HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 22
Parks and Recreation Committee
Meeting Minutes
Monday, October 22, 2007
9:30 a.m. Town Hall Chambers
Present: Co-Chairs Val Metcalfe and Steve Johnson, Ben Gikis, Rebecca Hickman, Patty
Radlo, Jane Kawasaki, Eric Christensen, Parks and Recreation Supervisor
Guests: Kathy Evans, Paul Kelleher, Little League Fields Commissioner
The Committee meeting was opened by Val Metcalfe at 9:30.
A motion was made to approve the September 2007 minutes. The minutes were
approved unanimously.
Little League Fields
Mr. Kelleher, LA/LAH Little League Fields Commissioner said that Little League (L.L.)
was thrilled that the Town and Parks and Rec Dept. is devoting resources to improving
the Little League fields. He has reviewed the initial comprehensive plan Dillingham and
Associates has presented to the Town and L.L. for improving the fields facility. He said
the work product is still in process and that he is scheduled to meet with Reed Dillingham
to help refine the plans. L.L. finds the current draft of the plans in need of some
reconfiguration that will not impact the budget for the project. The primary issue is the
central corridor with the sport court. L.L. suggests relocating the sport court between
Fields 1 & 2. The Committee will note these change requests and has directed Mr.
Kelleher in his upcoming meeting with Dillingham to voice these concerns along with
notifying the Council. The plans are in the draft stages and L.L. input is important.
December 2 Barn Lighting at Westwind
Kathy Evans, chair of the 2007 Barn Lighting event said that everything is falling in
place for a great event. The costumes are reserved for our volunteer Santas Steve
Johnson and Jim Sefaly and community service helper elves. The lighting firm has been
hired. The Parks and Rec Committee will provide Santa’s decorated stage coach, goodie
bags for the children, and a craft table.
Report on Sept. 27 Council Strategic Plan for Recreation Facilities
Eric reported that the meeting focused on Little League, Bullis field/park and Westwind
Barn restoration . Council member Mike O’Malley summed up the situation stating that
there were “more good projects than money” and Council’s task was to identify how to
share the pie between those projects identified as of most interest by the Town wide
Parks and Rec survey completed earlier this year and the Town’s Ad Hoc Facilities
Committee.
The Ad Hoc Committee also recommended to include pathway construction in the budget
for facilities improvement. Along with Park Bond monies, Mayor Craig Jones
recommended augmenting programs or capital expenditures with the General Fund
Reserves with public/private partnerships. The general consensus of Council is to
supplement expenditures with a mix of public and private funding. As plans are finalized
for all three projects, public hearings will be held to seek further input.
Westwind Standing Committee
Val reported that the Committee identified four possible restoration options for
Westwind:
1. Restore barn with staff quarters and meeting room.
2. Two story structure that incorporates a staff quarters on the second level
3. Staff quarters located were existing 4-H barn is located
4. General infrastructure fix – sewer connection, replace floor boards, bathroom upgrade,
meeting room, staff quarters to be located where round pen is currently situated.
After discussion, the Parks and Rec Committee agreed on a path of modest restoration
that has the least impact on the site and presents the more modest cost option. This
includes a low profile staff apartment in part of the round pen area, a small meeting room,
and general infrastructure repairs.
Trail Riding Pilot Program
Supporters of Westwind indicated that they would welcome a grant application for
possible funds to support the Town Trail Riding Program. Jane and Eric will meet to
compile data for the grant.
Winter/Fall Programs
Eric said the YRRP is full and other programs are receiving steady sign-ups.
Upcoming Events
Howl-O-Ween Dog Tick or Treat Event, Town Hall, Oct.27, Edith Park Bulb Planting,
November 27, Westwind Barn Lighting, Dec. 2
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Hickman, Secretary