Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION November 18, 2021 MEETING 5:30 PM MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance via WebEx: Philip Pessina, Dan Deconti, Anthony Jaskot, Kristen Jensen, Jeanette Blackwell, Matt Fraulino, Sal Uccello, Lincoln Everest Absent: Ed Dypa Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 5:32pm Public Hearing: (Dan DeConti made a motion to amend the agenda to allow an individual to speak when they arrive at the meeting, even if the commission is on another item, seconded by Councilwoman Blackwell. Approved unanimously.) Karl Fletcher joined the meeting at 5:40pm. He wanted to discuss the communication of services offered by the Recreation division and wanting to make sure that youth know about the resources. The example he shared is that 90 kids are trying out for the basketball team at Beman and only 20 kids will make it and Mr. Fletcher wants to ensure that kids know what programs are out there. Robust discussion ensued on how to improve communication, expand programming to meet middle school needs, Approval of the Minutes: Motion to approve November Meeting Minutes by Councilwoman Blackwell seconded by Lincoln Everest. Approved unanimously. Department Reports: Program Updates Senior Dept Busy offering ‘typical’ programs. The last booster clinic will be on Monday 11/29. Thanksgiving meal was offered on 11/17 and was very well received. Fun activities already planned for December, which were not able to be offered last year. Recreation Dept Toy Drive registration underway and the demand is high. In the midst of our Planksgiving Challenge, which highlights Veterans Pool – had a presentation at the public works commission meeting and the outdoor pool will not open for summer 2022. We are exploring if the splash pad could open, even though the pool will not open – it is unclear if that is possible due to some shared electrical systems. NEW BUSINESS: Recreation Center Building Committee Update The Power Purchasing Agreement was approved at the November Council Meeting  In addition, a building committee was nominated and approved to oversee the renovations for the building. The first meeting was last night (11/17) where a lot of background information was given and approved a few contracts to get the project moving. Discussion ensued on details of project such as lighting, indoor pool opening, and when administrative offices may be moving. Holiday Programming Our department sponsors 2 families for the Middletown Community Thanksgiving Project. We are partnering with the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce for Holiday on Main for a variety of activities such as pictures with Santa, Reindeer Games and Polar Express with Conductor Phil  PAL Program Working with the new Chief of Police to start a Police Athletic League. The Chief is very committed to this program and we will work to grow the program. Riverfront Update Councilwoman Blackwell Held a workshop in October which was well attended. There is a storefront in Main St market where you can see more information and there interactive stations. There will be a workshop with seniors on 12/2 Director Lechowicz reported that the city directors participated in a workshop this past week. OLD BUSINESS: Community Needs Assessment Project Director Lechowicz is working with the Quantitative Analysis Center to do a community assessment to better inform Recreation programming and use of the new Recreation Center. We held a stakeholder meeting on 10/28 to ask what people see as community need and also wants from their stakeholder group. It was an informative and engaging meeting. This information will help inform the community questionnaire that will be distributed more widely in early December. We want to get as wide a reach as possible. MISCELLANEOUS Commissioner Pessina made a request on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ Commission to do a program at the rink at Vets Park. Director Lechowicz stated she would reach out to Chris Forte to facilitate having a community wide event at the rink. ADJOURNMENT Councilwoman Blackwell made a motion, Tony Jaskot seconded. Meeting adjourned at 6:44pm. Senior and Community Center is Wheelchair Accessible. *If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the ADA Coordinator at (860) 638-4542 (voice) or (860) 638-4812 (TDD/TTY), or the Town Clerks Office at (860) 638-4910 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting. Cc: Town Clerk