Dresden Athletic Fields Committee
Minutes for April 4, 2005 Meeting
Present: Larry Pilchman, Geoffrey Vitt, John Chamberlin, Kathy.Parsonnet, Buff Mclaughry, Peter Krass, Paul Campagna, John Aubin, Cam Brown, Bob White, Wayne Gersen, Jonathon Brush, Hilary Pridgen, Mary Danko, Mike Jackson
Minutes of last meeting: Approved
Norwich Lions Club (NLC) Presentation
Since 1988 the NLC has run the Norwich Fair on the Route 5 Norwich property now owned by Dresden. Precluded from using the site for 2005, Ed Childs of the NLC presented their view on using the property in future years. Having discussed the situation with Dresden administrators, he believed a 4-acre site on the northwest section of the property was a possibility. This are would require clearing and some grading; however, the NLC would not be able to pay for this. Buff McLaughry raised the possibility of other community groups who might be interested in using the site, such as the Scouts, assisting with any prep work needed.
Discussion turned to whether the NLC could use whatever athletic fields are built for staging the fair; however, this was ruled out because the rides are heavy and would damage the fields. Also, concern was expressed over parking: if the fair was held anywhere on the property, parking would have to be controlled to protect any athletic fields. In addition, Ed pointed out that they would like to build some infrastructure such as concession stands and a clay pit. Future discussion on this topic is required.
Communications Report
Mary Danko reported that to date articles on the questionnaire results ran in the newspapers; there was a letter to the editor; and binders were placed in the libraries. For the website, the subcommittee is looking into creating a feedback button so people can submit emails.
An outreach program is being organized in which committee members visit with such groups as the PTO, Rotary, Lions Club, Kendall, Rec Boards, DOC, League of Women Voters, conservations groups, among others. John Chamberlin will be checking into whether the AFC can speak for a few minutes at the May 7 Hanover town meeting. In addition the subcommittee is considering a public meeting for late May when the AFC can discuss fields concepts and options.
Also, the subcommittee is designing a 2-sided informational/update flyer. On one side will be questionnaire results/community feedback and on the other will be an update on the AFCÕs activities. It will be distributed via multiple channels. The AFC will issue a press release once we have something new and meaty the public can latch onto.
Sharing Report
Barry Harwick reported on progress made by the sharing subcommittee. At the March 31 meeting Hank Tenney provided a matrix that showed the use of Sachem for Fall 2004. One of the fields was used everyday by the Varsity and JV girls soccer teams. There was further discussion as to how fully scheduled the fields should be. Hank expressed concerns over being able to maintain some flexibility for his volunteer coaches. Other issues included over-usage, safety, making up rain-outs. Also, Hank explained that Hanover does not control game scheduling from year to year, neither does the Rec Dept. know how many teams it will have year-to-year, which complicates any further sharing opportunities.
Paul Campagna raised the question of whether 7/8 rec teams could use any Norwich fields that are built to free up Hanover fields. Hank believed that would be a tough sell to Hanover parents.
Discussion turned to the best use for Thompson Terrace. Hank might reconfigure it for lacrosse because of the sportÕs popularity. Also, baseball is not an ideal sport when it comes to sharing because a gameÕs length can greatly vary.
Because committee members wanted time to digest HankÕs information. At least one follow up meeting is required. In addition, how to best share Thompson Terrace requires further discussion.
The Sharing subcommittee needs to create a list of conclusions from their discussions to help guide the AFC on fields development.
Norwich Interim Plan Update
Bob White expressed concern that Dresden was going before the Norwich Planning Review Board with a set of fields plans. He believed that whatever plans were submitted would be what the planning board would expect to be built. If the case, then the AFC would have no input into those plans as promised. Jonathon Brush explained that the plans could be adjusted without great difficulty or delay after their approval. Cam Brown and Buff McLaughry concurred with Jonathon.
The consensus was that AFC members should be given better notice as the project progresses to prevent miscommunication.
Critical Aspects Subcommittees
AFC members had submitted what they consider critical aspects of the planning process and have expressed what areas they are interested in; subsequently, the AFC created 5 initial subcommittees: Sharing (which is underway), Communication (which is underway), Norwich Fields, Lebanon Street Site, and Budget/Financing. Members were assigned to the latter three. The Norwich and Lebanon St. subcommittees agreed to hold meetings within a week or so to get the process moving even though school vacation would begin April 18. All meetings are to be communicated and posted by the Dresden administration, and are open to the public.
The Lebanon St. site subcommittee will be contacting members of the surrounding neighborhood to include them in future discussions.
Timeline Review
Kathy Parsonnet provided an update of the timeline that culminates with a bond vote in November. It was made clear that the AFC would be under pressure to meet that goal.
Action Items
The Communication Subcommittee will arrange meetings with groups, work on improving the website, and develop a 2-sided informational flyer;
The Norwich Fields and Lebanon St. subcommittees will set their first meeting dates;
The Sharing subcommittee will meet to further discuss Hank's matrix and develop a list of conclusions from their work.
At a future date the AFC needs to further discuss how best to share Thompson Terrace.
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