Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION September 18, 2019 MEETING 6:15 P.M. MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance: Ed Dypa, Matt Fraulino, Anthony Jaskot, Sue Laribee, Win Lee, Phil Pessina, and Lincoln Everest (at 6:38 p.m) Absent: Mary Bartolotta, Akbar Coffy, Salvatore Uccello Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:15pm. Approval of the Minutes: Ed Dypa made a motion to approve the minutes. Unanimously approved. Public Hearing: No Comments Department Reports: Building Updates - Envelope specialist report on unaddressed leaks around the building Estimated $170,000 to do repairs on failed joints, mortar, and flashing Bond money remaining from the building renovation in amount of $300,000 Need exact specs of the project to go out to bid Public Works to take a look at the building again, as well Internal damage will be covered by insurance Program Updates Senior division - Humane Society – new and totally full program for seniors in August & Sept. It was available due to a grant that the Humane Society got – they provided wellness exams, vaccinations, and other services for Senior’s pets for no cost - Collaboration with MAT to provide transportation for seniors to the polls during the democratic primary. Will provide service again for November’s general election. Recreation Division - Camp enrollment was very high New collaboration with the Board of Education, 160 kids in program - Recreation is currently gearing up for the Fall Festival in October, which sees 800-1000 children per year - WWMS and BOE has been great with communicating construction issues to Recreation - Hiring: Manager of Recreation should be hired soon, Lead Supervisor for Recreation is also currently vacant OLD BUSINESS: Recreation and Senior Services Commission is now the official name of our commission. NEW BUSINESS: Suggestion to cancel November meeting due to election and commission member changes. Update from Director Lechowicz: Governor Lamont signed the Minimum Wage Increase law, meaning the minimum wage will go up incrementally each year until it reaches $15.00/hr. in 2023. There is currently a $450,000 budget line for Recreation Seasonal Wages and about half of that is for summer camp. To maintain services, budget line has to increase by 50%. If there is no increase, Recreation can only do summer camp. Recreation absorbed last wage increase, but cannot do it in this situation. National Fitness Campaign – Circuit training installation grant opportunity offered to Wesleyan. They wanted to do it in cooperation with the City. Equipment is tentatively planned to be installed on edge of campus on City land along Long Lane and Wadsworth Street right on off the bike trail. Public Works approved. There will be trainings by Recreation Department on how to use, there is also an app. Veteran’s Pool is not in good shape. Director Lechowicz is working on a timeline for replacement, the goal is to always have one of the pools open but with the construction at WWMS, it may not be an option. MISCELLANEOUS: Sidewalk bump outs on Main Street and ADA considerations. Audible tones at crosswalk button and stamping the sidewalks near crosswalk. Ed Dypa stated that not enough citizens know about our Municipal Agent who is an excellent resource for our community. ADJOURNMENT: Ed Dypa made a motion to adjourn; Sue Laribee seconded. All in favor.