Special Meeting August 14, 2010
Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting August 14, 2010
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Special Meeting on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 8:00 AM at the Wettish athletic fields site, Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia (arrived at 8:50 AM)
Susan Dean
Rob Grasso
Glenn Johnson
Scot Thomas
John Machold
Absent: Bill Silas
Visitors: Mike Venuti
Tim Venuti
Vice-Chairman Scot Thomas called the meeting to order at 8:20 AM.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was not recited.
3. Walk-through of property to view construction progress and discuss in general field maintenance:
Mike and Tim Venuti, contractors for the project, walked with the commission through the driveway, bus drop off area, handicapped parking and parking areas, noting areas to be paved and areas needing to be raised with more gravel and processed stone. They also pointed out the areas where the level of the parking lot was below the elevation lines on the construction markers. The members agreed that the parking area was very rough and uneven. The Venuti’s explained that water will drain through the rock and geo-grade but noted that entire area must be above the drainage basin for the water effectively drain off the parking lot, stating that as it is, the water will not drain off. Mike explained further that the optimal solution would be to raise and level the parking area for the drainage to be corrected, and Tim suggested that approximately 1500 tons of gravel could level the area and be aesthetically pleasing, and would cost approximately $37,000. Glenn noted that the budget would not cover that added expense and other options were discussed, including spreading the steps over time. Mike stated that if action is not taken to correct the issue, then his attorney will contact the Board of Selectmen and note steps must be taken to correct the problem to avoid any liability issues. Mike further noted that, based on his previous experience with the soil in this immediate area, he questioned Weston & Sampson’s specs of 6” base and 3” top coat at the pre-construction meeting and they instructed him to adhere to the specs. He also noted that had he not already lowered the detention basin, the problem would be even more severe stating that Weston & Sampson’s original specifications may not have been realistic.
Glenn informed the group that the contractor has put down what was required, using larger stone than the specs called for because the specified stone would not have worked. Therefore, more fine gravel is now needed on top and the lot needs leveling. The Venuti’s noted that the parking area is stable, just needing top dressing.
Mike went on to commend Glenn Johnson and Eric Auer for donating so much of their own time and energies to this project, noting that the significant amount of money they themselves have saved the town would more than cover the amount needed to correct this problem. He further voiced his concern about the quality of the final product because the Venuti name will be associated with it.
The commission then discussed the hiking trails and Glenn and Dan pointed out the individual trails and possible access routes. The members agreed that walking along the drainage basin to access the trails from the parking area would be quite easy. They also viewed and discussed the storage shed and its foundation, future port-o-potties and possible locations, the width of the access path to the multi-purpose fields and emergency vehicle access. Tim said he believed the most of the large pile of topsoil will be used on the fields and around the shed. Glenn stated that the fields should be seeded after August 15 and noted that they should be very dry with the over 6 miles of herringbone under the soil.
The group walked to the north end of the fields discussing the location of the goals and the possibility of balls going into the wooded area and onto the Nesci’s property, noting that the stone wall is the property line. The commission agreed that poles and netting may be needed in the future to prevent balls from leaving the property and Dan walked the area where he feels the netting should be placed. The commission also discussed several options to protect the fields from motor vehicle vandalism, noting that the current metal posts do not provide enough security.
The commission then discussed the quotes received for maintenance of the three existing parks in town and Dan noted that while the annual cost would be above the $10,000 amount to go to bid, the cost for the remainder of the year would be below that amount. He continued that while the details of the quotes were unclear, Bill Silas will be back this Tuesday to clarify them. In the meantime, the maintenance plan specs will be written for maintenance of all 4 parks, including mowing, trimming, maintaining fence lines, fertilizing and liming and optional opening and closing of Wettish irrigation system.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Rob Grasso to authorize up to $350.00 per week through mid-November for maintenance of the three parks in town. Motion passed unanimously.
John informed the group that the upper Sheldon field was in very poor condition for fall ball and needed to be raked.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by John Machold to authorize up to $400.00 for maintenance of the baseball field at upper Sheldon Park, including clearing and raking the dirt infield. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Glenn Johnson and seconded by John Machold to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 AM. Motion passed unanimously.
Special Meeting August 14, 2010
1. Call to order
The Killingworth Park and Recreation Commission held a Special Meeting on Saturday, August 14, 2010, at 8:00 AM at the Wettish athletic fields site, Parker Hill Road, Killingworth, Connecticut.
Present: Dan Colonia (arrived at 8:50 AM)
Susan Dean
Rob Grasso
Glenn Johnson
Scot Thomas
John Machold
Absent: Bill Silas
Visitors: Mike Venuti
Tim Venuti
Vice-Chairman Scot Thomas called the meeting to order at 8:20 AM.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was not recited.
3. Walk-through of property to view construction progress and discuss in general field maintenance:
Mike and Tim Venuti, contractors for the project, walked with the commission through the driveway, bus drop off area, handicapped parking and parking areas, noting areas to be paved and areas needing to be raised with more gravel and processed stone. They also pointed out the areas where the level of the parking lot was below the elevation lines on the construction markers. The members agreed that the parking area was very rough and uneven. The Venuti’s explained that water will drain through the rock and geo-grade but noted that entire area must be above the drainage basin for the water effectively drain off the parking lot, stating that as it is, the water will not drain off. Mike explained further that the optimal solution would be to raise and level the parking area for the drainage to be corrected, and Tim suggested that approximately 1500 tons of gravel could level the area and be aesthetically pleasing, and would cost approximately $37,000. Glenn noted that the budget would not cover that added expense and other options were discussed, including spreading the steps over time. Mike stated that if action is not taken to correct the issue, then his attorney will contact the Board of Selectmen and note steps must be taken to correct the problem to avoid any liability issues. Mike further noted that, based on his previous experience with the soil in this immediate area, he questioned Weston & Sampson’s specs of 6” base and 3” top coat at the pre-construction meeting and they instructed him to adhere to the specs. He also noted that had he not already lowered the detention basin, the problem would be even more severe stating that Weston & Sampson’s original specifications may not have been realistic.
Glenn informed the group that the contractor has put down what was required, using larger stone than the specs called for because the specified stone would not have worked. Therefore, more fine gravel is now needed on top and the lot needs leveling. The Venuti’s noted that the parking area is stable, just needing top dressing.
Mike went on to commend Glenn Johnson and Eric Auer for donating so much of their own time and energies to this project, noting that the significant amount of money they themselves have saved the town would more than cover the amount needed to correct this problem. He further voiced his concern about the quality of the final product because the Venuti name will be associated with it.
The commission then discussed the hiking trails and Glenn and Dan pointed out the individual trails and possible access routes. The members agreed that walking along the drainage basin to access the trails from the parking area would be quite easy. They also viewed and discussed the storage shed and its foundation, future port-o-potties and possible locations, the width of the access path to the multi-purpose fields and emergency vehicle access. Tim said he believed the most of the large pile of topsoil will be used on the fields and around the shed. Glenn stated that the fields should be seeded after August 15 and noted that they should be very dry with the over 6 miles of herringbone under the soil.
The group walked to the north end of the fields discussing the location of the goals and the possibility of balls going into the wooded area and onto the Nesci’s property, noting that the stone wall is the property line. The commission agreed that poles and netting may be needed in the future to prevent balls from leaving the property and Dan walked the area where he feels the netting should be placed. The commission also discussed several options to protect the fields from motor vehicle vandalism, noting that the current metal posts do not provide enough security.
The commission then discussed the quotes received for maintenance of the three existing parks in town and Dan noted that while the annual cost would be above the $10,000 amount to go to bid, the cost for the remainder of the year would be below that amount. He continued that while the details of the quotes were unclear, Bill Silas will be back this Tuesday to clarify them. In the meantime, the maintenance plan specs will be written for maintenance of all 4 parks, including mowing, trimming, maintaining fence lines, fertilizing and liming and optional opening and closing of Wettish irrigation system.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by Rob Grasso to authorize up to $350.00 per week through mid-November for maintenance of the three parks in town. Motion passed unanimously.
John informed the group that the upper Sheldon field was in very poor condition for fall ball and needed to be raked.
*A motion was made by Susan Dean and seconded by John Machold to authorize up to $400.00 for maintenance of the baseball field at upper Sheldon Park, including clearing and raking the dirt infield. Motion passed unanimously.
4. Adjournment
*A motion was made by Glenn Johnson and seconded by John Machold to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 AM. Motion passed unanimously.
