Mohegan Park Improvement & Development Advisory Committee - Disbanded Feb 01, 2025

MOHEGAN PARK IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, July 14th, 2016 – 5:30 P.M. Mohegan Park – Lakeside Pavilion Regular Meeting MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Tim Smith at 5:35. Committee Members Present: Tim Smith, Judy Magnano, Bill Barbuto, Beryl Fishbone, Pat McLaughlin (Ex-Officio). Committee Members Absent: Kerry Bilda, Brandon Hyde, Joanne Philbrick 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Beryl Fishbone, seconded by Judy Magnano, the committee unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on May 12th, 2016 3. FINANCIAL REPORT The report shows an expense of $1,686.03 for material and labor costs for installation of the signs at the three kiosks, and interest earned of $ 189.92, leaving a balance of $110, 949.89 in the Mohegan Park Development Fund. Upon a motion by Bill Barbuto, seconded by Beryl Fishbone, the committee unanimously approved the financial report. 4. OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE Tim Smith stated that a letter was sent to the Mayor, and that there was an email correspondence from the Mayor. These items would be discussed as part of old business. 5. NEW BUSINESS Upon a motion by Beryl Fishbone, seconded by Judy Magnano, the committee voted unanimously to deviate from the agenda to discuss new business before old business. Chris Larose and Mark Decker from Norwich Public Utilities gave a presentation on the new water tank that will replace the existing tank on Judd Road. NPU would like to remove a row of trees to the west of the tank to aid in the construction. The committee agreed that removal is in the best interest of the project, but should ensure that the public is aware, given the recent tree removal by Chelsea Gardens Foundation. NPU stated that because the tank is smaller in diameter, there will be some room between the basketball court and the new tank, and asked the committee what they recommend is done with this area. The committee would like to see paved parking spaces for basketball court users. In addition, lights and a water fountain would be beneficial but NPU needs to check with Recreation Dept to see use of courts is allowed after dark, and to ensure that Recreation Dept would winterize the water fountain annually. 6. OLD BUSINESS a. Chelsea Gardens/Trails Map App: There was no update on the actual implementation of the app, but the committee discussed the correspondence sent and received regarding use of the trails on the leased property within Mohegan Park to Chelsea Gardens Foundation. The Mayor’s response to our request for clarification of public usage of the trails indicated the lessee’s right to quiet enjoyment, and that the committee should obtain the lessee’s approval. There was discussion about the meaning of the term ‘right to quiet  enjoyment’, and liability responsibilities as stated in the lease agreement. Tim Smith will contact the City for further clarification before having any discussions with Chelsea Gardens Foundation. b. Concession Stand: Pat McLaughlin reported that Public Works intends to demolish the concession stand in the fall, along with replacing the roof over the patio area. c. Kiosk displays: Pat McLaughlin reported that maps and park information displays have been delivered. Public Works installed the signage on the Upper Lot kiosk and install the other two in the next couple of weeks. Bill Barbuto recommended that the tops of the kiosks should be shingled. d. Tri-fold brochure: Judy Magnano reported that the brochures were received and they have been placed at various locations which include City Hall, Mystic and Shoreline Visitor Information Center, Cross Sound Ferry, and New London Train Station. e. Road Signs: Signs on local roads leading into Mohegan park have been installed by Public Works. Tim Smith suggested that we now review signs within the park to ensure that they properly direct visitors once inside the park. Bill Barbuto will look at the current signage and make recommendation for changes at the next meeting. f. Expansion of park boundary: Tim Smith reported that he drafted a resolution and provided it to JoAnne Philbrick to present at a city council meeting. The resolution would allow three city owned parcels to be included within the Mohegan Park descriptive boundary. g. Nature Walks: Beryl reported that nobody from the Nature Conservancy has contacted her regarding establishment of nature walks at Mohegan Park. 7. CITIZEN COMMENT Greg Grippo, 209 Boswell Avenue, raised the issue of inaccessibility into the park from the Greeneville side of the park. He also discussed the issue of litter, and recommended that the committee consider placing Do Not Litter signs. 8. OTHER BUSINESS a. Tim Smith stated that the committee recently looked into the issue of pedestrian access. A sidewalk would be very difficult and costly to construct from the park entrance to Park Center. The committee is going to revisit the idea of placing signs directing pedestrians to a trail that runs from Lower Pond to Park Center. b. The committed discussed the issue of litter and realize it is a problem, but generally agree that signage would probably not change anything. Pat McLaughlin stated that Public Works provided a lot of trash receptacles throughout that park and empty them on a regular basis. c. Beryl Fishbone stated for general awareness that there are some Pokemon Go users in the park. d. Tim Smith stated that with the exception of JoAnne Philbrick, member terms expire December 31st, and wanted to know who will continue as a member so that the Mayor’s Office can be informed. Judy, Bill, and Beryl stated that they plan on continuing. Tim stated that he does not plan to stay past the end of year. He also stated that he received a message form Brandon Hyde that Brandon is resigning from the committee. Tim will send correspondence to the Mayor’s Office to begin the process of selecting new members. 9. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Bill Barbuto, seconded by Judy Magnano, and voted unanimously, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M