Recreation and Parks Commission Regular Meeting Agenda (PDF)

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
AGENDA
Waterford Recreation and Park Commission Meeting
Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 @ 4:00 P.M.
Waterford Community Center
e = Call to order
e Establish a Quorum
« Approval of meeting minutes ~ October 25", 2022
« Public Comments
* Correspondence
Thank you - Dani Gorman
Thank You — Steve Sinagra
Thank You - Rob Brule
Recognizing R&P Maintenance Attendance ~ Sandy Kenniston
Notice of Meeting Schedules from Town Clerk Office: Time change discussion
Adding Public Works garden beds to our responsibilities
¢ Other Correspondence
* Staff Reports
e Committee Reports
= Nominating (as required) — Slate required for Commission to vote on positions
* Personnel (as required)
» Youth Sports Council: Co-sponsored Programs
= Long Range Planning
« Policies/procedures
e Representative Reports
«Board of Education
= Board of Finance
" Historical Society
= O'Neill Theater
= Senior Services
e Properties
¢ Old Business
e New Business
e Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Fileen Sullivan, Office Coordinator, Recreation and Parks Commission


Waterford Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25th, 2022
The Recreation and Parks Commission held their regular monthly meeting on October 25", 2022 at the Community
Center called to order at 4:13 p.m. by Interim Director R. McNamara and a quorum was established.
Members in attendance: N. Scheiber, E. Murphy, S. Elci, M. Chiappone, J. Gregg
Members Absent: K. Hall, L. Beaney, T. Santos, R. Ericcson
Staff: Interim Director R. McNamara and Office Coordinator E. Sullivan
Approval of Meeting Minutes;
Motion #1: Made by N. Scheiber and seconded by E. Murphy to approve the minutes of the September 27%, 2022
meeting. So voted 5-0.
Correspondence:
Thank you letter from Officer Fredricks for the help with the Police Union 5K Race.
Thank you email from Bonnie Sullivan who gave a shout out for J. Therrien’s work at beach. He is always
polite and helpful and is a valuable employee.
Thank you email from Rob Brule in regards to the split rail fence repair at Jordan Green - Looks great!
Notice of Meeting Schedules from Town Clerk Office to submit before end of year ~ E. Sullivan will forward
the dates for approval and submission. M. Chiappone asked if there has been any discussion about possibly
changing the meeting time. It’s difficult to get there at 4 pm for those that work full time. Will be put on
agenda to discuss at November meeting.
Email from Cindy Dupointe in regards to Cole Baumgartner and his Eagle Scout Project - Welcome to
Waterford booklet ~ His Coffee House was a great turn out at Community Center with a lot of different
support from different boards, He is looking to do another one in January.
Program Coordinator posting ~ Is out and closes on November 9°. Hoping to get a wider net cast with a good
group of individuals to choose from that will improve what we already have in place with our operations.
STAFF REPORTS:
Interim Director R. McNamara
Hope is to get out as much information as possible to the Commission prior to meetings so that developments
of the report can be discussed. Please send me any questions or comments that you may have from the report.
Budget is running normal, Payouts for A. Nolan and B, Flaherty we are hoping the operating budget will
absorb this. May come out of contingency or we may still have personnel funds at the end of year - R.
McNamara will be meeting with the Finance Director.
Winter/Spring booklet is being worked on and R. McNamara has a dead line of 10/28/22 so it can go out mid-
December. Programs do not start until January so we are fine.
Aquatics director is reporting well to coordinating the private swim lessons, in services for the guards, and are
looking to add more of private swim lessons and add in a watersport on Wednesdays for all ages to promote
and add attention to the pool and the offerings there.
Video Gaming - Putting feelers out to ESports. There is a huge calling for video gaming in this area and no
place to go that offers it. R. McNamara working with intern at Mitchell and Youth Services Program
Coordinator. Looking to have club with all the equipment and this also works on our sustainability. Hoping
Walmart will donate a lot of equipment to get started, Scholarships are being given out for ESports, Good for
eye/hand coordination but screen time will be looked at will need to educate the children on this. This will be
going into the booklet.
Pickle ball is looking for more time in the gym and we are hoping to accommodate. At drop in use in the
community center, use is during open gym time. Rules of open gym were explained. We are looking to
expand playing surfaces at Leary Park and other places.
Civic triangle project coming along. Took out shrubs in front of Nevins Cottage, working on split rail,
consistence aesthetics throughout.
Benches - Wilkinson and Bartelli benches are in and just waiting for plaques to go on. Waiting on Bartelli
family for theirs. Abbiati family request for bench outside in front of community center where they have been
a part of the water stop for the J. Kelly road race for over 60 years. Was discussed with Senior Services and
First Selectman and might end up being part of project around duck pond.

Questions have been asked if we are considering extending the mobi mat down the beach. R. McNamara
thinks we should consider this. This may be beneficial for the area and the family asking has raised over
$3,000 for a bench they may want. Need to look into the shifting sand and what is best for these benches
down there. Buffer to protect the dunes with the mobi mat and benches are beneficial.
Pleasure beach walk met with contractor and will be meeting with the environmental planner and contractor.
Waiting on specs to get walk to go in. Hope to get done before the cold weather hits us. Approvals and
purchase orders are all done.
Harvest Festival went well - ways to improve for next year bring it in a little closer.
Busy weekend in December coming up with Tree Lightings - December 2TM at Jordan Green and December 34
at Quaker Hill. Pearl Harbor Day road race is December 4%
Leaf collection about to begin and our Wood Program also in the middle of November (has an income
threshold)
Continuing work on the gardens at Library and Jordan Park House. Thames River Valley are going to work
on getting it to be a 4 season garden and walkways.
Community center attendance we are keeping an eye on. One reason we are having the Farmers Market being
put in the gym to offer fresh product.
Repurposed batting cage over at Vets field.
Rental Fees that were approved are all set and being used. No push back or hiccups.
Survey Monkey will be going out once approved by town attorney. We want to know questions such as:
where are you having to go elsewhere so we can build that here?
Committee Reports:
Nominating —- Make a slate for next meeting
Personnel ~ J. Therrien from Maintainer 3 to Maintainer 4. Lower Maintainer 1 had to promote to Maintainer
2 as they were having to work 2 jobs. This allows us to have work/life balance and available for overtime.
Youth Sports Council - madness looking for space but working to get it for them.
Long Range Planning - R. McNamara sent T, Santos old survey properties. National Rec and Park association
surveys to see where Waterford stands.
Policies and procedures - we work on daily as we look over our operations especially with the change we have
had.
Representative Reports:
Board of Ed - M. Chiappone has not been in a while due to a lot of special meetings. There was a lock down
at the high school but it was fake phone call.
Board of Finance - approved money for vehicle and repairs. Sending out budget guidelines soon. Annual
Report due in November and then budget in December.
Historical Society ~ was at coffee house and they want to put together a Sock Hop with Juke box donated by
Victoria Gardens.
O'Neil Theater - none
Senior Services — continue to provide help as we can for them.
Old Business:
Restart the personnel subcommittee per E, Murphy. Program coordinator panel and Director and Assistant
Director. It is in our policy book and should be made that way. R. McNamara will make sure the board has
good representation.
New Business:
J. Gregg asked to have the brick program at Vets War Park discussed.
Adjournment:
Motion #2; Made by E. Murphy, seconded by S. Elci to adjourn the meeting. So voted 5-0.
Meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fileen Sullivan, Office Coordinator
Recreation and Parks Commission

Ryan McNamara
From:
Sent:
To:
Ce:
Subject:
Dani Gorman
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 11:30 AM
Ryan McNamara
Cindy Dupointe; Robert Brule; jodyNaz@aol.com; Filomenas; Joseph Trelli; Anne Ogden;
Heidi McSwain; Linda Geer
Veterans Coffeehouse
Hi Ryan - Thank you for agreeing to attend next week’s Veterans Coffeehouse at Filomena’s on my behalf. The First
Selectman is copied. Heidi and Joe will make sure the Thanksgiving Food Baskets are there for 9am. They may need
a few of your parks staff to make the large delivery. Anne who oversees the food bank volunteers will have them
ready by Tuesday morning. Can we arrange a pick-up at YFS for 8:30am going to Filomena’s? Rob also mentioned
having you speak briefly about your efforts with tiles that honor Veterans. Many thanks! Dani
Coffeehouse: November 8" at 9am at Filomena’s
Dani E. Gorman
Town of Waterford
Human Services Administrator
Senior Services
Youth & Family Services
(860)444-5839


Ryan McNamara
From: Steven Sinagra
Sent: Tuesday, November 1, 2022 2:13 PM
To: Cindy Dupointe; Dani Gorman; Gary Schneider; Jeffrey Robillard; Jim Bartelli; Kimberly
Allen; Marc Balestracci; Michael Howley; Robert Brule; Ryan McNamara; Steven Sinagra;
Mark Greczkowski; Thomas Giard Il; Joseph Mancini
Subject: Millstone Drill Feedback / Thank you
Thank you to you and your staff for participating in today’s FEMA Evaluated Millstone Drill. There were two FEMA reps
and a state employee as our controller. The controller provides the drill injects at the appropriate times according to the
scripted drill such as failed warning sirens, traffic issues, etc.
The early feedback on our team was that participation was “phenomenal.” One of the FEMA evaluators said that she
has not seen a drill where there was active participation from so many town departments. Another comment that |
overheard between the two evaluators was that they were “extremely impressed” with the discussions and planning
going on at all of the tables. They noticed that all of the groups were looking ahead and planning for any contingencies
before they were introduced in the drill.
The direct feedback that they gave me before leaving was that our team did a fantastic job! This is not surprising as we
have received similar reviews in the past.
Thank you all!
Please share with participants from your departments.
Steve
Steven R. Sinagra
Emergency Management Director
Town of Waterford
204 Boston Post Road
Waterford, CT 06385
(860) 442-9585 (office)
(860) 625-1351 (cell)


Ryan McNamara
From: Robert Brule
Sent: Saturday, November 12, 2022 10:43 AM
To: Ryan McNamara
Cea: kenny.hall74@gmail.com
Subject: Josh
Ryan,
| wanted to extend a sincere thank you to Josh and you for helping set up and break down the Waterford Veterans
Ceremony yesterday. It made for a wonderful day and tribute to our veterans and military families. Thank you very
much.
Rob Brule
First Selectman
Waterford Town Hall
15 Rope Ferry Road
Waterford, CT 06385
rbrule@waterfordct.org
Phone: 860-444-5834
Fax: 860-444-0273
Tanef
Water ford
‘CONNECTICUT
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL: This communication, including attachments, is for the exclusive use of addressee and
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disclosure, dissemination or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you're not the intended recipient, please notify the
sender immediately by return email and delete this communication and destroy all copies.


Ryan McNamara
From: Sandy Kenniston
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2022 8:48 AM
To: Christine Walters; Gary Schneider; Ryan McNamara; Jim Bartelli
Ce: Amy Windle
Subject: RE: Mobile Hearing Testing - 11/18/22 @ 7:00am
Hi Christine,
Allis going well for the hearing tests. Park & Rec wins the prize for having everyone at work today. ©
Here are the names of those employees who were not here today:
WUC
Dean Rowe
Dimitri Sferrazza
DPW
Glenn Andrews
Robert Harrington
Erik Kelly
Kevin Miller
David Muscarella
Let us know when/how to get these employees tested, and we will send them.
Thanks,
Sandy
From: Christine Walters <cwalters@waterfordct.org>
Sent: Thursday, November 17, 2022 3:01 PM
To: Gary Schneider <gschneider@waterfordct.org>; Ryan McNamara <rmcnamara@waterfordct.org>; Jim Bartelli
<jbartelli@waterfordct.org>; Daniel Matheson <dmatheson@waterfordct.org>
Cc: Sandy Kenniston <skenniston@waterfordct.org>; Eileen Sullivan <esullivan@waterfordct.org>; Amy Windle
<AWindle@waterfordct.org>; Scott Olson <solson@waterfordct.org>; Thomas McKittrick Jr
<tmckittrick@waterfordct.org>; Peter Clark <PClark@waterfordct.org>
Subject: RE: Mobile Hearing Testing - 11/18/22 @ 7:00am
Just a reminder, the mobile hearing testing will take place tomorrow morning. They will arrive around 6:30am to set up
and the first group, Rec & Park Maintainers, are scheduled for 7:00am. The testing schedule is outlined in my email
below. Feel free to move people around to different times if you need to.
Thank you,
Christine Walters
Director of Human Resources
Town of Waterford
860-440-0517

From: Christine Walters
Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2022 1:04 PM
To: Gary Schneider <gschneider@waterfordct.org>; Ryan McNamara <rmcnamara@waterfordct.org>; Jim Bartelli
<jbartelli@waterfordct.org>; Daniel Matheson <dmatheson@waterfordct.org>
Ce: Sandy Kenniston <skenniston@waterfordct.org>; Eileen Sullivan <esullivan@waterfordct.org>; Amy Windle
<AWindle@waterfordct.org>; Robert Brule <rbrule@waterfordct.org>
Subject: Mobile Hearing Testing - 11/18/22 @ 7:00am
Importance: High
Good afternoon!
As part of our hearing conservation program for Public Works, Rec & Park, and Utility, our annual hearing testing will be
conducted on November 18, 2022 starting at 7:00am, in the parking lot of the Public Works/Utility building. Rec & Park
employees will be the first test group as their day starts at 6:30am. This program is able to test groups of 8 employees
at a time, lasting approximately 20 minutes and includes the hearing test and OSHA required training. Between the
three departments, we will have 43 employees that need to be tested. It is imperative that we have as many employees
present on that day, as absent employees will have to be sent to Pequot Occupational Health for a separate test, which
will cost us additional money. ist belov i ay off fc
i
The testing schedule below is based on the schedule from last year, with a few edits based on employees who have left
and new employees that have started. | have no problem if you need to make adjustments to the schedule (although
Rec & Park will need to be the 7:00am group), just thought it would be easier to start with what we used last year.
7:00 a.m.
Adams, Chad L
Cancelmo, Nicholas D
Gladue, Corey J.
Madrid, Gabriel
Olson, Scott A
Silvestri, Jordan J.
Therrien, Joshua J
7:30 a.m.
Burke, David L
Clark, Peter C
Dulin, Patrick K
Gerovitz, Logan T
McNair, Ryan D
Rowe Jr, Dean E
Sferrazza, Dimitri G.
Williams, Eric J
8:00 a.m.
Lathrop, Fred G.
Machinski, Edward J.
Andrews Jr, Glenn D.
Maintainer Ill
Maintainer II
Maintainer II
Maintainer Il
Parks Foreman
Maintainer II
Maintainer IV
Sewer Maint. Operator
Foreman
Sewer Technician 2
Sewer Technician 2
Sewer Technician 1
Sewer Maint. Operator
Sewer Technician 1
Lead Maintenance Officer
Survey Party Chief
Asst. Construction Inspector
Refuse Truck Driver
371303-Rec & Park
371303-Rec & Park
371303-Rec & Park
371303-Rec & Park
371303-Rec & Park
371303-Rec & Park
371303-Rec & Park
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
311303-Utility Commission
301303-Public Works

IFTEEN ROPE PERRY ROAD WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
To: Darleen Celotto, Deputy Town Clerk
From: Eileen Sullivan, Office Coordinator, Recreation and Parks Commission
Date: October 25, 2022
Subject: 2023 Schedule of Regular Meetings
The Recreation and Parks Commission holds their regular monthly meetings at 4:00 p.m. in the
Community Center on the following dates:
January 24%, 2023 July 25%, 2023
February 28", 2023 August 22, 2023
March 28", 2023 September 26, 2023
April 25", 2023 October 24*, 2023
May 234, 2023 November 24*, 2023
June 27%, 2023 No December Meeting
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Sullivan, Office Coordinator
Recreation and Parks Commission


Ryan McNamara
From: Gary Schneider
Sent: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 8:40 AM
To: 
Ryan McNamara
Subject: Municipal Complex
New guy, old request. The planting beds at the Complex need some help, in the care of the plantings (rimming) and
mulch. The previous Director could not fit us in. Anyway of getting this into the schedule?
Gary J Schneider
Director of Public Works
Town of Waterford
Public Works Department


WATERFORD RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
INTERIM DIRECTOR — NOVEMBER 2022 REPORT
November fully in our rearview, here is what is going onl...
> Reporting
Current budget expenditures: $735,808 or 55% of the $1,452,431 budget. We are further
along than normal due to retirement payouts.
Current revenues: Revenues are being adjusted as we journal the Special
Revenue Accounts for FY’23. Reports currently show a
collection of $156,261,
FY’24 Budget:
I would like to have a new look to the budget this year so creation and development has
already begun! The new look should be easier to read and allow for justification immediately
following each request. I tried to include the impact of R&P in the communities through our
Annual Report, so with the budget I will be using national metric comparisons to establish
Waterford’s presence and justify our requests.
Progress:
I have begun updating the minimum wage schedules and part time schedules four our seasonal
staff in the budget. Foreman Olson is reviewing maintenance needs and requesting back up
quotes.I am working with the town engineers to discuss playground improvements at Leary
Park, an accessible walk from the parking lot to the dog park at Stenger Farm, and the addition
of mobi mats along the dune fencing at Waterford Beach Park. Please let me know of any other
ideas or initiatives we should be pursuing sooner rather than later for capital projects.
The Annual Report has been submitted. An electronic copy was sent out to Commissioner
emails and hard copies are available upon request.
I have reached the “free” extent of SurveyMonkey and will now hand over to Joe Trelli of
Youth and Family Services to finalize as they have a license for SurveyMonkey. I will be
including a license for R&P, if advised so by IT, in the FY’24 Budget. This is in reference to
the town wide survey and re-introducing our efforts to the public.
> Programming
The booklet is printing! Thank you to all of the staff for their review and edits. We have a lot
going on and new programs to coordinate and fund so all hands are on deck.
Interviews for the Program Coordinator have been scheduled for Monday and Tuesday,
November 28" and 29", Hopefully I will have some good news to present at our meeting!
We have purchased four (4) portable pickleball nets for our avid participants. Port-o-johns
' have been placed at Leary and Waterford Beach parks for the continued use at the park when
the weather forces us to close down the bathrooms.
> Projects
Civic Triangle Project: The unfortunate departure of Abby Piersol, Planning Director, puts a
small set back in the push to seeing the project through. I have contacted the town approved
engineers for the final specs of the plan and to see what pieces of the project can be handled in
house and started.

We have installed the split rail along the front of the Nevins Cottage to remove the unsightly
shrubs and allow for consistency through the park. We have more linear feet for wreaths and
holiday decorations!
I have reached out the Town Clerk and Bob Nye, Town Historian, regarding a renovation in
the front of Town Hall (continuing split rail/replacing declining trees/plantings, and
repurposing the concrete rock wall in another area). Bob Nye is currently researching any ties
to the rock wall in front of Town Hall as well as any issue with placing split rail in the parking
lot to extend available parking closer to the walk on Avery Lane.
We presented the families and dedicated the Wilkinson and Bartelli benches along the
accessible walk at Waterford Beach Park. Families were appreciative of our efforts and ability
to fulfill their request. Benches are still a hot topic as I have requests for benches at Mago
Point, Waterford Beach Park waterfront, and Community Center/Civic Triangle.
The RTM appropriated and approved the funding for the Pleasure Beach Walk repairs. I have
met with the contractor and Environmental Planner to discuss the project. It was agreed an
additional tidal wetlands plan would need to be established before the work starts in order to
best determine the transition from the walk to the mobi mats. The current descent makes ADA
transition difficult. This will be completed in Spring ’23 before the next beach season.
| I am also picking up the Children’s Playground Shade Structure project that Director Flaherty
had been working on. I am in communication with the vendor and awaiting details of the
project. Update: Still awaiting word from the Vendor. The structure selected may not work for
the area we have. J will review any alternatives and present when received.
> Special Events
December 2, 2022: Jordan Park Light Up The Night @ 6pm. Parking and shuttles available
from Public Safety, Library, and Community Center. CLMs chorus and luminaries! A very
special night.
December 3, 2022: Quaker Hill Tree Lighting @ 6pm. Join the festivities at the QH Green in
lighting the tree and treats with Santa at the QH Firehouse afterwards. A picture cut out will be
a new element to this year’s event!
December 4, 2022: 415 Pearl Harbor Road Race @ 11am starting at the VFW. Ann Nolan is
coming back to help us with another Pearl Harbor Day Race! Ann graciously volunteered to
help the staff through the event and coordination. SNERRO will do the timing and we have
ordered the shirts locally through Sportees.
Stuff The Bus — 11/18/22
We had a great time visiting the schools and collecting all of the donations the kids had
donated. It is such a great event to promote all of the good things Waterford provides. We have
the younger generation being instilled with civic duty and providing those in need with a
supporting hand during tough, seasonal times. Thank you to Youth and Family Services for
inviting us to share in the experience!
The Waterford Farmers Market has been a great addition to the Community Center offerings.
It is nice to see all of the local vendors as well as the public expressing interest and lots of foot
traffic on weekends. We have not received any issues or complaints about the gym being
unavailable on Saturdays to this point.
The Lions Craft Fair was a success. Meetings were held with both the Farmers Market and
Lions to cover logistics for both entities to co-exist at the Community Center on November

12'", There is now a better dialogue for those from the Lions being interested in doing more
with the Farmers Market.
We are already booking our performers, selecting a sound technician, and securing food trucks
for the summer concert series. Really looking forward to presenting the line-up if all goes as
planned!
I visited a well-attended Veterans Coffee House on Tuesday, November 8" at Filomenas. I
introduced our Flag project at Leary Park, discussed the Path Of Honor brick program, and
notified the group of our alternative wood heating program. I was able to connect with a few of
the veterans the next day at the Community Center for the special luncheon.
The First Selectman held a very nice event was heid at Veterans War Park on Veterans Day to
recognize those who previously and currently serve our country. The Path of Honor was
discussed and the public came out for a nice showing.
> Maintenance
We are relied upon heavily for the transport and deliveries for those in need in Waterford. We
have a great partnership with Youth and Family Services to support their meal and gift
program for families in need. We hand delivered over 90+ turkeys and meals to individual
doors and complexes. It is another great program to be a part of and highlights some of the
services we provide that residents may not be aware of.
Responsibilities coming up:
- MSDS Updates and Emergency Action Plans for the garages
- Our alternative heating, wood program is already accepting applicants and first orders will
be going out early November unless there are extenuating circumstances.
- Continued work at park trails and accessible paths — heavy rains and storms do significant
damage to our stone dust and gravel pathways.
- Inventory and budget requests/needs
- Holiday decorating and breakdown — Civic Triangle and QH Green
- Garden and ballfield winterization
- Trail Cam installation at Leary and Waterford Beach Park
[am still putting together a plan to upgrade the signage, benches, and trash cans throughout the
Civic Triangle. There is a fund that will help secure these improvements initiated by the First
Selectman and Waterford businesses. Update: The review has been completed. Ten to twelve
trash cans will be replaced throughout the Civic Triangle. Funding remains for improved
signage and benches that we will start to plan and request.
> Community Center Attendance
We had 785 drop in users for 26 days in October. These numbers do not include programming
attendance or traffic from the Farmers Market on Saturdays.
> Youth Sports:
Continued support to our co-sponsored organizations for gym time at BOE facilities.
Budget forms have been sent to all organizations for submittal by 12/20/2022.
Maintenance requests for specialized work are being received and reviewed.
Respectfully Submitted
Ryan McNamara, Interim Director