met with First Selectman Richard Cabral in August regarding funding ($ 19,200.00) and at the August 27 Town Meeting the funding was approved. Agreement was reached at the Planning & Zoning Committee meeting regarding the stone wall issue, and Chris contacted the state archeologist who gave approval since there is nothing at the Wettish property considered and archeological site. Eric Auer reported to Chris that the Inlands/Wetlands Commission’s initial review of the plan went well, and The State of Connecticut requires a hard surface walkway (bituminous or processed stone) to the fields be included for emergency access. Weston & Sampson is revising the plan, including changes, for the 14 day approval. The Land Use Committee requested a copy of the plan for review and will then send approval letter, and Planning & Zoning needs 7 sets of the drawings.
Dan Colonia questioned the property line inside the stone wall and the horse fence encroaching on the property, stating he does not want to wait to resolve any potential boundary issues. Bill Silas added that the neighbor mows the grass over the stone wall and has lawn furniture over the boundary. The Commission agreed that this issue should have been investigated and resolve with the original purchase of the property, but must be addressed at this time. Dan also discussed holes noted in stone walls on the plan, and the seed and soil types noted on the plan. The plan specifies that no topsoil or stones leave the property during the duration of the project.
c. HK Recreation Authority – nothing to report.
7. New Business
Dan Colonia reported that he met with First Selectman Richard Cabral earlier in the day regarding concerns about the progress of the Wettish Property Development Sub-Committee and its ability to function effectively. Recent conflicts within the sub-committee, between Chris Kelly and Eric Auer, have left questions in the minds of other town committees and officials, and Richard was considering making changes within the Sub-committee and/or with the project’s control and Eric was thinking of resigning. Dan went on to say that because of the differing styles of the two, Chris is very detail minded, and Eric wants to get things done quickly, he wondered whether a plan could be developed to divide responsibility for the sub-committee’s tasks between them. He also cited issues involving recording the minutes and votes of meetings.
Chris Kelly explained that feels it is not a personality issue, but rather a procedural issue. He has followed and will continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the Town, as well as those requirements of the STEAP grant. Chris further explained that the time delays with the project have been administrative: STEAP grants were not submitted by former First Selectmen, Chris himself submitted second STEAD application, then the administration changed causing further delays. When the well issue arose, Chris was following the Town’s bidding procedure, but Eric wanted to award the contract to his contact. Chris explained that there can be no favoritism in awarding contracts, or the town will suffer. He also stated the proper documentation must be maintained since the state could audit the project at any time. Chris added that he realizes that Eric has a lot of knowledge and experience and Chris could work with him, but Eric must realize it is not a one-man operation.
Susan Otto questioned why the other members of the committee were not included in the meeting between Dan and Richard. Bill Silas added that the First Selectman should meet with the Wettish Sub-committee and detail the Town’s bidding process, to ensure that the project is completed in the best way possible, not necessarily the cheapest or the quickest. Scot Thomas agreed that the Town’s rules for bidding must be followed. Dan summarized that he would hate to lose either Chris or Eric from the sub-committee, and added that it is very important to keep the entire sub-committee together. He would prefer to divide the tasks between the two members while continuing to follow all the guidelines, but further investigation is needed to if such a division is possible.
Dan will ask the Board of Selectmen to attend a Special Meeting of the Park and Rec Commission to discuss these issues. Chris wants the Wettish Sub-Committee to attend as well. Dan and Chris asked recording secretary Dawn Mooney to attend to take the minutes.
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Susan Otto to call a Special Meeting of the Park & Recreation Commission with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the charge of the Wettish Property Development Sub-Committee for Monday, September 15, 2008 at 7:00pm at the Killingworth Town Office Building. Motion passed. (Chris Kelly abstained.)
8. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Bill Silas and seconded by Scot Thomas to adjourn the meeting at 10:49 PM. Motion passed unanimously.
<< Home