Recreation

MONTPELIER RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY BOARD MEETING December 17, 2014 Attending Board Members: Karlynn Koenemann, Andrea Talentino, Aubrey Boyles Absent Board Members, James Surwilo, Ena Backus, Susan Aldrich (school board), Tom Golonka (City Council). Attending Rec. Department: Arne McMullen, Director, Jenny Bartlett, Program Coordinator Absent Rec. Department: Penny Dowen Called to order 5:40 Public Presentations: None Minutes from November 12, 2014 were motioned to approve by Andrea and 2nd by Aubrey. Financial: Arne went over the financial reports with the Board. The Department is at a $5,000.00 difference from last year. Arne believes that this is due to pool daily admissions and outdoor program fees being down because there were more season passes sold in June. Swimming program fees are up from last year Recreation fees for indoor programs are $4,500.00 above compared to last year at this time Concession was down this summer due to a delay in ice cream deliveries. $2,000.00 down from last year in outdoor rentals. Arne does not see this as a concern as some of this we will collect from outstanding rental use before the end of the fiscal year. As the end of November we have 50.75% of the budget remaining. Financials were motioned to approve by Andrea and 2nd by Aubrey Old Business: Grants: Arne presented two grants that he is looking into. The Cultural Facilities Grant & The Historic Preservation Grant for Accessibility Modification Grants. We were not eligible for the USDA Rural Development grant. These are grants that would contribute to the ADA building update. Arne explained that these grants will play an important part in keeping this building open. The Recreation Department building is a heavily utilized building by the public. Numbers coming into the Recreation Center annually are in the 3,000 + range. The facility is the host of a variety of programs and public service. Budget update: The school board has approved the Recreation Department budget and Arne will present the budget to the city council this evening. New Business: Tennis Courts: Arne explained to the board that minor repairs at the Recreation Courts are needed. These repairs will be far cheaper that resurfacing the entire court. Karlynn suggested asking the Montpelier High School to pitch in for repairs as they use the courts as well. Arne agreed to speak with the school to find out if a 50% split would be possible. Building Discussion: Tabled for next month. Advertising for Summer: Arne told board members that we are going to start advertising for seasonal summer positions for the 2015 season. Director’s Report: Ice skating at the pool will open as soon as the ice is at a safe measurement (about 12 inches). At this time the ice is not thick enough to plow off. Program Coordinator Report: Jenny spoke with the board about the possibility of offering a clown special event at the Wednesday morning play group. It was asked if the department should charge those in attendance. The board suggested that the Recreation Department ask for donations from participants. Those who have been attending the play group in the past may not expect the fee when they arrive. The board was asked to consider putting an absolute deadline on youth sports registrations. The board suggested that a two week absolute deadline would be fair as long as the programs are advertised well in advance and in a manner that potential participants were presented with registration and program information. Board members were reminded that the special event Ice Skating with Frosty the Snowman is happening this Sunday from 2:00 – 4:00. Andrea will be present to volunteer. Other Business: The board was reminded of the Budget Presentation to the City Council this evening. Motion was made by Aubrey to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 and Andrea 2nd.