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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
JULY 22, 2002
A Special Meeting of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Vayda in the Enfield Room of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, July 22, 2002 at 7:03 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Edgar, Fiore, Hall, Mangini, Tait, Tallarita and Vayda. Councilman Strom entered the meeting at 7:11 p.m., and Councilman Kaupin entered at 7:16 p.m. Councilman Egan was absent.
Present from the Enfield Board of Education were Joyce Hall, Kristen Hamilton, Roger Jones, Thomas Osborn, Lynn Scull, Nicholas Sinsigalli, William Thomson.
Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Mary Keller, Recreation Supervisor; Assistant Town Attorney, Mark Cerrato; Superintendent of Schools; Dr. John Gallacher; Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Anthony Torre; Director of School Facilities, Arthur Pongratz; Business Manager, Patricia Brooks
DISCUSSION RE: HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELD PROJECTS
Present for this discussion was Vince McDermott from Milone & McBroom.
Enfield High School
Mr. McDermott stated after his winter presentation, the Town Manager's office informed him the Town Council wished to go with the alternative at Enfield High School that kept the track and football facility at its present location. He stated another request was to do something with the existing parking area in such a way as to expand some of that parking and not include the skateboard facility, but rather an outdoor basketball facility.
He stated the most significant improvements include the following
- the removal of the top soil and installation of a gravel blanket
- installing an under-drainage system that will connect to the main storm drainage pipe that discharges into the Connecticut River
- re-grading and re-shaping to result in four diamonds (two baseball & two softball
fields) and multi-purpose fields (space sufficient in dimension for two field hockey fields)
Mr. McDermott stated there's also space for practice football; a synthetic all weather running track, which surrounds the multi-purpose field (currently the football field). He noted that multi-purpose field is sufficient in width to allow a full-scale soccer facility as well. He stated the running track would be a 400 meter unequal quadrant track with the jumping events in the north or south end and a paved area for the high jump event. He noted there would be upgrades proposed for the bleacher system to bring them up to the current code.
Mr. McDermott stated Mr. Vindigni provided everyone with costs. He noted Mr. Vindigni requested he look at these costs to see if there's any reason to increase them. He stated he did make some suggestions to Mr. Vindigni regarding costs relating to irrigation and field lighting.
ENRICO FERMI HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. McDermott stated Fermi is a simpler project and the most significant changes involve the replacement of the existing parking lot located in the southwesterly corner of the property with a field hockey field and then provide a parking area in the front where there's currently a lawn area. He noted staff questioned whether there's space for a skateboard facility and that has been illustrated on the design.
He referred to the design and pointed out a reconstructed all weather track with a multi-purpose field. He noted they could accommodate a soccer facility within the confines of the oval. He stated this isn't quite as wide as Enfield High's oval because they don't have the width to work with.
Mr. McDermott stated they kept Fermi's fields in the same general vicinity and they've included upgrades to those fields with respect to fencing, a few bench areas, etc. He pointed out where overlays are proposed.
He stated the same applies at Fermi regarding irrigation and lighting costs.
Mr. McDermott stated the ability of Hazardville Water Company to provide water for irrigation isn't known. He pointed out during drought conditions grass may go dormant.
Councilman Fiore stated his belief there was a consensus to remove the skateboard park from the Fermi plan. Mr. McDermott stated that is an area for the Parks & Recreation Department. He agreed that the latest plans do show the skateboard park removed and additional parking provided.
Councilman Fiore questioned whether the east side bleachers hinder the widening of the field and could that field be widened if the bleachers didn't exist. Mr. McDermott responded he did not know for certain, however, his guess is that it's possible. He added this is a detail that could be explored, however, this should not effect the cost.
Councilman Fiore requested more detail regarding the reconstruction of the ball fields. Mr. McDermott stated the fields themselves are generally graded fairly well. He explained the concept would be to replace the infield material by digging out and replacing it with new infield mixes, as well as putting in new backstops and benches. He added safety features for the players need to be upgraded.
Councilman Fiore questioned if the three Fermi ball fields will have extensive work done on them. Mr. McDermott responded yes.
Referring to Enfield High School, Councilman Fiore noted the practice fields in the northwest corner contain a couple gulleys. Mr. McDermott stated there's a depression in that area where surface water runs and sits in that corner. He noted that would be filled. Councilman Fiore questioned whether this area could be used as a practice football field, and Mr. McDermott responded yes.
Councilman Mangini questioned if they're working with the Board of Education to determine the specifics regarding the dimensions and requirements of these fields. Mr. McDermott stated at the time the original concepts were done, the Board of Education assembled a committee consisting of coaches and the athletic director of the schools, and they provided the dimensions. He noted should this project advance further, there should be a staff level committee and School/Council committee that would work with the consultant to review these areas once again. He pointed out when they did the original concepts the unequal quadrant track was not an option and that has changed, therefore, they've adopted it in the current design. He stated they did try to follow the standards.
Ms. Scull stated in both plans she sees throwing circles, but she has not seen upgrades for backstops and circles. Mr. McDermott stated for flexible fields, they try to be as portable as possible. He recommended putting in ground sleeves that can be pulled out after season to allow greater flexibility and ease of maintenance.
Ms. Scull stated Fermi presently has a new long jump and pole vault area. She questioned why they'd want to build another one. Mr. McDermott stated he wouldn't necessarily get rid of that area, nor would he save it if other issues were more important.
Councilman Strom requested clarification on unequal quadrants. Mr. McDermott stated each of the straight-aways and each of the arcs are equal in dimension at 100 meters each. He noted by shortening the straight-aways to around 94 or 96 meters, they can begin to bring in the ends of the oval and by doing this they're making the radius a little broader, and this is actually easier on the runners. He noted by doing this, they could accommodate soccer.
Mr. Sinsigalli raised the topic of a skateboard park at Enfield High School. Mr. Shanley stated the space is available. He indicated the Council has not made a final determination about a skateboard park at Enfield High School.
Mr. Sinsigalli stated his belief a skateboard park at Enfield High School is placing an additional liability insurance burden on the School Board. He stated he would like to see the skateboard park eliminated from Enfield High School.
Mr. Sinsigalli questioned what height the Enfield High School athletic fields will be raised to once the re-grading is done. Mr. McDermott stated the concept is to maintain the general elevation, but to increase the pitch of the fields.
Mr. Sinsigalli questioned the size of the pipe going to the Connecticut River, and Mr. McDermott stated his belief that is a 48" pipe.
Councilman Hall questioned whether the soccer players play on the football field at Fermi at this time. Mr. Osborn responded yes, but they can't play state playoffs there because it's too small. Mr. Pongratz stated they play soccer varsity games at Fermi and Enfield High Schools.
Mr. McDermott stated if they are able to build the unequal quadrant, they could play state cup games. Councilman Hall questioned whether it would be necessary to eliminate the east side bleachers to widen the football field. Mr. McDermott stated it appears that it could be done.
Councilman Hall stated she has no problem taking out the skateboard park at Enfield High School, however, she wants to see it installed somewhere else in the Thompsonville area. She noted she would like to see this remain in the referendum.
Councilman Tallarita questioned whether the idea of drilling a well for irrigation has been explored. Mr. McDermott stated they were not asked to explore the well idea, however, he believes that's worth exploring at both high schools. He added his belief a ten to fifteen thousand gallon tank would be needed, and this size tank would cost about $15,000. He noted this would drive up the cost initially, but over the long term it may be worthwhile. Mr. Shanley stated they could request Milone & McBroom to pursue information concerning a well. Councilman Tallarita stated he would like to see this looked into because he believes it will save a lot of money in the long term.
Councilman Tallarita questioned what the maintenance cost would be for these fields, i.e., additional and specialized equipment, personnel, cost of irrigation system. Mr. McDermott explained the maintenance of the field and noted the track resurfacing would cost approximately $35,000 every seven years. He noted the type of track being proposed is the most common type of track used in Connecticut. He stated there is another material which is a solid pour, however, it's significantly more expensive.
Mr. McDermott stated the maintenance cost of fields is about $10,000 per field for mowing, fertilization, etc., if it were to be contracted out. He noted this is the figure generally used by contractors.
Councilman Tallarita requested cost estimates be provided for maintenance, and Mr. Pongratz indicated he can get some figures.
Councilman Fiore stated they could come up with a rotation so that they're not resurfacing the two high school tracks within the same year.
Councilman Fiore stated he has no problem pulling the skateboard park out of the Enfield High School plan. He added he does not have a problem putting a skateboard park in Thompsonville, however, he feels that should be done out of the recreation fund and not through the referendum monies.
Councilman Fiore requested Mr. Pongratz speak about potential state reimbursement on the new field hockey, basketball and tennis courts at Enfield High School and JFK. Mr. Pongratz stated they are looking at that right now. He added they do have to submit ED049 before they go out to bid on a project. He noted they have to have state approval before going out to bid.
Mr. Osborn questioned if they need the unequal quadrant track at Fermi High School in order to play a state soccer game. Mr. McDermott stated they are safe with the unequal quadrant track.
Councilman Strom stated she doesn't have a problem taking the skateboard park out of the Enfield High School plan. She doesn't agree about the liability question since they already have a skateboard park at Parkman. Mr. Sinsigalli interjected they have an issue with Parkman as well. Councilman Strom went on to state she's not sure she agrees with Councilman Fiore about not including the skateboard park in the referendum.
Mr. Thomson questioned whether the drainage work will take care of the problem at Enfield High School. Mr. McDermott stated this is a good design and perhaps could be better, but the price would be much higher. He noted this will take care of the normal spring problem at Enfield High School.
Mr. Thomson stated when they do the renovations at the high school library, they will be losing parking space. He noted he would like the option to add some parking at Enfield High School.
Mr. Jones pointed out maintenance of fields will significantly increase their budget every year. He noted during tight budget times, it's going to be very difficult to buy fertilizer and cut grass. He stated his belief when the tough budget cuts happen, there will probably be cuts in this area before they cut teachers, books and supplies. He stated they will need to be a little creative as to how this will be financed, not only through the referendum, but afterwards as well. He stated he has a very serious concern about the maintenance costs.
Mr. Thomson questioned the next step. Mr. Shanley stated there will be a Public Hearing on Monday, July 29th. He noted all of the proposals that the Council has worked on will be brought forward to the voters and questions will be answered at that time. He stated after the Public Hearing, the Council will meet on August 26th or perhaps earlier to discuss the input from the public hearing and provide direction as to whether or not they want any significant changes on the plans as a result of the public hearing. He noted they've already drafted a question which has been sent to Bond Counsel so they can begin working on it. He stated the question then has to go before the Secretary of State the first week in September in order to be on the ballot in November.
Mr. Shanley stated it should also be clear what the intention is for the skateboard park, basketball and parking at Enfield High School.
Councilman Fiore recommended removing the skateboard park from the Enfield High School plan and putting parking in that area. He recommended the basketball court remain.
As concerns the Fermi plan, Councilman Fiore recommended Mr. McDermott investigate the drains on the track on the football field and also look at whether it's possible to remove the bleachers on the east and adding them on the west to see if they can accommodate football, track, and soccer.
Chairman Vayda voiced concern about the bleacher issue, i.e., managing a competition when spectators from both sides are sitting together.
Councilman Kaupin stated he doesn't have a problem with removing the skateboard park. He suggested looking at expanded parking at Enfield High School. He went on to question how the Board of Education feels about the location of the field hockey area at Fermi High School.
Mr. Thomson stated he's fine with the location of the field hockey area at Fermi as long as there's enough room. He stated his belief that's the best solution given the topography of that area.
Councilman Kaupin stated if they are going forward with the referendum, there has to be the commitment to fund the maintenance of those fields in the future.
Ms. Scull also raised the question of spectators of different teams sharing the same bleachers. She went on to state the Board of Education understands the commitment to maintain the fields, but the public has to understand this as well.
Chairman Vayda summarized as follows:
- the elimination of the skateboard park at Enfield High School
- maximize the amount of parking at Enfield High School
- public's understanding of the maintenance involved of athletic fields
- the public should be made aware the new drainage system should handle a typical New England rainstorm
Mr. Shanley stated the reason for the enormous cost difference between the Enfield High and Fermi High projects has to do with the drainage work at Enfield High School.
Mr. Thomson stated he would like to see the Fermi soccer field able to accommodate state soccer. Mr. Shanley stated he will request Milone & McBroom to do some preliminary analysis on that between now and Monday.
The meeting recessed at 8:20 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:33 p.m.
Chairman Vayda questioned where the Council stands on the skateboard park.
Councilman Edgar stated his impression downtown Thompsonville gets the short end of the stick. He noted he would like a skateboard park within a mile of downtown Thompsonville.
Councilman Strom questioned whether there's room at either Lafayette Park or Alcorn School. She stated her preference for Lafayette Park.
Ms. Keller stated Lafayette Park has a playground, a basketball court and some grassy area. Mr. Shanley questioned if there's a wooded area adjacent to the park. Ms. Keller stated her belief that wooded area goes down into a dingle. She noted she's unsure how much clearing and leveling would be needed to use that area. Councilman Strom stated there's a level unused dirt road that runs behind Lafayette Park. Ms Keller noted she would have to look at that again.
Ms. Keller stated if they take up the grassy area behind Alcorn, there will be no grass at Alcorn.
Mr. Shanley indicated they can look at something on this end of Thompsonville village and come back to the Council with some alternative sites. He noted they could also take the time to look at Lafayette to see what could be done there.
Councilman Strom stated she would not want to see this removed from the referendum and forgotten. She noted she would like to see a commitment to do this.
Councilman Tait agreed with Councilman Edgar that they need to put something downtown, and the Council needs to make a commitment to do that.
Councilman Kaupin agreed a skateboard park is needed in the Thompsonville section. He questioned as concerns the referendum and understanding what's presented at the Public Hearing vs what gets put onto the ballot, how quickly do they have to make a decision as to whether or not this is or is not part of the referendum. He further questioned if they don't have a suitable site to present at the Public Hearing presentation, can they add it on over the next month, or would they then be out of compliance with what they've presented. He questioned how they present this Monday night so that they have the possibility of having it be part of the referendum. Mr. Shanley stated his belief the Mayor would just articulate the fact that the Council continues to consider another option that isn't presented that night, and that is the skateboard park in Thompsonville Village at some location.
Councilman Tallarita agreed Thompsonville needs to be considered with regards to recreation and there should be something in there for them. He stated he doesn't know that it has been clearly demonstrated to him that the skateboard park is what needs to be there. He noted he has heard contrary discussions with regard to skateboard parks and how useful they are, or how much activity they get for the amount that is spent. He stated he has heard they're expensive and they're only used during a relatively short period of time by the skateboarders and then they outgrow them, and they go into something entirely different. He stated as they went through the budget process, there was a discussion with regards to the operating costs and funding with regards to those parks and that is a consideration. He pointed out the liability issue has come up repeatedly in the past couple months as the costs are escalating. He noted this is a selected group of younger children that take advantage of this and while he doesn't want to discourage that approach, he questions whether they are doing the best they can with that amount of money. He questioned whether they are spending this money wisely.
Councilman Tallarita questioned the cost for the skateboard parks. Ms. Keller stated her understanding the skateboard parks have doubled in price since the first ones were built. Councilman Tallarita noted there is also the cost of having these parks supervised.
Ms. Keller stated last year from the middle of July to the middle of October, they sold 450 passes. She noted this year passes went on sale April 1st, and as of last week, they sold 200. She noted the sale of passes has gone down over half. She went on to note they did make some changes to the operating hours to accommodate some of the requests that they've had, i.e., they put in morning hours and took out some of the mid-afternoon hours when it's too hot to be on an asphalt surface. She noted they made specific hours for one age group at one site, and another age group at the other site. She stated they eliminated the requirement from all equipment to just helmets. Mr. Shanley added they're considering eliminating the supervision. Ms. Keller stated that would be dependent on the liability. Mr. Shanley stated the very fact that they're supervising and requiring safety equipment makes the Town responsible if someone isn't wearing the safety equipment and falls. He noted if they're not supervising, they don't have as many requirements. He stated they may be able to save money on supervision and liability.
Ms. Keller stated she has had several requests from the Community Police and the Community Police Steering Committee to have something in the Thompsonville section because of the complaints from business owners and Town Hall. She noted this would relate to biking and skateboarding. She stated it would be dangerous to have bikers and skateboarders using a facility at the same time. She noted the manufacturers of the skateboarding equipment recommended bikers not use that equipment because of the amount of damage that would happen to the stainless steel.
Mr. Shanley stated he met with each shift of the Police Department last month and the feedback he got was that they would absolutely like to see a skateboard park downtown and they feel it would be very valuable to them.
Councilman Tallarita stated he is looking to the Recreation Department to say what is the need and the best way to spend money. He noted he has not heard Ms. Keller emphatically saying they absolutely need a skateboard park in the Thompsonville area.
Ms. Keller stated she believes they need something in Thompsonville. She noted perhaps they're not reaching enough kids in the Thompsonville area of Enfield who possibly can't afford the pass, or can't get to the Parkman or Green Manor sites. She pointed out the reason they purchased this equipment is that it is portable, and they can move pieces around, i.e., rather than having two full-size skateboard parks, they could have three smaller ones in consideration of the number of users that they have.
Ms. Keller stated they averaged 20 to 30 skaters per day at each park last year, and this year they're probably averaging between 10 and 15 per day at each location.
Councilman Tallarita stated from what he's gathered, these facilities just don't meet their needs. He noted some children are intimidated by kids who occupy the parks on a regular basis so they don't want to go there. Mr. Shanley stated that's one of the down sides of not supervising these parks.
Councilman Tallarita stated he's not hearing an outcry for this type of facility. He noted he needs to hear more from the recreation staff as to what is the best solution. He stated he wants to be sure a need is being met before spending a lot of money.
Councilman Mangini agreed with Councilman Tallarita. She noted this is not "Field of Dreams" where if it's built, they will come. She feels this was a novelty at one point, but she also feels they are looking at an attractive nuisance. She noted the Town has some degree of liability exposure, whether it's supervised or unsupervised. She stated she cannot support any more skateboard parks because she doesn't believe they're serving any need other than causing problems. She agreed they do need to put some constructive activities in Thompsonville, and she looks to Ms. Keller's expertise to recommend some options.
Mr. Shanley stated the Police Department isn't thinking "Field of Dreams", they're thinking in a pragmatic way. He noted the Police would like a place for these kids to skateboard legally. He noted skateboarding requires activity, coordination, and health, and it's a good thing for kids to be doing, but the problem is that they're doing it in all the wrong places. He pointed out there's no place for them to do this. Councilman Mangini stated she doesn't see kids clamoring to use the existing parks. Mr. Shanley responded perhaps they're not in the right places as mentioned by Ms. Keller. He went on to note many communities do not construct skateboard parks because of the liability issue. He acknowledged it is an exposure.
Ms. Keller stated the nature of insurance changed since last fall. She noted Suffield closed their skateboard park because they couldn't afford the increase in the premium.
Councilman Hall disagreed with Councilman Tallarita on two points. She stated her belief part of the Community Policing responsibility is to give feedback to the governing body on the needs of the community, therefore, she disagrees when he looks to the Recreation Department for all the answers of the children's needs in that area. She pointed out the police are out every day, up and down every single street, and if anyone knows what the needs are in that particular part of Town, it would be a community policeman. She stated her belief there is a need in this area when there are children skating in the road. She pointed out the danger this poses to these children is enormous. She went on to note the liability is just as great concerning the disrepair of the current athletic fields. She noted they should provide a facility where these children can be safe and enjoy what they do. She stated the need in this area is obvious and that need has come through loud and clear. She went on to note 200 passes are a lot of kids.
Councilman Hall stated the existing skateboard parks did not come out of the recreation department, but rather from the CDM Study, and it came out loud and clear from the community that they wanted those parks. She feels they need to look to a lot of different areas of the community for feedback as to what are the recreational needs of the community. She stated she would definitely support a skateboard park in Thompsonville. She feels this is an important commodity for the Thompsonville kids who can't get to the other areas of town.
Councilman Fiore stated he would not want this issue to become an obstacle to how far they've come with all the other issues they've worked on. He noted he has mixed emotions on this. He stated his observation is that this was a great, noble idea initially, but he's not seeing the same numbers as last year. He added he doesn't believe they should close down what they have, but rather leave them as is. He stated his belief the Town cannot afford, nor does he believe the Town would want to build a skateboard park that's going to make the 13 to 18 year old age group happy. He stated his belief they want a professional, large skating area, and he doesn't believe the Town can afford this from an equipment or insurance standpoint. He added his belief that no matter what is built, a lot of the kids who skateboard want to skateboard on the city streets, on sidewalks, and railings. He noted that is the thrill of skating. He stated he wants to pursue a skateboard park in Thompsonville, but he believes it will end up servicing the eight to 13 year olds, and he doesn't believe that's the age range the Community Policing are trying to address. He stated he does not want this to be part of the referendum. He stated his belief they need to be very concerned about what's included in the referendum and they need to be concerned about costs. He stated if there's a consensus to do some kind of skateboard park in Thompsonville, they should look at the cost outside the referendum. He noted it would be cheaper if they could find a location with blacktop, because the price will skyrocket if they have to build a base for the park. He stated he would like more information.
Ms. Keller noted the Board of Education indicated they weren't happy having the skateboard park at Parkman. She questioned if they're looking at removing that skateboard park. Chairman Vayda stated his belief the concept of moving equipment has a lot of merit. He stated he would like to know the utilization at Parkman and whether it makes sense to move this equipment, and if it were removed, what would replace it. He noted a better alternative at Parkman might be a basketball court. He recommended analyzing this idea.
Mr. Shanley stated they should learn what Mr. Sinsigalli was alluding to regarding the skateboard facility at Parkman. Councilman Fiore stated his belief this relates to liability insurance. Mr. Shanley noted they will look into this to learn what the issues are. He added they will do some site searching to see where the equipment might fit.
Councilman Strom noted Thompsonville children were the first to raise the issue of skateboard parks, however, those kids can't get out to Green Manor or Parkman. She stated her belief the 10 to 14 year olds are the children seen skateboarding on the streets and these are the kids who will be using the park if it's put in Thompsonville. She added if Parkman's usage has gone way down, perhaps it might be a good idea to move that equipment. She went on to disagree with Councilman Mangini's comment about an attractive nuisance and noted the Town's pools, swings, slides, football fields, soccer fields and anything provided by the Town are attractive nuisances. She stated her belief this is something the Council has to move forward on especially since the initial push came from the children of Thompsonville, and they're the only ones the Town isn't providing for. She concluded stating she would like to see a commitment from the Council regarding this.
Councilman Tait stated he would like information about usage in both existing parks this year over last year and whether one has seen a significant drop in usage. He stated he would like more information about Suffield closing their skateboard park due to liability insurance costs. He noted he would like to know how much the insurance went up. He stated he's still in favor of placing this park in Thompsonville.
Councilman Kaupin stated anytime they decide what needs to be in a certain location, it's a whole coordinated effort. He noted if they find a suitable location, perhaps they should also have one or two basketball courts so it's not just a one-destination area and this will help different interests come together. He noted if they're looking for a paved location, perhaps there might be a little-used municipal parking lot. He added the lower level of the Town Hall parking lot is being redesigned, and perhaps there might be some space near the softball field where they could accommodate some skateboard equipment.
Chairman Vayda stated he's inclined to listen to a variety of individuals who ask for things, especially if it's coming from the Community Policing and Parks & Recreation people. He stated his belief there's probably a need to do a number of different things in the Thompsonville area. He stated they should make a commitment to do something for this area, however, he doesn't have a really good feel if the skateboard park is the whole answer or is that a solution to a specific problem that was happening at a point in time. Ms. Keller stated she has had conversations with the community police individually, and that is an issue that has come up with them. She noted she also had a meeting with the Community Police Steering Committee and they were interested in spearheading the third skateboard park and had started that project in the spring and stopped because the whole insurance issue had come up. She noted that committee is willing to work with the town, going to the businesses to see if they would be part of that project and they were also looking at locations. Ms. Keller went on to note they could also look at other activities available in the area, i.e., basketball, baseball, softball, playscapes, etc.
Chairman Vayda stated it would be unfortunate if the Council was missing something here and didn't realize it. He noted they should look at the whole picture to see what all the needs are and what the best approach might be. He suggested in the context of the referendum they should continue that analysis, but keep that statement broad enough to say that they want to do something in downtown Thompsonville. Mr. Shanley stated they shouldn't be too broad, but rather people should understand what might be possible.
Councilman Tallarita questioned whether Ms. Keller believes they need a third skateboard park. Ms. Keller stated her belief there's a need for that type of activity in Thompsonville. As concerns putting in a third skateboard park, she feel they need to analyze the cost and usage of the other two parks and see if there's an alternative before sinking more money into that.
Councilman Hall stated another issue relates to the type of equipment in these skateboard parks which appear to be beginner or entry level equipment. She suggested perhaps they should look at conversations with the kids who are really into the sport where they could learn what might be done to make things more challenging. She stated she received a lot of feedback in that this equipment just isn't working after a certain level. She noted she is not implying they should make the equipment more dangerous, but rather a little more challenging for the kids at the next level.
Ms. Keller stated they would need to determine at what point their cutoff level is regarding the skill level of skateboarder they're serving.
Ms. Keller stated last winter they held two meetings and they invited the public. She noted 25 skateboarders attended the first meeting. She noted 20 of those skateboarders were kids that frequented the skate shop across the street. She stated the second meeting only had five people attending. She noted they did have a discussion with that group and they wanted to see a different level. She explained they were proposing a business proposition to her, and she told them to put it together, show it to her, and she would present it to the Council. She noted the only thing she received was a piece of construction paper with some crayon, handwriting and figures and that was the extent of it. She added she never got any return telephone calls or anything beyond there. She questioned where is the majority as far as beginner, intermediate and advance skateboarder and how many fit into each range. She noted that is hard to gauge since they do not keep track of that.
Mr. Shanley stated his belief they understand the Council is interested in getting further information, and they can begin to put that together for future discussion.
MOTION #6053 by Councilman Strom, seconded by Councilman Mangini to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6053 adopted 9-0-0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Executive Session of the Enfield Town Council was called to order by Chairman Vayda at 9:22 p.m.
ROLL-CALL - Present were Councilmen Edgar, Fiore, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, Strom, Tait, Tallarita and Vayda. Councilman Mangini left at 9:36 p.m. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley and Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki.
Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations were discussed with no action or votes being taken.
Chairman Vayda adjourned the Executive Session at 10:14 p.m. He reconvened the Special Meeting at 10:15 p.m. and stated that during Executive Session they discussed Personnel Matters, Pending Litigation, and Real Estate Negotiations with no action or votes being taken.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION #6054 by Councilman Kaupin, seconded by Councilman Tallarita to adjourn.
Upon a SHOW-OF-HANDS vote being taken, the Chair declared MOTION #6054 adopted 8-0-0, and the meeting stood adjourned at 10:16 p.m.
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