Park and Recreation Commission

(meeting taped)

Regular meeting: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 in the Veteran’s Room of City Hall.

Meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

By roll call, members present: John Walsh, Al Felice, David Mikos, Edward Handi and Karen Izzo. Robert Bell and Matt Cripps were excused.

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

additions or deletions to the agenda:

Without objection, the agenda was accepted. It was noted that the discussion with the Open Space Commission would be tabled as Ms. Norwood had a scheduling conflict.

approval of minutes:

A motion was made by Edward Handi and second by David Mikos. Move to accept the minutes of the meeting on October 8, 2002. Motion carried unanimously.

Public portion:

Sara Jadach of 20 Lakeview Terrace was present this evening to discuss the wrestling program. The program would be run for grades 1 through 6 during the months of December through March. This schedule would provide them the opportunity to participate in competition with other statewide schools. Mr. O'Connell indicated that he requested that a season be chosen so that there would be no conflicts with other programs run during the year. She will also be seeking to use the High School’s gymnasium, as the wrestling mats are located there. She is hoping to use the facility on Saturday as meets are held on Sundays at the other schools. She was present this evening to receive the Parks & Recreation Commission’s endorsement so that she could approach the Board of Education for the facility use.

Members discussed the matter. Mr. O'Connell indicated that the program would join the national association and with that registration, insurance is provided. Members were concerned with multiple seasons and Ms. Jadach indicated that the program would be run during the time indicated. It was suggested that the matter be referred to the Programs Sub-Committee for further review. There is funding in place for this program within this year’s budget. Members inquired as to the qualifications of the coaching staff so as to insure the safety of the participants of the program. Mr. O'Connell will oversee the staffing of the program. The Commission took no exception to having the program but as the program is in it’s infancy, working out scheduling and remaining within budget would be the program’s responsibility working in conjunction with the Recreation Director.

A motion was made by Karen Izzo and second by David Mikos. Move to allow the wrestling program to have their season from December through March for this budget year with a report on the outcome to be presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission upon the program’s conclusion.

Discussion on the motion. Members sought assurances that the coverage would hold harmless the City’s liability for this activity and suggested that Corporation Counsel and the City’s insurance agent review the policy.

A motion was made by Al Felice and second by Edward Handi. Move to amend the motion to include that the insurance policy be reviewed by Corporation Counsel and the City’s insurance carrier to verify that the City and the members of the Parks & Recreation Commission are held harmless for any injuries that may be sustained during the program’s activities. Motion carried unanimously.

The amended motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.

It was noted that as the program will be sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, the insurance certificate must be in their name. Should the Board of Education seek insurance verification, they could be named, as a party to the City, but the certificate should not be expressly in their name.

No one else came forward and the public portion was closed.

Correspondences:

Nothing was presented.

NEW or OTHER BUSINESS:

Regulations for the skate park: Mr. O'Connell is continuing to research information from other towns and Chairman Walsh noted that funding is being pursued. A portion of State funding recently received will go toward the park.

Discussion with Open Space Commission: The matter was tabled.

Other business: Nothing was presented.

DIRECTOR REPORTS:

Parks & Recreation Director’s Report:

The Biddy Basketball programs are underway. The boys have 170 participants and the girls are still receiving registrations for another week. The wrestling program, now approved, will get underway once the stipulations are addressed. The parochial basketball league will be utilizing the Derby Veteran's Community Center gymnasium once again on Saturday mornings. A Sunday morning open gym for men is being explored. Mr. Mikos indicated that he will work with Mr. O'Connell to ascertain the interest in this use. The facility continues to be used for birthday parties and this has proved to be a successful fundraising event for the center.

The Recreation Department is sponsoring a fundraising dance for Ryan DeCamillo, a thirteen year old city youth who has leukemia on Friday, November 15th.

As per last month’s discussion, Mr. O'Connell has requested quotes for upgrading the camera system at the Derby Veteran's Community Center. He is awaiting a third quote as the amount will be over the $1,000 limit and per ordinance, three quotes are required. Members confirmed that the current system is functioning but they felt it paramount that the system be enhanced to insure the proper coverage especially within the pool area as there is pool usage when no lifeguard is present. It was also mentioned that the workout area may also be an area that should be covered and this will be explored. It was also suggested that the insurance carrier be contacted to see what coverage they would recommend.

Mr. Handi asked if the tree surgeon has inspected the trees around Ryan Field. Mr. O'Connell noted that he had not visited the site as of yet. Mr. Handi noted that the tree that had fallen was cut up but the pieces remain and he was concerned that they could roll causing harm to someone. Mr. O'Connell will investigate.

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

Committee Reports:

Programs Committee – It was noted that the National Little League is seeking background checks on all their coaches. Members discussed whether this should be considered for all the City programs and whether the local Little League has presented this national mandate. It was felt that this could be discussed further in the Sub-Committee. Members felt that if this would be a mandate that the cost of the police background check should be an expense covered by the City rather than the individual coach. A meeting will be scheduled and all programs will be advised to attend. The programs will also be asked for finance reports and the guidelines for their programs should be available for review and possible update.

Facilities Committee – Mr. Felice noted that the Witek Park plan is before the regulatory agencies. The Derby Inland Wetlands Agency meeting is November 13, 2002 and the Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on November 19, 2002.

Chairman Walsh noted that there will be a Thanksgiving Day road race. All are invited to attend.

A motion was made by Ed Handi and second by Karen Izzo. Move to adjourn this meeting at 8:22 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.

The next Parks & Recreation Commission meeting will be Monday, December 9, 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


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