[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Recreation and Parks Advisory Board acceptance.]

Wethersfield Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
October 23, 2003

The Wethersfield Recreation and Parks Advisory Board meeting was called to order by Chairman Richard Dobmeier at 7:00 p.m. Members present were Chairman Dobmeier, Mark Fanelli, Jacky Pentalow, Thomas Ragonese, Peter Kalousdian and Kathleen Bagley, Director, Recreation and Parks Department.

1. Public Comments.

   None.

2. Minutes - September 25, 2003.

   Thomas Ragonese moved to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Mark Fanelli and voted unanimously.

3. Monthly Report.

   Board members reviewed the September monthly report.

4. Letters and Announcements.

   There were no letters and announcements.

5. Old Business.
   1. Update on MDC Request to Install a Sewer Line through the Tanglewood Nature Preserve.

      Chairman Dobmeier reported that a letter was sent to the MDC and to the Inland Wetlands Commission regarding the Advisory Board's opinion on the sewer line. He reported that the letter explained that the Board had some concerns with the property being disturbed since it was a wetlands area and the liability the town might incur once this property is opened up to the public.

      Ms. Bagley reported that the Inland Wetlands Commission voted to approve the request of MDC to install the sewer line through the Tanglewood Nature Preserve. Board members asked Ms. Bagley to keep them posted on the status of this project as it is reviewed by other town commissions.

6. New Business.
   1. High School Football Field.

      Board members discussed the request to upgrade the high school football field and the possibility of installing lights at the field. Board members supported the improvements to the football field.

   2. Kindergarten Classes.

      Ms. Bagley reported that the Board of Education is investigating the possibility of moving three kindergarten classes to the Community Center for the 2004 school year. She reported that she is working with the school superintendent and the town manager to explore the options for this proposal. Ms. Bagley feels that for the nine-month school year, the Recreation and Parks Department can make arrangements to host the three kindergarten classes at the Community Center next year. She will keep Board members posted on the progress of these discussions. She also reported that she has spoken to different senior citizen groups and made them aware of this possibility.

   3. Preschool Program.

      Ms. Bagley reported that the State Department of Public Health has cited the department's preschool program, "The Learning Circle," as an illegal child care operation. Town staff is working with the town attorney to discuss this issue with state officials. In the meantime, the Recreation and Parks Department has secured the sponsorship of the Board of Education for these preschool programs. With this sponsorship, the town currently meets the state's interpretation of the state statute. An official hearing date is scheduled for the first week in December. In the meantime, attorneys from both sides will be meeting informally to try and resolve the issue. Ms. Bagley reported that a fine is associated with this notice of violation from the state. The fine can total up to $10,000.

   4. Community Center Dance Floor.

      Ms. Bagley reported that the Town Council approved the installation of a new permanent dance floor to replace the existing floor. She is in the process of hiring a contractor and having this work done. Hopefully, the work will be done in November.

   5. Greenfield Playground.

      Ms. Bagley reported that the Greenfield Playground is being designed by the town Engineering Department and as soon as the design is completed the equipment will be installed. There are some issues with the design due to the grade of the playground area and the need to have all the paths designed for handicapped accessibility.

   6. Chairman Dobmeier discussed installing a gate to restrict access to the picnic area by the large fireplace at the end of the upper Mill Woods pond. Board members talked about closing the road to vehicle traffic. Chairman Dobmeier explained that this proposal is included in the Mill Woods Master Plan and felt it was appropriate to look into closing the road at this time. Ms. Bagley reported that we would also need to restrict access from the picnic area so that cars could not circumvent the gate area and drive through the picnic area to get to the upper pond back picnic area. She suggested acquiring a few more large boulders to restrict access of cars into that front picnic area. She will determine if Physical Services has any fencing or gates around that can be used to prohibit vehicles from utilizing that back road. Board members felt it was appropriate to look at closing the road at this time to vehicle traffic. They also requested that we make sure that a pedestrian walkway is available for access to the back picnic area.

   7. Moeller Home.

      Ms. Bagley reported that a date has been set for the Moeller Home Building Committee. Representing the Recreation and Parks Board will be Peter Kalousdian. This Committee will meet on November 6, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. to begin the process of renovating the Moeller Home for the relocation of the Nature Center.

7. Adjournment.

   Thomas Ragonese moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. The motion was seconded by Peter Kalousdian and voted unanimously.