Recreation & Community Services Commission

RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION DEC 21, 2023 MEETING 5:30 PM MINUTES RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – In attendance: Jeanette Blackwell, Leslie Spatola, Kristen Jensen, Dan DeConti, Harold Panciera, Rogers Pylant, Lincoln Everest (arrived late) Absent: Mahrang Danish, Matt Fraulino, Andrea Dallas, Sowgol Zakarian, Staff: Cathy Lechowicz, Director AGENDA: Call Meeting to Order: Meeting called to order at 5:32pm Public Hearing: No members of public in attendance Welcome Councilwoman Spatola Councilwoman Blackwell welcomed the newly appointed Councilwoman Spatola to the commission; members introduced themselves. Approval of the Minutes: Harold Panciera made a motion to approve minutes from October 19th, 2023. Councilwoman Spatola seconded. Approved unanimously. Department Reports: Senior Department Report- Many holiday programs this past month, including a dinner where the mayor attended. Update on the Senior Lunch Program- city staff continue to work closely with Estuary to resume congregate meals under the new provider and finalize an MOU. Recreation Department Report- Wrapping a successful toy drive. Served over 350 Middletown children. Demand was high and thankfully donations were able to meet the need. The department Program/Budget Analyst announced her retirement last month and has already had her last day. The job will post soon and will work to fill as quickly as possible. OLD BUSINESS: Veterans Pool- Plan to provide several options to the commission next month regarding access to the pool for residents and non-residents. The proposals will be sent out in advance in order to have discussion and ideally vote so it can go to council at the February meeting. Sports Grant Application – Director Lechowicz showed the commission the new online sports grant application, which has required fields. Short discussion ensued and Director Lechowicz acknowledged we will continue to make modifications as needed to elicit the necessary information on the grants to make informed decisions. NEW BUSINESS: 2024 Meeting Schedule - The dates for the 2024 calendar year were presented and the time of the meetings was discussed. Harold Panciera made a motion to accept the calendar as presented, Kristen Jensen seconded. Approved unanimously. Commission Appointments Three current commissioners, Jensen, Zakarian and Pylant, have terms that are expiring 12/31/2023. All commissioners are eligible to serve another term and all have agreed to continue serving. Director Lechowicz will make the recommendation to the Mayor for Common Council approval. RecPass Director Lechowicz shared information on the RecPass for the Recreation Center. It is an attempt to be responsive to those currently partaking in programs, combine offerings and make the Rec Center more accessible. Director Lechowicz shared the schedule and the details. Staff will be open to feedback from users and we will make adjustments as needed. MISCELLANEOUS: N/A ADJOURNMENT Harold Panciera made a motion to adjourn, Councilwoman Spatola seconded. Approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.