Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION May 18, 2018 MEETING 6:00 P.M. MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance: Phil Pessina, Matt Fraulino, Ed Dypa, Lucy Bettencourt, Akbar Coffy, Lincoln Everest (arrived at 6:15pm) Absent: Mitchell Motlaugh,Mary Bartolotta, Salvatore Uccello, Anthony Jaskot, Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:05pm Lucy Bettencourt made a motion to move John Hall from Complete Streets under New Business up on the agenda, approval of minutes will occur with Lincoln arrives; seconded by Ed Dypa. NEW BUSINESS: John Hall introduced himself as a member of the Complete Streets Committee, a group that was founded in 2011. Formed by the city to develop a complete street master plan/blueprint to make our sidewalk and streets more user friendly for pedestrians, bike users and wheelchair users. The plan, developed with a consultant, was approved by the P&Z and the Common Council. John gave specific examples of areas of focus and upcoming projects. He shared a map for Bicycle Route Master Plan and went over the high priority routes. The group is having a hard time getting some of the projects completed and is trying to get the whole community organized to support and advocate these recreational resources. John invited the group to a community meeting next week, Wednesday May 23 at 7pm at DeKoven House. One visionary project John shared information about the East Coast Greenway bike trail and how Middletown can become connected to it. Lucy Bettencourt mentioned a bike event, Firecracker Criterium Bicycle Race, that Andy Raymond used to run. Matt Fraulino inquired if John knew how many people would be impacted/affected by these trails. Ed Dypa inquired about the bridge on West Street and if that was part of the master plan. Councilman Pessina stated that project was approved and moving forward. John Hall mentioned a project that has already been designed for a walking trail around the landfill and a grant for $120,000 that is in hand that the city may lose because the project can’t move forward with an environmental planner, a position that is not currently filled. Public Hearing: no additional members of the public in attendance Approval of the Minutes: Matt Fraulino made a motion to approve the mintes, Lincoln seconded. Department Reports: Building Updates Director gave an update on some of the building issues. The building committee met and approved to release the funds remaining in the building fund to address these issues. The director gave a list of what issues need to be addressed:  Northeast corner of building – dig out around foundation, seal outside and inside to prevent future water Southside of building – repoint bricks to prevent water infiltration, seal bricks (possibly for whole building depending on recommendation) Front Door – get software to be able to set and modify hours of access, reconfigure so the handicap door is available after hours – this is in process Re-plaster and paint library wall Remove brick and pave north side of parking lot Depending on remaining funds, here are additional items: Small generator for elevator Covering pergola Garbage disposal Wireless mics for café Calk Windows Additional cameras Program Updates Senior Expo was a success! More night events on the senior side now that spring is here. Medicare Savings Program was fully restored MAT funding is stable Rec Dept is gearing up for summer camp Bingo is happening this Friday night Health and Safety Day postponed Full-time clerk was approved for our department, came at a small cost of $10,000 in the recreation department Discussion about MAT transportation and Dial-A-Ride for an individual on dialysis. OLD BUSINESS:  Sports Grants – will appear on the Common Council agenda at the June meeting for full approval, needed to wait until the 2018 – 2019 budget was approved. Lucy Bettencourt made a motion to adjourn, Matt Fraulino seconded. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:58pm.