WINDSOR TOWN COUNCIL Special Meeting July 7, 1999 Council Chambers Approved Minutes
The Meeting was called to order at 7:35 P. M. by Mayor Mary Hogan. ROLL CALL: Acting Recording Secretary Hoffman noted the roll of Council members present this evening: Mayor Hogan, Deputy Mayor Graff, Councilmen Curtis, Haverstock, Lydecker, and Ristas. Town Manager Churchill was also in attendance. Absent were Councilman Pacino and Trinks, and Councilwoman Ploszaj. PUBLIC COMMENT: Bradshaw Smith, 34 Ludlow Road, Windsor: Mr. Smith felt that one of the most significant aspects of the report was that over half of the facilities in Windsor are in fair condition, and over half a million a year is required to maintain, not improve, these ballfields, pools, etc. Mr. Smith felt that the report had both budgetary and management impacts; he felt there was no point in going any further if those issues were not addressed. Hearing no other requests from the public to speak Mayor Hogan CLOSED the Public Comment portion of the Meeting at 7:40 P. M.
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION MASTER PLAN:
Attending this evening to present the report of the Recreation Master Plan were Gary Swords and Toby Hanson of Blooms Associates. Mr. Swords noted the purpose of the report was to recognize the future recreational needs of Windsor, and to look at specific facilities, such as the Aquatic Center or the Sports Center.
Mr. Swords noted they began work on the report in October 1998; they received much input from two Public Hearings, key players pertinent to the recreation environment in Windsor, and Town staff. They visited 40 to 50 sites within the town, and received correspondence from key players and residents that could not attend the Public Hearings. The report is their recommendation regarding Windsor's present and future recreational needs.
Mr. Swords indicated that the report classified recreational facilities, including neighborhood mini-parks, based on their distribution throughout the town, and how far people had to travel to utilize the sites. The report recommendations are based, in part, on the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) standards. Mr. Swords noted that discussion of the NRPA occurred during the Public Hearing; it was felt that it was helpful to compare the national standards against the facilities available in Windsor.
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION MASTER PLAN (continued):
Councilman Ristas questioned what constituents comprise the NRPA; is it a political or lobbying group? Enita Jubrey reported the NRPA is a professional organization of recreational organizations across the nation; for instance, the CRPA is the Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association and is also a member. Michelle McCarty noted it is the governing national body that sets the national standards for recreation. Councilman Ristas requested a summary of the groups’ purpose and examples of its membership.
Mr. Swords indicated that the report addresses the present inventory of fields and facilities, and addresses their availability to the public. As an example the soccer fields are multi-purpose fields which limits their availability to some degree. Mr. Swords noted the report also reflects the present distribution of Open Space parcels throughout the town. As a basis for the decisions, or recommendations, made within the report they measured the input heard at the Public Hearings, the availability of land, and the cost of land. They have set a timeline for development of improvements over a period of time, 1 to 8 years short term and beyond 8 years as long term, to improve the feasibility of success.
After general discussion of the scope and format of the report, Mr. Swords suggested the Recreation Master Plan includes the following recommendations:
* Based on a qualitative evaluation of the present utilization of the fields based on parameters such as access, availability of utilities, parking, maintenance, etc. they noted that due to the multi use of some facilities, and the lack of lighting, restrooms, water sources, etc. at some facilities, there might be a perception of a lack of facilities in town. RECOMMENDATION: making improvements to some existing facilities, and some improvements/revisions to programming at these facilities. * Due to a shift of age groups residents between the ages of 45 to 65 will increase over the next few years. RECOMMENDATION: development of an emphasis on greenways which will provide access to biking, jogging, walking, etc., and to provide greater Open Space access to the river corridors within Windsor. * There is a significant need for ball fields and soccer fields in the northwest section of town. RECOMMENDATION: returning some of the parking facilities at Northwest Park to playing fields.
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION MASTER PLAN (continued):
* RECOMMENDATION: construction of interim ballfields at River Street Park.
A complete list of recommendations can be found on page 37 of the Recreation Master Plan reviewed at this meeting.
Mr. Swords and Mr. Hanson then welcomed questions from the Council members.
Councilman Ristas noted the report reflected qualitative judgments - such as excellent, good, fair, needs improvements - regarding sites/facilities; were these judgments defined anywhere in the report, and does the NRPA use these descriptions? Mr. Swords indicated these descriptions were not defined within the report glossary, and were judgmental decisions of the sites. Councilman Ristas questioned how Windsor compared to other towns overall? Mr. Swords suggested Windsor would be considered fair to good regarding all its facilities if decisions were based on comments made at Public Hearings; if Windsor were compared to the tri-state area its facilities would be considered good to average. Mr. Swords felt the facilities were in good condition but his comments take into consideration comments heard from the local groups.
Councilman Graff questioned who in town had Mr. Swords and company worked with? Mr. Swords described various staff members, including Enita Jubrey in the Recreation Department, Town staff in the service areas, the Planning Department, Public Works, etc. Enita Jubrey, of the Recreation Department, introduced the Town employees involved in the committee: Dr. Zavarella, Town Planner; Dana Cousins, Assistant Planner; Jeff Dolittle, Public Works Department; Scott Kunnelley, Windsor Risk Manager; Al Ilg, previous Town Manager; R. Leon Churchill, current Town Manager; Enita Jubrey, Recreation Department; Tom Lerario, previous Recreation Director. Councilman Graff questioned who represented the key stakeholders, and how did they fit into this process; were these recommendations shared with the key stakeholders? Mr. Swords indicated that the document was issued initially in draft and was presented at a previous Town Meeting.
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION MASTER PLAN (continued):
Mr. Swords described the key stakeholders as various groups of volunteers that run organizations such as the youth and adult soccer/softball programs; Patrick McMahon, charged with Wilson's revitalization; First Town DownTown; Friends of Northwest Park, etc. Councilman Graff also made the following observations: 1) felt the qualitative categories, without being defined, left everyone to their own interpretations which are different for everyone; 2) much of the property identified on the map is State property over which the Town has no control; 3) felt the definition of short term improvements, at 1 to 8 years, and long term as being anything beyond that, is difficult to deal with when the Council deals with issues on a 2 year basis and considers short term projects as being 1 to 3 years and long term projects at 3 to 5 years. Mr. Swords indicated that in his experience in regard to recreation master plans 8 years is a short term project; a longer term project for a master plan could be 25 to 50 years if taking into consideration the availability of funding. Councilman Graff cited concern with the scope of the report including cultural needs but not addressing indoor recreation, such as sports programs. Mr. Swords noted they were asked to consider appropriate uses for 69 Mechanics Street in the RFP (Request for Proposal), and that request was also made during the meeting with First Town DownTown.
Councilman Ristas referenced comments made on page 18 regarding deficiencies in outdoor fields in relation to NRPA standards; he questioned if that statement reflected inefficiencies of square footage of fields, or inefficiencies of scheduling, or a management problem? Mr. Swords suggested the NRPA recommendation regarding fields is a national guideline for ideal fields and also includes locations in the South which operate all 12 months. Some fields in Windsor are not used to capacity, i.e. Clover Street School which has a drainage problem since construction of I-91. Mr. Swords indicated the report didn't evaluate programming issues, other than to make a general comment that maybe programming could be improved. He suggested public comments indicated that people were looking to play later into the evening; perhaps utilization of the softball/soccer fields could be increased. Councilman Ristas questioned the appropriateness of considering only the preferences of the users as that might produce an excessive demand.
Councilman Haverstock also referenced the table on page 37, and questioned if it was their assumption that each project would be funded by the Town or could some of these be developed through private capital? Mr. Swords indicated they didn't earmark funding sources for various recommendations. As an example they didn't recommend that the Town fund the ice rink; such a project might be undertaken through shared agreement/shared revenue with a developer. Councilman Havertock questioned if there was anything on the recommendation list that was the result of lobbying by any particular group? Mr. Swords indicated that the recommendation for interim fields at River Park was an alternative for the aquatic facility; the cultural center at 69 Mechanics Street is a large expenditure for bringing the building on line for approximately 30 - 40% usage. Councilman Haverstock questioned if any demographic group would be affected by lighted fields more than others? Mr. Swords feels that approximately one out of six individuals are hostile to lighted fields and the loitering on these fields which could be controlled by police patrols. Mr. Swords also suggested that some older people like to be near active recreation facilities.
Mayor Hogan requested a definition for the cultural arts center. Mr. Swords suggested activities such as currently occur at L. P. Wilson Community Center are an example, although they do not currently have performance space. Mr. Swords suggested a theater/dance/performance space in Windsor Center would be appropriate as it is a more subdued activity. Mayor Hogan noted the price of the skateboard park seems high. Mr. Swords suggested they were thinking in terms of a regional facility when that recommendation was made; input from proposed users indicated they would be appreciative of something more modest. Mayor Hogan questioned what other things could the Council consider doing in relation to this Master Plan? Mr. Swords suggested they could consider mail and phone surveys but the return rate is slight. Mr. Swords reported he realized indoor sports are very important and would have complimented the report if discussion of indoor facilities had been considered. Windsor is also located in an ice belt; recreational facilities are needed in the Winter but that issue was not covered in this report either.
Councilman Lydecker preceded his remarks by describing recreational opportunities in his home state during his childhood; he questioned if Mr. Swords and Mr. Hanson felt it was necessary to construct large facilities to encompass the needs of the whole town in a central location, or did they feel the neighborhood concept is more sensible? Mr. Swords indicated that all recreational activities are becoming more programmed, even to the extent of activities available for children ages 1 and 2; towns are selling themselves on their recreational facilities and towns want to keep up with each other.
Town Manager Churchill noted that the report contained a couple of major facilities which have the ability to be privatized, i.e. the indoor fieldhouse, the ice rink, and the aquatic center. Mr. Swords gave an example of a shared agreement between a town and a private group which would operate the facility; he suggested the aquatic center could generate revenue from outside town and could interest private investors.
Councilman Ristas noted Millbrook Golf Course is listed as a private facility but it is open to the public all the time. Mr. Swords noted he understands there is no stipulation that it can't be used for something other than its current use; the Town has no control over that parcel and the Town could be without a golf course in the future. He suggested the NRPA standard is a golf course should be available for every 25,000 people in population.
Councilman Curtis questioned what was Windsor's strong points in comparison to other towns? Mr. Swords felt that would be the distribution of facilities; he felt it's important to have mini-
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION MASTER PLAN (continued):
parks, or even small parcels of Open Space within a subdivision that provide recreational opportunities for the residents in the vicinity. Windsor does not have the ability to create large tracts of Open Space. Councilman Curtis questioned what the funding costs were based on? Mr. Swords indicated funding was based on square foot costs and a small percentage for design costs. He noted that not many towns have access to two rivers; he suggested the Town might want to build on that as a regional attraction.
Councilman Graff requested Town staff to provide information on NRPA guidelines and provide definitions on various categories and facilities. Councilman Graff commented on the following issues: 1) the advisement of the lack of softball fields in the north end of town, yet he feels that is the area where the majority of that activity takes place; 2) the recommendation on page 37 of an outdoor ice rink - he suggested that 30+ rinks are being considered this year already; 3) the recommendation that a skateboard park become part of the John Fitch facility - he questioned the compatibility with surrounding uses (apartment complex and senior housing nearby). Mr. Swords suggested the skateboard park would be one facility he would question as they carry a high degree of liability along with their use, they are loud, and people loiter around them. Mr. Swords noted they also suggested having the skateboard park in Windsor Center, possibly across the railroad tracks, but noted inherent conflicts with traffic and possible conflicts with other uses in Windsor Center. Councilman Graff questioned if the recommendation for the aquatic center was in place of or in addition to the present pool? Mr. Swords suggested the aquatic center would be in addition to the present pool facilities; it would be more than a lap pool and would provide other year round activities. Councilman Graff questioned the River Street location. Mr. Swords suggested they anticipate that development will increase in that area of town and the indoor facility would be needed nearby; he noted there are not many Open Space parcels in that end of town which would be suitable.
Councilman Haverstock questioned when the boundaries of the Connecticut River Park would join as a continuous park with Windsor's River Park? Mr. Swords indicated the intent was presented in the 1991 Plan of Development but the park is still being considered.
Dr. Zavarella suggested he couldn't resist putting in a plug for Open Space in subdivisions; until the Town needs it that land would remain as open space. Regarding the River Park, Dr. Zavarella suggested the schedule has been pushed back as most of the money was used in the city for the structural needs of getting over the highway and construction of the bridge abutments but he felt Windsor will be in line for future funding. Dr. Zavarella congratulated the consultant for the report presented within the funding provided.
PRESENTATION OF RECREATION MASTER PLAN (continued):
Town Manager Churchill questioned the Council's intent regarding the recommendations presented? If the Council considered a resolution to adopt this plan into the Plan of Development it would then be possible to include the recommendations in the Capital Improvement Program. Councilman Ristas wasn't ready to adopt Table II as the correct priority; Councilman Graff felt the Council needs to review Table II more closely and perhaps needs to consider maintenance and new projects separately.
ADJOURNMENT:
Councilman Curtis made a motion, seconded by Councilman Ristas, to ADJOURN this Meeting at 9:40 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________________ Peg Hoffman, Acting Recording Secretary
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