Recreation Advisory Board

City of Norwich Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 25, 2008 Members Present: Robert Spayne, Chairman Mark Bettencourt William Nash Members Excused: John Iovino Ray Stewart Also Present: Jeff Brown, President of Norwich Youth Football League Jay Gelfond, Vice President, Norwich Youth Football League Chuck Bryan, Board Member, Norwich Youth Football League Luis DePina, Recreation Director Chairman Robert Spayne called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. A motion was made by William Nash to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2008 meeting. The motion received a second from Mark Bettencourt. Motion passed with all in favor. Mark Bettencourt explained that the City Council wanted the Recreation Advisory Board to review the resolution and to forward a recommendation. He felt that it was important that the appropriate committee review any funding request. Mr. Bettencourt also explained that the contingency account has approximately $5,000 available and that the City Manager is looking at other sources to fund the requested amount. Jay Gelfond, Vice President of the Norwich Youth Football League, made a brief presentation to the Advisory Board. The Norwich Youth Football League has approximately 240 children registered in the football and cheerleading program. He explained that the league started the year with very little in terms of available fund and has worked very hard to raise funds through registrations, donations, and the sale of concessions. Mr. Gelfond stressed the importance of having the equipment that is sized properly and meets safety standards. He also stated that the league is in need of additional equipment. Mr. Gelfond presented the Advisory Board with invoices totaling more than $9,000. He stressed that any funds provided by the City would be used for the sole purpose of outfitting the palyers properly and was more then willing to provide the City with any required documentation and to follow any guidelines for the expenditure of funds. A general discussion regarding equipment, equipment testing and reconditioning, and league operations followed. Mark Bettencourt moved that the Recreation Advisory Board support the resolution to fund the Norwich Youth Football League with the recommendation that the City pay the invoices directly to the vendor. William Nash provided the second to the motion. Motion passes unanimously. Luis DePina informed Board members that proposals for improvements to the Hamilton Avenue Football Field have been received and that Negotiations will begin with the BL companies for the design and contract administration of the project. The Recreation Advisory Board discussed the road closure in Mohegan Park. Robert Spayne stated that he is not in favor of closing the road on a permanent basis. Discussion on the both the positive and negative impact of the road closure followed. Robert Spayne expressed pleasure in meeting with members of the youth football league and looks forward to continuing to work with them. Meeting adjourned at &:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Luis DePina