Tarrywile Park Authority

TARRYWILE PARK AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING January 16, 2024 CALL TO ORDER: On January 16, 2024 at 6:01 p.m., the regular meeting of the Tarrywile Park Authority, was called to order by Chairman Michael Marcus via ZOOM ATTENDANCE: M. Marcus, J. LaValla, N. Wakeham, D. Perkins & D. Manacek Board Members Absent: B. Talarico, E. Prybylski, W. Platz & J. Harner Park Staff: B. Petro Guests: Paula Burton from the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). Public Speaking: P. Burton had a brief presentation called "Tarrywile Trails for All", concerning mountain bikes in the park and the possibility of new trails. 1. Chairman's Report: M. Marcus waved his report. 2. Executive Directors Report: B. Petro went over the report that was emailed out. 3. Minutes: December 5, 2023: A motion was made by N. Wakeham to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by D. Manacek. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Financial items: Budget vs. Actual & Balance Sheet December 2023 - B. Petro went over the financial reports dated December 31, 2023. 5. Committee & Task Force Reports A. Park Priority Task Force Report: J. LaValla Reported on several items. The task force is still looking at the possibility of widening the trails in certain locations. They are also looking at the signage that is used in the park. Including but not limited to boundary, safety, directional or any other type of signage. B. Petro reported that she has instructed L. Marshall to instruct the Grounds staff member C. Martinez to compile a listing of signs. D. Perkins would like pictures of the signs and also felt that no other signs should be added until the task force has reviewed everything. B. Petro asked if N. Wakeham was in agreement due to her request concerning "No ATV" signs. Discussion followed. At this time, no additional signage will be added unless instructed. 6. Old business: A. Fundraising/Grants: B. Petro reported on fundraising and corporate giving. She has reached out to P.J. Prunty of the Chamber of Commerce asking for any guidance or help he could offer in regards to the corporate aspect of fundraising. She also continues to work with J. Gillotti on fundraising. In regards to grants, she reported that the DEEP Recreational Trails Grant is due on March 1st and a specific project needs to be named. In addition, cost estimates need to be figured out. Discussion followed. B. LoCIP Projects: B. Petro reported that the LoCIP projects have been through the board of awards as of the end of December and will commence in the Spring as soon as it is warm enough. In regards to the ARPA funded projects (the Pavilion and the Driveway, Parking lots and paving work), She reported the Construction Services Superintendent Tom Hughes requested that the TPA discuss what the priorities are and get back to him. Discussion followed. It was agreed that the first priority would be the driveway and sidewalk. The second being the lower parking lot area and the third priority would be the upper parking lot and if at all possible for the upper lot to be paved. B. Petro will reach back out to T. Hughes and report back to the Board. C. Trail Work: This item was previously discussed under Item 5A. 7. New Business: A. Mountainville Rental: B. Petro reported that the previous tentant lost his job and has moved out of the Mountainville rental. He was current on his rent, in addition the TPA holds two months security on the rental. The building will be cleaned, posted with the City of Danbury for a period on 10 days and then listed if need be. She will get the current rates from the Housing Authority. Discussion followed. A motion to adjourn was made by D. Perkins. Second by D. Manacek. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 7:21 p.m. Minutes taken and transcribed by B. Petro