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

MOHEGAN PARK IMPROVEMENT & DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Thursday, March 9, 2017 – 5:30 P.M. Norwich Public Works Conference Room 50 Clinton Avenue, Norwich, CT Regular Meeting MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Beryl Fishbone at 5:31 P.M. Committee members present: Bill Barbuto, Beryl Fishbone, Judy Magnano, Alderwoman Joanne Philbrick, Angelo Yeitz (filling in for Ryan Thompson (Ex- Officio)). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Upon a motion by Joanne Philbrick, seconded by Bill Barbuto, the committee unanimously approved the minutes of the regular meeting held on November 11, 2016. A regular meeting was not held on January 12, 2017 due to lack of quorum. 3. FINANCIAL REPORT Joanne Philbrick requested clarification of a demo expense of $2,117.40. Angelo Yeitz said the amount was paid to Willimantic Waste for dumpster rental relating to the removal of the concession building demolition debris. Upon a motion by Joanne Philbrick, seconded by Bill Barbuto, the committee unanimously approved the financial report. 4. OLD BUSINESS a. Selection of Officers: Alderwoman Joann Philbrick made a motion to nominate Beryl Fishbone and Judy Magnano to act as Chairperson or Secretary of the committee. After discussion concerning roles, it was agreed that Beryl Fishbone will assume the Chairwoman’s position while Judy Magnano will be the Secretary. Bill Barbuto made a motion to accept these appointments seconded by Joanne Philbrick and the committee voted unanimously in favor. b. Chelsea Gardens: The committee discussed the lack of response to a letter sent on September 30, 2016 to the City Manager regarding the Chelsea Gardens leased property. It was decided that a stronger letter should be sent to Attorney Michael Driscoll to follow up on the September 30th letter and to set a date when we, as a committee, can discuss the lease and progress. It was also noted that Joanne Philbrick, Beryl Fishbone and Bill Barbuto plan on attending the Chelsea Gardens Meet and Greet event on March 30th.  c. Concession Stand: Angelo Yeitz reported that the demolition of the concession stand is complete and the plastic roof will be replaced in the spring. There will also be better loom spread around that area in the spring. d. Park Signage: Bill Barbuto has worked with the state in getting appropriately placed signage to lead visitors to Mohegan Park. Since we have had much interest in the trails, Bill Barbuto suggested color coordinated markings for the trails. Because of efforts by Beryl Fishbone and Bill Barbuto to bring attention to these trails, it is necessary to mark the major trails before spring events. Bill Barbuto is coordinating with Ryan Thompson to obtain a few small signs and spray paint. The smaller trails can be done at a later date. Tree identification was also discussed. Joanne Philbrick suggested making this a community based or Boy Scout project. e. Dam Assessment: Angelo Yeitz stated that the dam has been routinely inspected and there is yet no urgent need to remove wisteria. f. Walk America: Beryl Fishbone has listed Mohegan Park on America Walks Site. Mohegan Park hiking trails are referenced for Earth Day on April 22nd and National Trails Day on June 3rd. 5. CITIZEN COMMENT 6. OTHER BUSINESS a. The need to fill 2 vacancies on the Mohegan Park Improvement & Development Advisory Committee was discussed. b. Beryl Fishbone is in discussions with the Audubon Society concerning programs to possibly help promote Mohegan Park. c. Beryl Fishbone has received feedback from Moriarty School as to how they might like to use Mohegan Park. d. Beryl Fishbone suggested looking into Para Courses or adult recreation. Joanne Philbrick stated that there is no money for this. e. Beryl Fishbone suggested we interact with other departments and committees concerning the use and promotion of Mohegan Park. f. Dogs in the Park: it has been noted that several Alderpersons and community members have suggested allowing dogs in Mohegan Park. It was discussed that liability would be great and Norwich already has an adequate dog park. It was stated that people would be reluctant to bring children or grandchildren to the park if dogs were present. Bill Barbuto made a motion NOT to allow dogs in Mohegan Park. Beryl Fishbone seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the motion. g. It was noted that some type of recognition should be given to a gentleman and his wife who for many years have walked the park carrying trash bags  and litter sticks to remove trash. Joanne Philbrick suggested they be recognized by the city. h. Bill Barbuto cannot attend the May 11th meeting and asked about the possibility of a date change. 7. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made to adjourn by Bill Barbuto, seconded by Joann Philbrick and voted unanimously by the committee. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 P.M. 8. OTHER Ryan Thompson arrived just after adjournment. There was a short discussion about new playground equipment and replacement of park bathrooms. It was also mentioned that the Monkey House would be demolished. Ryan Thompson has requested a time change from 5:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M due to prior commitments and Judy Magnano asked that all meetings be held at the Clinton Avenue facility. This information will be added to new business for the next meeting. Distribution: Bill Barbuto billsuebarbuto@hotmail.com, Beryl Fishbone berylfishbone@yahoo.com, Judy Magnano jmagnano12@gmail.com, Joanne Philbrick joannephilbrick@yahoo.com, Ryan Thompson rthompson@cityofnorwich.org, Betsy Barrett bbarrett@cityofnorwich.org, Christine Averna caverna@cityofnorwich.org, Suzanne Cicarelli dpwadmin@cityofnorwich.org