Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION NOVEMBER 26, 2018 MEETING 6:00 P.M. MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance: Ed Dypa, Lincoln Everest, Matt Fraulino, Anthony Jaskot, Phil Pessina, Salvatore Uccello, Winn Lee, Sue Laribe Absent: Mary Bartolotta, Lucy Bettencourt, Akbar Coffy Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director Public: Greg Brooks, Ahern Whalen AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:00pm. Approval of the Minutes: Sal Uccello made a motion to approve the minutes; seconded by Tony Jaskot. Public Hearing: no additional members of the public in attendance Motion by Tony Jaskot to move Ahern Whalen up on the agenda; seconded by Sal Uccello Ahern Whalen Greg Brooks shared that the league is struggling with critical mass; it is the recreational league for 13 – 18 years old after Little League. The team is dwindling in numbers – it was 8 teams and now they are down to 2 and there is a very wide range of skills since they do not turn any kids away. Inquiring if they can expand the services they are offering to more kids, some outside of Middletown. If they moved in this direction, they would never turn away a Middletown kid. Councilman Pessina noted that this would have to be vetted by other commissions or committees such as Public Works; he said it is not outside the realm of possibility but it does need to be vetted and approved by others. Cathy Lechowicz noted there are 2 stands – one on the field ordinances and one on the youth sports grants which specifies it supports only Middletown residents. Discussion ensued. In general commissioners were supportive of the concept and collaborating, with some reservation regarding setting precedence. The commission asked Mr. Brooks to send a proposal with more specifics. Department Reports: Building Updates Pulled up the brick on the north side of the building and paved the area Foundation was sealed on the outside, there is still some seepage so we are having it sealed from the inside too. Consultant gave a full report on the geothermal system and we are in progress to address the issues that were raised in the report. Discussion ensued. Program Updates Senior we had our last evening event – Murder Mystery – it was a fabulous event; we will continue with early bird dinners. Great diversity of program: Viva Italy, UConn Basketball games For Rec – opened up the skating rink, toy drive, pictures with santa and gearing up for summer camp – partnering up with Board of Ed for sites and potentially lunches. We are updating camp hours to be from 7:30am – 4pm. NEW BUSINESS: New Commissioners – introduction of new members Winn Lee and Sue Laribe Ahern Whalen Sustainability – moved up in agenda Department Name – discussed the possibility of changing the name from Recreation and Community Services to Recreation and Senior Services. Discussion ensued. Ed Dypa made a motion to change the department name from Recreation and Community Services to Recreation and Senior Services, seconded by Sal Uccello. Voted unanimously in favor of the change. 2019 Commission meeting schedule. Dates presented to commissioners. Ed Dypa made a motion; seconded by Lincoln Everest. Voted unanimously to pass the commission schedule. OLD BUSINESS: Ed Dypa made a motion to adjourn, Winn Lee seconded. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 6:53pm.