A resolution that would cancel the installation of artificial turf at Shuttleworth Park was tabled again at Tuesday’s common council meeting. According to 4th Ward Alderwoman Diane Hatzenbuhler, there are questions from City Engineer Richard Miller about the project that have not yet been answered by Recreation Department Director Rob Spagnola. She also cited concerns after a conversation she had with one of the contractors, Gabriel Contractors, Inc. who is contributing some of the work for free, as to whether they would be able to make the same commitment as they had originally planned due to a reduction in the number of city trucks available for the project.
The issue as to whether there was actual damage done to the field when it was plowed sometime in December or January remained unclear.
“Do we know if there was any damage to the field?” asked 1st Ward Alderman Ed Russo.
“Not with snow on it right now, it’s hard to tell…I’m getting conflicting reports,” replied Hatzenbuhler.
“Even if there’s damage, we still need to move forward with this project – so I’d like to see it move forward,” said Russo.
Later, 3rd Ward Alderman Ron Barone said,“It doesn’t matter whether you do it this year or next year. But I want to do it and do it right…I just wish we could get some straight answers from people instead of a dog and pony show.”
Mayor Ann Thane responded,“It’s not a dog and pony show and Rob Spagnola stood here…and answered questions for an hour and a half. There were straight answers that night. I’m with Eddie, we need to progress this project. I don’t understand trying to tank this, this late in the game.”
At a previous meeting, Spagnola stated that there was no damage to the field.
On the suggestion of 3rd Ward Alderman Ron Barone, the common council voted on an amended resolution to confirm Peter Califano’s appointment to the Planning Board, while leaving discussion of Patricia Beck’s appointment to a later date. 4Th Ward Alderwoman Diane Hatzenbuhler expressed concern that if current planning board member Mike Greco were to be replaced, there would not be anyone on the board with a background in construction. She suggested that instead of replacing Greco, that another member of the board be replaced and that attendance records at the planning board meetings also be considered in the decision.
