TOWN OF SOMERS

RECREATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

Monday, 7:00 PM, September 17, 2006

Somers Community Center

I. CALL TO ORDER: At 7:03 PM by Ed Palomba

MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Palomba, Alan Walker, John Bartolf, Chris Meunier (left 8:40 PM)

MEMBERS LATE: Pam Coverdill (7:05 PM): JJ Wassmuth (7:22 PM)

MEMBERS ABSENT: Tom Chilicki

NON-MEMBERS: Jen Charette, Recreation Coordinator; Mike Provencher, Parks Maintenance

AUDIENCE: Adam Arrowsmith (Coed Softball); Melissa Hughes and Betsy DeRoma (Women’s Volleyball); Mark Lorenzi (Somers Soccer Association); Mark Murdoch (Somers Lacrosse Association); Kaz Kruzel (Little League); Ed Burns, Daniel Tebaldi, Roland Henry, Arlene Henry, Eilene Krol, Joan Jaqunt (tennis); Bruce Urbon, Kim Urbon

ll. BILLS/PURCHASES: Reviewed and accepted.

lII. AUDIENCE: See above.

Sports Associations: Presentations were made by each association (including Ed Palomba for Somers Basketball Association), Chris Meunier (Somers Ponytail Softball) and Pam Coverdill (Somers Flag Football). Jen Charette will coordinate all association budgets, registrations and bylaws for affiliation. A petition with 130 signatures was presented to the commission on “Town Recreational Fields” which will be forwarded to the BOS.

Ed Burns presented a petition of 60 signatures requesting renovations to the tennis courts at the park (including lights). The petition will be forwarded to the BOS. The commission and Mike Provencher discussed with the audience the conditions of the courts, what steps have been taken, and options available in the future to address these concerns. Mike Provencher was requested to evaluate options for fixing the tennis court ballest as well as the right field ballest on field 3.

The commission reviewed the status of CIP field improvement projects with the sports associations. Discussion was held on anticipated use of the firehouse fields and the search for more field space.

The commission thanked the sports associations for all of their hard work and cooperation with the town and amongst each other.

lV. REPORTS:

A. PARK PROJECTS:

Fences/Backstops. Infields/Warning Tracks: The commission reviewed the CIP fence and backstop quote proposal from Connecticut Valley Fence Company, and discussed the pending quote on skinning the infields and installing warning tracks. Jen Charette will follow-up on the status of this quote. The final costs will be evaluated and prioritized including the request to the BOF for Fund 16 money. The commission will follow-up with Dave Pinney on the final approval of quotes. Once approved, the commission will coordinate all work with Mike Provencher and the vendors in conjunction with the appropriate sports associations.

Irrigation at Firehouse Fields: The commission awaits final approval from Dave Pinney on all quotes submitted. Work has started on lengthening the field dimensions.

Boundless Playground: Mike Provencher updated the commission on work to be completed with the playground now opened to the public. The town still is waiting for the final bonding money.

B. BUDGETS: Reviewed (as forwarded by Jen Charette).

V. OLD BUSINESS:

A. Fall Field Usage: Discussion was held with Mike Provencher on lights at the park, work on fixing the irrigation pump at the park (to be completed by the end of September), and the damaged condition of the basketball court. It was agreed that the ice rink will not be installed on the basketball court until it is determined the cause of the damage.

B. Fall Programs: All programs are currently underway with all field usage coordinated with Jen Charette.

C. Long Range Recreational Study: Jen Charette will coordinate the current yearly submittals of budgets, registrations, and bylaws with past history.

Vl. NEW BUSINESS – 2006 PARKS MAINTENANCE SURVEY: Jen Charette presented a summary of other towns’ parks information to the commission and the sports associations.

VIl. COORDINATOR'S REPORT: Reviewed (as forwarded by Jen Charette). Note: Jen Charette to forward final summer camp report for October meeting.

Vlll. OTHER: The commission was notified by Bruce Urbon that the skateboard park will now be opened full-time, and the commission will wait to hear from the BOS.

lX. CORRESPONDENCE: 9/11/06 letter from Andi Stephan from the Pioneer Valley Montessori School to Jen Charette; note from Mary Kenney (no date) to the Keeney Grant Foundation regarding 2006 grant.

X. ADJOURNMENT: The commission adjourned at 9:22 PM.

Respectively submitted,

Alan Walker

Secretary for the September 17, 2006 special meeting.

MINUTES NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING