Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION OCT 19TH, 2023 MEETING 5:30 PM MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance: Jeanette Blackwell, Philip Pessina, Kristen Jensen, Dan DeConti, Sowgol Zakarian, Andrea Dallas, Harold Panciera, Lincoln Everest, Karen Nocera Absent: Mahrang Danish, Rogers Pylant, Matt Fraulino Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 5:32pm Public Hearing: No members of public in attendance Approval of the Minutes: Jeanette Blackwell made a motion to approve minutes from September 21st, 2023. Kristen Jensen seconded. Approved unanimously. Department Reports: Director Lechowicz takes a moment of personal privilege to thank Councilman Pessina for his longstanding support and advocacy for this department and commission. He will be dearly missed. A brief intermission to enjoy some refreshments and a few words spoken by Councilman Pessina, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Karen Nocera. Senior Department Report- Super busy! 50-75 new members register each month. State Funds- The state allocated funds for senior centers based on population, Middletown will receive about $100,000. A proposal will be submitted before the end of 2024, possible ideas include kitchen refurbishment. Senior Lunch Program- CRT was the service provider, on 9/15 we were informed that they no longer held the contract, the program ended with them on 9/29. New provider is The Estuary, we have not had service since 9/29. Very frustrating process, not a great transition. Meals on Wheels is running, no congregate meals at Senior Center. Senator Matt Lessor has gotten involved. OLD BUSINESS: Veterans Pool- Start advertising summer in Feb/March, questions from last meeting regarding use of pool for residents and nonresidents. Director Lechowicz will gather more information for next meeting to try to resolve the questions and issues. Discussion of different ways to utilize data to resolve issues with perception and use of pool. NEW BUSINESS: Recreation Department Report- Sports grant applications- discussion to move online, currently being worked on, will bring to next meeting. Moved into new building in January of this year, limited programming Jan-March due to pool construction, then summer programs, now into fall programs in the recreation center. First time for designated space for the recreation division. Wide scale, community wide programming. Ex. Downtown Trick or Treat, about 1,000 visitors and 50-75 vendors. Easter egg hunt, about 500 visitors. Toy Drive, serve 300-375 kids per year. Veterans Skate Rink did not run last year due to construction in area. Director Lechowicz hands out a packet of information and statistics regarding programs and members to the commission, it was also sent electronically. Looking into piloting a membership program for the recreation center to increase access and use of space. Recreation is currently program based, as opposed to membership based. Currently individuals register for each program, requires a lot of work on back end. Membership model would include lap swimming, gym, pickleball, etc. Hopefully to start January 1st with Adult and Teen membership. Number one concern is knowing who is in the building. Teen membership would have restricted hours and access to areas. Afterschool program Monday’s and Friday’s for middle school students, great feedback from all. MISCELLANEOUS: N/A ADJOURNMENT Jeanette Blackwell made a motion to adjourn, Harold Panciera seconded. Approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:47pm.