Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION January 16, 2020 MEETING 6 PM MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance: Lincoln Everest, Anthony Jaskot, Winfred Lee, Philip Pessina, Salvatore Uccello, Jeanette Blackwell Absent: Ed Dypa, Matt Fraulino Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 6:08pm. Public Hearing: No Comments Approval of the Minutes: Sal Ucello, made a motion to approve the minutes, Lincoln Everest seconded. Unanimously approved. Department Reports: Building Updates - Nothing significant to report. Still lining up contracts to address water issues. Program Updates Senior division - Anniversary Celebration went well on Dec. 20th. Thank you to those who could attend. - A little less programming during the winter months due to weather and that seniors are conservative about coming out during the winter months - Mayor visited today (1/16) for 3 hours and met with seniors throughout the time he was here. Recreation Division - Toy Drive was very successful – served over 350 children - New brochure is out for January – April programming - Family Fun Night is tomorrow night (1/17) at Woodrow Wilson - Skate Rink – increased traffic, took a little while for the new location to get traction, got about 125 skaters this past weekend. OLD BUSINESS: - Minimum Wage – we will be part of the budgeting process. - National Fitness Campaign Fitness Court in collaboration with Wesleyan. Continues to be in progress. - Veteran’s Pool – nothing significant to report. It will open this summer. It will continue to be part of the planning under the Parks Bond to determine when it will be repaired/replaced. NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner Membership Updates Card sent around for signing for a commissioner who was in the hospital. Currently have 3 vacancies – one member who had resigned was not taken off our official roster, one member’s term just expired 12/19, and Sue Laribe just resigned due to a relocation.  Director brought recommendations to the Chair of the Commission. Discussion ensued. Woodrow Wilson Facilities There is conversation and debate over the annex portion and what will happen to it in the future. The departments hope is to move Recreation there and to try to retain a portion of the cafeteria section. Having a group meet at the building this week to discuss and explore what it would require to have the city take over that portion of the building – both in terms of annual costs and any investments. Discussion ensued. Budget Season Mayor has asked for directors to submit flat budgets. Do an exercise of what it would look like to cut 5% from our budgets. And also have a wish list. Budget process described. Discussion ensued. MISCELLANEOUS: Sports Grants distributed. Grant process described. One new group submitted an application this year. Interviews will be held during our February meeting. Discussion ensued. ADJOURNMENT: Jeanette Blackwell made a motion to adjourn; Sal Uccello seconded. All approved.