Recreation Advisory Board

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting Minutes September 21, 2022 Call to order- Julie Called the meeting to order at 6:05pm Present: Derell Wilson, Julie Cagle, Grant Neurendorf, Jeff Brown, Tara Booker, Kate Milde (NYFS), Erin Haggan (NYFS Manager) meeting held at the Senior Center 1. Approval of minutes. Wilson/Brown Passed unanimously Public Comment None New Business 1. Program update Tara shared the programming data which included a list of youth, adult and new programs. The Rec Dept is partnering up with YFS to provide after school programming at 4 NPS. Many of those programs are contracted and vendors are running the programs. Derell asked about what other leagues and groups using rec facilities. It was requested thatpermitted groups be added to the programming report. 2. Facilities The Armstrong courts are in the process of getting done. The Stanton Courts are in need of repair. Julie Spoke with Fred Phelps, member of the Tennis Committee about the cracks and the materials was purchased to fix it and he has reached out to public works 3. Rec Director There was a discussion about the proposal to move the recreation programming under Youth & Family Services (YFS). Julie voiced concerns about the plan. The rational for the plan seemed to mainly focus on the youth of Norwich and not include the diverse population of Norwich. It was asked if this was a “done deal”? It seemed the answer was “yes”. It was asked “What is the purpose of the Rec Advisory Board?” The Board was not given the proposal to review and offer advise or input. The feeling by some members is that the Recreation Dept. needs to be an independent department and not under YFS. YFS has a specific focus and goals which will be a priority for them and they do not have the background and experience to efficiently manage the Recreation Dept. and in turn the Rec Dept. will suffer. It was suggested the Advisory Board set up a meeting with the city manager. Old Business A.The Master Plan which will look at the fields and facilities to determine the best use of the spaces, upgrades and set priorities is set to go out for bids was not available so Derell said Grant and he will call Bob, the purchasing agent about the draft RFQ 4. Adjournment 6:45 pm Wilson/Brown Next meeting November 16, 2022 6pm