TOWN OF GRANBY
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES
December 7, 2010
PRESENT: Edward (Ned) Allen, Chairman; Brigid Gunn, Vice Chair; L. Squire Bressor, Wayne Chapple, Kathy Ungerleider, Jennifer Bilodeau and Kay Woodford, Director of Granby Parks & Recreation Department.
Chairman Allen called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum at 7:34PM.
MINUTES
ON A MOTION by Squire Bressor, seconded by Kathy Ungerleider, the Board unanimously (3-0-1) approved the minutes of November 2, 2010 as presented.
PUBLIC SESSION
Martha Delaney, 51 Pendleton Road, representing DOGGS, appeared before the Board to discuss 3 issues:
- First, she said that the DOGGS Bulletin Board and website both post the rules for those persons using the Town of Granby dog park and some users are refusing to obey them when asked. The DOGGS group requests some help in enforcing the rules, especially the one that states children under age 8 are not permitted in the park. Mrs. Woodford responded that the rules are only guidelines and not a written town ordinance that can be enforced by the police department. Chairman Allen explained that DOGGS would need to go before the town selectmen to make a request for an ordinance. Mrs. Woodford advised Martha to talk to Town Manager Bill Smith first and Martha said she would do that. Squire Bressor asked whether DOGGS members wore any authoritative badge that would cause people to obey the rules when asked. Martha said their “Dog Park Volunteer” badges have no effect with some people.
- Secondly, the DOGGS group would like to be given an additional small space which they would use for a “small dogs only” area. Mrs. Woodford commented that space at Salmon Brook Park is quite limited but she will take their request to the Public Works Department.
- Thirdly, Martha explained that because heavy rains produce a flooded area in front of the dog park entrance, the DOGGS group requests that a grate or drain be installed there. Mrs. Woodford explained that there is a high water table at SBP which is probably responsible for the lack of drainage, but she will discuss that issue with Public Works also.
OLD BUSINESS
A. GAFLAC
No update.
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December 7, 2010
B. Bath House
Mrs. Woodford reported she and Public Works Director Jamie Klase met with an architect who will be giving an estimate for the revised Bath House plan. She added that Jamie Klase has approached Pierce Builders about the foundation. She does not anticipate a completed new Bath House until 2012.
C. 225th Celebration
Chairman Allen reported that excitement is building:
- Sponsorship letters have been mailed out and organizations have begun responding (an additional $9500 has been promised to date).
- Another $1000 has resulted from sales of commemorative merchandise this month.
- New P&R Board member Jennifer Bilodeau volunteered to join the events committee.
D. Spirit of Granby
According to Mrs. Woodford, the 1st Annual Spirit of Granby tree lighting event sponsored by the P&R Department and the Granby Chamber of Commerce went very well.
- About 45 youth from Kelly Lane’s chorus participated as well as a jazz group from Granby High School.
- She said the Chamber received many donations so the event was fully paid for and the consensus is to expand the event next year.
- Kathy Ungerleider suggested that the chorus be on risers next year so the children are more visible.
- Mrs. Woodford added that Jazz Director William Morgan requested being nearer a lighted area and she said both music groups would need microphones.
- She said organizers would be improving all the logistics including the toy and food collections next year.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Program Updates
Mrs. Woodford reported:
- 265 youth have registered for the 2011 Basketball season and that team selections take place tomorrow night. More coaches are needed.
- Two yoga classes for children are running in December and more are offered in January.
- The December Adult Ceramics class was canceled but will be offered again after the first of the year.
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December 7, 2010
- The annual holiday bus trip to NYC is almost full.
- The Gilded Christmas trip is doing well and she has found that the 1st Sunday in December is a popular time for a holiday trip.
The annual flower show is scheduled for March.
Challenger Soccer, U.S.Sports and Kangaroo Field Hockey camps are set up for next summer.
Summer Teen Sizzler trips are being scheduled.
The pre-school Mommy & Me art activities have been canceled for lack for response.
A performing arts class will take place in January.
The Introduction to Chinese class is not doing well, but there is still time to register. A West Hartford group teaches this class and it is expensive. (Chairman Allen asked whether a lower price might be negotiated and Mrs. Woodford will investigate that.)
Wayne Chapple arrived at 8:07PM.
B. Town Parks Updates
Mrs. Woodford reported that Public Works will be renovating two of the back fields at Salmon Brook Park, and that necessitates finding places for Rovers soccer next year. She said some juggling of field space would need to be done, as there will be conflicts with lacrosse. Some activities may need to be scheduled at Ahrens Park. She intends to meet with Public Works and representatives from the organizations to coordinate. Wayne Chapple asked about using the practice field at West Granby but Chairman Allen commented that field isn’t in good shape and Mrs. Woodford added that actually it is too small.
Squire Bressor asked for an update on the Granby football season. Mrs. Woodford said she would be discussing that with the high school athletic director and report back.
Brigid Gunn arrived at 8:18PM.
C. Coalition Update – Brigid Gunn
Brigid Gunn reported the executive board will be meeting every month and that other groups will meet four times a year.
D. Ice Skating for 2011
Board member Suzanne Yucha is coordinating this from Orlando. Mrs. Woodford says she had $90 left from last year’s event.
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E. Celebrate Granby 6/11/11
Mrs. Woodford announced that Celebrate Granby will take place on June 11, 2011 and the Board will need to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting that Salmon Brook Park be closed for that event.
ON A MOTION by Wayne Chapple, seconded by Brigid Gunn, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to send a letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting that Salmon Brook Park be closed to all activities on Saturday, June 11 and closed to all activities on the open field on Friday and on Sunday morning. In addition the Board approves allowing for a limited alcohol permit for sample tasting.
OTHER BUSINESS AS NECESSARY
ON A MOTION by Chairman Allen, seconded by Squire Bressor, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0), to thank Pat Ward for serving as recording secretary and wish her well in future endeavors. She was presented with flowers, a book and a gift card.
ADJOURNMENT
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 7:30 PM in the Senior Center/Youth Services Building, Activity Room #1. If you are not able to attend please remember to call Mrs. Woodford at 860-844-5356 or e-mail recreation@granby-ct.gov.
ON A MOTION by Wayne Chapple, seconded by Brigid Gunn, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 8:42PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Ward
Recording Secretary
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