Recreation Advisory Board

CITY OF NORWICH Recreation Advisory Board Minutes – January 31, 2013 Members Present: Robert Spayne, Chairman John Iovino Ray Stewart Members Absent: Mark Bettencourt (excused) Others Present: C. Roger Moss, Recreation Director 1. Call to Order Chairman Spayne called the meeting to order at 6:05p.m. 2. Public Comment Due to this being a special meeting there was no public comment and removed from the agenda. 3. Approval of Minutes There were no minutes to accept. 4. Old Business a. Director Moss updated the Board on procedure being followed for rehiring summer staff. Letters were sent out to staff in December informing them either they would not be offered a position or a letter inviting them back and if they were planning on returning to submit information form by February 4th. John Iovino asked how many received letters not being asked to return. Director Moss responded with five, four camp staff and one aquatic staff member. b. Director Moss informed the Board that he presented the department budget to Finance, City Manager and HR Director. We are in a wait and see depending on funds from the state. There was a brief discussion on capital projects and spending plan on baseball, softball and soccer fields using NFA Funds. John Iovino suggested the R. Moss discuss with A.D. Gary Makowicki. i) Renovations to Recreation Building. Director Moss updated the Board on plans to replace windows and heating and cooling system. c. Maintenance Staffing – R. Moss reported we are at full staff and he has scheduled projects to be completed in two week intervals depending on weather. d. Seasonal Employee Hiring Process – R. Moss reported that we will be accepting applications from individuals 16 years old and over starting this Spring. e. “Take Me Fishing Grant” – R. Moss informed the Board that he is working with the BOE to offer a training program in April. Chairman Spayne suggested that the director contact Bob Sampson a former teacher and fishing advocate. Moss said that the Superintendent had also suggested him as a contact. f. Court Lights at Buckingham and Spayne. The lights have been on all winter due to the mildness and as part of next year’s Capital requested upgrading the lighting at the courts. This will install a timer and push button so the lights are only on when someone is there to manually push the button on. 5. New Business a. Director’s Report – No questions were asked on written report. b. Budget – 2013-14 o Increased dollar requests for some line items due to increased costs of materials and supplies. Also increased seasonal salaries to keep Spalding Pond open longer. 6. Concerns of the Board • A question was asked about Occum Park. Director Moss reported that the Council sent Occum Park to the Public Works Committee to discuss renovations. Barry Ellison contacted Director Moss regarding this matter and was going to have it go back to council with the recommendation that it come to the Recreation Advisory Board. There was an exchange of emails this week regarding this matter and at this time it is in the hands of the Public Works Committee. R. Moss made his observations and recommendations on this property to the City Manager. • Chairman Spayne voiced his concerns over the condition of Fitzgerald Field and asked if we should remove the building on the property. R. Moss suggested not removing it at this point if it doesn’t pose a threat to injury as it will be easier to renovate than build new should we elect to do that. 7. Other Business – Removed from agenda due to Special Meeting 8. Adjournment - John Iovino made a motion for adjournment at 6:44 pm. Passed Unanimously Respectfully submitted by C. Roger Moss, Director