Tarrywile Park Authority

TARRYWILE PARK AUTHORITY March 19, 2024 CALL TO ORDER: On March 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m., the regular meeting of the Tarrywile Park Authority, was called to order by Chairman Michael Marcus. ATTENDANCE: M. Marcus, N. Wakeham, D. Perkins, E. Prybylski, J. Harner, E. Daly, A. Ghio & D. Manacek (remotely) Ex Officio Members present: Honorable Mayor, Roberto Alves Board Members Absent: J. LaValla Park Staff: B. Petro Guests: Joe Badaracco, Gene Eriquez, Ken Gucker, Andrea Gartner, Peter Jennings, Farley Santos, Steve DiMauro Public Speaking (from 5:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.): Joe Badaracco, resident, 71 Rose St., spoke on a letter he received detailing the wishes of the TPA for him to remove any hay and/or equipment from the park. Steve DiMauro, resident, 5 Cooper Rd., spoke in support of Mr. Badaracco Peter Jennings, resident, 39 Brushy Hill Rd., spoke in support of Mr. Badaracco Gene Eriquez, resident, Starrs Plain Rd., spoke in support of Mr. Badaracco Ken Gucker, resident, 89 Padanaram Road, spoke in support of Mr. Badaracco and voiced concern over excavator work being done in the Park. Agenda Items: 1. Chairman's Report: M. Marcus welcomed new Board members Erin Daly & Alicia Ghio. He also wished to thank D. Perkins and E. Prybylski for all their work with the excavator and weed whackers leading into Invasive Vines Day. Thank you also to the Friends of Tarrywile for paying for the rental of the equipment. 2. Executive Directors Report: B. Petro went over the report that was emailed out. 3. Minutes: March 4, 2024: A motion was made by D. Perkins to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by N. Wakeham. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Financial items: A. Budget vs. Actual & Balance Sheet February 2024: A motion was made by D. Manacek to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by N. Wakeham. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Committee & Task Force Reports A. Park Priority Task Force Report: D. Perkins reported on several items. Including the ARPA funded Paving project. He has met with Landscape architect Jane Didona and he expects her full proposal by March 22nd. In regards to the DEEP Recreational Trails Grant, E. Daly had questions in regards to what part of the Orange Trail was being widened and expressed concerns that the widening of these trails will further encourage ATV problems. Discussion followed. In regards to the Milking Parlor, Mayor Alves asked how the building was going to be utilized. D. Perkins explained that it would be utilized for volunteers. The New England Mountain Bike Association (NIMBA) has offered to help the TPA with trail work and trail maintenance and this building could be used for a gathering location. Mayor Alves asked if any kind of community meeting had been held to discuss the use of the Park by mountain bikes. D. Perkins replied that Tarrywile was a multi-use trail system. Mayor Alves asked if there were any other buildings that could be used for a volunteer area and also expressed his desire for us to maintain the fields as they have been done previously. Discussion followed. Mayor Alves expressed his wishes that Mr. Badaracco be utilized in regards to the mowing of the fields as long as he was agreeable. 6. Old business: A. Fundraising/Grants: B. Petro reported on this item in her E.D. Report. B. LoCIP Projects: B. Petro reported on this item in her E.D. Report. In regards to the ARPA funded projects (the Pavilion and the Driveway, Parking lots and paving work), D. Perkins reported on the status under the Task Force Committee report. C. Trail Work: This item was previously discussed under Item 5A. B. Petro noted that National Trails Day is the first Saturday in June and asked what the Authority wishes to do. D. Tarrywile Website Discussion: B. Petro reported that staff had their monthly meeting with Hearst concerning the website and J. LaValla was able to join the meeting. Her ideas and concerns are being discussed with Hearst and changes will be occurring. C. Officer Vacancy: At the March 4, 2024 meeting a motion was made by J. LaValla to table the election of a new Secretary until our new members joined us. The motion had passed unanimously. Chairman Marcus asked that Nominating Committee Chair, J. Harner engage any current non officer members to see who would like to be Secretary and report back at the next meeting. 7. New Business: N/A 8. Other Business: A. Horse Event: Chairman Marcus reported on an upcoming June visit from Dell Shields, the host of the show “Best of America by Horseback”. On his way through to Maine he will be stopping in Danbury and would host an event. That event is still being planned but may include items such as a ride, dinner, and a campfire concert of music and readings by Mr. Shields. Chairman Marcus plans to make a donation to sponsor the event. More information will follow. B. Water Tank Driveway: N. Wakeham took a moment to thank the Mayor and the City workers for the recent project to improve the drainage on the Water Tank driveway. She also asked if there was any way to discourage people from throwing rocks at the water tank, she would greatly appreciate any measures taken. A motion to adjourn was made by D. Perkins. Second by N. Wakeham. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Minutes taken and transcribed by B. Petro