(meeting taped)

Regular meeting: Monday, May 13, 2002 in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

By roll call, members present: David Mikos, Robert Bell, Matt Cripps, Karen Izzo and Edward Handi. John Walsh and Al Felice were excused. In the absence of the chair, David Mikos presided over the meeting.

Parks and Recreation Director Dennis O’Connell was present. Athletic Director Kenneth Marcucio was absent.

A motion was made by Robert Bell and second by Matt Cripps. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting on April 8, 2002. Motion carried unanimously.

No one was present and the public portion was closed.

Mr. O'Connell noted that the Derby Youth Soccer League received approval from the Board of Alderman to hold a soccer camp given by Pro-Excel of Monroe at Bradley School from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. from July 22^nd through July 26^th. He indicated that there does not appear to be any conflict with scheduling. He noted that customarily the request would first come to the Parks & Recreation Commission to verify the availability of the facility and to review the details of the proposal. It was understood that the participants would be paying $95.00 each with family discount rates available. These proceeds would all be going to Pro-Excel. Mr. O'Connell noted that in the past companies would offer the City some means of compensation for the use of the facility. In this instance, it was not discussed.

Members discussed this matter contemplating this extra wear on the facility. Generally, during the summer is when the fields rest and are maintained in anticipation of the fall use. They suggested that it would have been helpful if the request had first come before this Commission so that a recommendation could then be forwarded to the Board of Alderman. It was noted that the Board of Alderman requested that the organization provide the necessary insurance certification for this program.

A motion was made by Edward Handi and second by Karen Izzo. Move to authorize the use of the Bradley School soccer facility by Pro-Excel for the purpose of a soccer camp to be held on July 22^nd through July 26^th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

Nothing was presented.

Mr. O'Connell stated that the spring programs are well underway and are going well. There was a request made by the young girl’s softball teams to utilize the lights at Bradley. Mr. O'Connell noted that the program has use of the field starting at 6:00 p.m. and it seemed to provide sufficient time without the need for lights. As the use would be for such a short timeframe in the evening and as the days are getting longer it did not seem logistically fitting to schedule the attendant to go up to turn the lights on and off. This was explained to the program.

Mr. O'Connell noted that he has requested transfers within his department budget to address building and field maintenance needs. Funds will be transferred from the Yankeegas line item ($1,200), light pole at Ryan field line item ($425) and from the Water line item ($1,000). The utilities were unexpectedly lower than usual thus providing the ability to make these transfers to address springtime maintenance needs. He noted that the income from the Derby Veteran's Community Center should reach $50,000 by next week, well over the estimated figure at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Athletic Director’s Report: Mr. Marcucio was not present.

Programs Committee – Ms. Izzo reported that the program directors discussed many issues at their last meeting. Coaching staff applications and background checks were mentioned. Costs to have the State provide a background check would be $25 per person. If this were to be considered, the funding would have to be taken into account. The Committee discussed whether to have mandatory clinics for the coaching staff. This would provide them with updates on league rules and rules of conduct. It was felt that a parent’s meeting should be scheduled at the start of each season. Coaches have asked that a first aid course be given. Cost would be $15 per hour with a minimum of 4 hours needed and a cost of $4 per certificate.

The Committee is investigating a bus trip to a Yankee game. The bus/ticket package would cost around $55.00 per person with each bus holding 47 people. They are looking to see if there is interest in this trip and if so, would move forward with the scheduling of the event.

Pop Warner and Little League spend funds from their own budgets to maintain the Little League field house. They have asked that the Parks & Recreation Commission consider assisting in the maintenance costs. Currently the recreation facility maintainer has been assisting in the janitorial needs of the building along with his duties for cleaning the other Parks & Recreation facilities. Members discussed the logistics and funding means and suggested that the program directors for each of the leagues be invited to a Parks & Recreation Commission meeting to further discuss this matter.

The soccer program has been using space at Bradley School for storage of their equipment. The school has expressed a need for this space and has asked that the equipment be removed. Mr. O'Connell is looking at alternative space. Possibly, a storage container may be needed and this is being explored. This, of course, would be resolved if the bathroom facility/storage building could be constructed with the LoCIP funds that are currently in place.

The next Programs Committee meeting is scheduled for May 15^th.

A motion was made by Robert Bell and second by Edward Handi. Move to adjourn this meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

The next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, June 10, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. If the Aldermanic Chambers are unavailable then the Veteran’s room will be requested.

Respectfully prepared,

Karen Kemmesies, secretary