TOWN OF GRANBY
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
MINUTES
JANUARY 6, 2009
PRESENT: Edward (Ned) Allen, Chairman; L. Squire Bressor, Brigid Gunn, Kathy Ungerleider, Suzanne Yucha, Joe Zafian and Kay Woodford.
Chairman Allen called the meeting to order and confirmed a quorum at 7:35PM.
MINUTES
ON A MOTION by Squire Bressor, seconded by Suzanne Yucha, the Board unanimously (6-0-0) approved the minutes of October 7, 2008 as presented.
PUBLIC SESSION
Alex Hernsdorf presented his proposed Eagle Scout project to be done in the summer/fall of 2009: a nature trail of 1 to 2 miles in length at Salmon Brook Park. The project could be adapting an existing trail or constructing a new one. Educational signs with pictures and descriptions of the plants, trees, birds, insects and mammals to be found at various sites would be placed on posts along the trail. He passed around a drawing of what the signs might look like but has not yet determined what materials to use, wanting to find something that will last for a long time.
Alex explained that his plans are in the preliminary stages and he would like to know whether the Board is interested in his doing such a project. The Board responded favorably and members made various suggestions. Suzanne Yucha commented that there is a nature trail behind Kearns School that Alex might go see to get ideas. Brigid Gunn said he might like to investigate the Ironhorse trail in Simsbury, which uses Plexiglas for its signs. Squire Bressor added that Stanley Park in Westfield has trails and the grounds men would probably be happy to show Alex around and advise him as to what materials to use.
Joe Zafian asked whether Alex will need to coordinate with McLean Game Refuge should the proposed trail go into their area and Alex said he would be sure to do that. Mrs. Woodford suggested that Alex make the signs low enough for children to see easily as she expects the counselors at SBP would use the trail when taking day camp groups on hikes.
In addition to designing the trail, Alex said his project includes organizing the members of his troop to raise funds, make and install the signs, and keep the trail free of debris and litter.
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January 6, 2009
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Alex mentioned that he has also talked with Holcomb Farm about constructing a trail there. Mrs. Woodford responded that he needs to look at the two areas, Holcomb Farm and SBP/McLeans and decide which he wants to do. Kathy Ungerleider said that Holcomb Farm has trails already established that might be used. In either case, the project may need to get approval from the Wetlands Commission.
Chairman Allen summed up the Board’s opinion, saying that the Board is pretty positive about letting Alex do this project but that Alex will need to provide the Board with more details about where the trail would go and how the signs would be made and posted.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT UPDATES
A. Programs
Mrs. Woodford reported that the Youth Basketball season has begun with the first games being played January 10th.
She also passed out copies of the December Newsletter which contains details on upcoming programs:
Youth Programs
- Hot Shot Basketball
- Chris Corkum Preseason Baseball Training
- Girls Softball Clinic
- February Vacation Multi-sport Camp
- High Touch High Tech Science
- Baton Twirling
- ARC Babysitting
- Introduction to Ballet
Adult programs
- Adult Cake Decorating
- Zumba
- Adult Ceramics
- DEP Boating Certification
- AARP Safe Driving
Trips
- Mohegan Sun
- American Museum/NYC
- Providence Flower Show/Shopping
- Pier Antiques in NYC
- Montreal Weekend
- Boston
- NYC
- Guided Tour of Harlem).
Suzanne Yucha asked whether Kay felt the economy was impacting programs, and Mrs. Woodford responded that she has seen a downturn in programs for 2 years.
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January 6, 2009
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B. Salmon Brook Park/Ahrens Park Updates
Salmon Brook Park
Nothing new was discussed.
Ahrens Park
Nothing new was discussed.
C. The GAFLAC
Mrs. Woodford passed out the final version of the Committee’s report. Chairman Allen said that a public session had been held last month and the last issue of the Drummer had an article as well as some letters to the editor. This final report has been submitted to the Selectpersons and they have sent it to CPAC as that is the committee charged with long-range budget allocations. Joe Zafian asked whether the plan would be going to a bond issue and Chairman Allen responded that the process is not that far along yet, that it requires going through many stages: building committees, architects, public hearings, etc.
Mrs. Woodford said that formal input from the various boards has not been obtained and that Board members should look over the report and tell her of any concerns. She expects that CPAC will be prioritizing projects. Chairman Allen commented that the report “is a justification of the need for new facilities and expanded fields” and that members need to read the report and share their concerns.
D. Salmon Brook Park House
Mrs. Woodford said this project is in the hands of CPAC and there is nothing to report.
PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
A. 225th Celebration
Mrs. Woodford has sent e-mails reminding the various civic organizations that the P&R Board is hosting another meeting Thursday, January 8. She and Chairman Allen will attend. Both feel that it is important that a steering committee be set up soon. Mrs. Woodford said only 4 people showed up for the last meeting and no one has volunteered to be the coordinator yet.
B. Holiday Decorating Contest
Mrs. Woodford passed out results showing donations and costs. There were only 3 commercial and 5 residential entries this year. The Board will need to decide whether to try this again as the loss was about $275. Chairman Allen thought the Board should consider another kind of contest.
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January 6, 2009
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Mrs. Woodford described a holiday event in Nantucket consisting of a town tree lighting and carol sing. Suzanne Yucha suggested lighting a tree on the Granby Green. No decision was made and members will continue to talk about plans for next year,
C. Marquis of Granby Muster
Mrs. Woodford passed out a letter to the Selectpersons asking that the Marquis of Granby have exclusive use of Salmon Brook Park the first weekend in October 2009. In addition to requesting permits for campfires with open fires from the Fire Marshall, permits for musket and cannon fire from the LAFD and Fire Marshall, and a permit for a torchlight parade from the Police Department, the Marquis requests an alcohol permit from the BOS. The letter states that the P&R Board recommends that the BOS approve an exemption for the use of alcohol that weekend, noting that usage of alcohol would be well-planned and supervised with no issues and served only during the non-public hours.
ON A MOTION by Squire Bressor, seconded by Suzanne Yucha, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) that the letter be sent.
D. 2009 Concerts in the Park
Mrs. Woodford passed out the financial statements from the summer concerts in 2008 and suggested that concerts not be held this summer, but the Board indicated they would like to have at least one concert. Chairman Allen agreed that it might be hard to get donations given this year’s economy, but that one big concert might be doable. He suggested that everything be done on that one night: a well known band, the ice cream social, antique cars, face painting, and maybe an inflatable. Brigid Gunn thought given the economy, more people will be staying home this summer and would really appreciate the town holding a free event.
Mrs. Woodford said she would investigate getting Island Rhythm for the one concert, and schedule the concert on a Thursday night, preferably in mid July.
OTHER BUSINESS AS NECESSARY
A. Snack Shack
Mrs. Woodford reported that the key people who ran the Snack Shack for Little League have declined to do that this year. Some other towns have hired Kane’s Market to take over the selling of food and beverages from their van. She will be checking with Bill Noyes about the situation.
B. Election of Officers
Board members agreed to contact their respective Town Republican or Democratic Committees to determine when their terms expire and to request being reappointed. The election of officers will be put on the agenda for the February Board meeting.
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January 6, 2009
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ADJOURNMENT
The next Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2009 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 844-5356.
ON A MOTION by Squire Bressor, seconded by Kathy Ungerleider, the Board voted unanimously (6-0-0) to adjourn the meeting at 9:01PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Ward
Recording Secretary
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