Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 06/22/2021

The Waterford Recreation and Parks held their regular scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 
4:00 p.m. in the Community Center.  Chairperson Santos presided.
MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:  Cs. Santos, Scheiber, Chiappone, Murphy, Erricson, Beaney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Cs. Hall, Gardiner
STAFF:  Director Flaherty, Assistant Director McNamara, Program Coordinator Sullivan
GUESTS:  Representatives from the Waterford “Recreational Basketball”, Shannon Lane and Bernadette 
Macca, and Spencer Emanuel.
MOTION #1:  Made by C. Scheiber, seconded by C. Chiappone to approve the minutes of the May 25, 
2021 as corrected.  So voted 6-0.
CORRESPONDENCE:  All correspondence was placed on file.
~ Letter from the Waterford Regional Lions Club, re: Annual Arts/Craft Show
~ Letter from Bernadette Macca, re: Waterford Recreational Basketball
~ Letter from Nick Polizzi, re: Pickleball
~ Letter from James Sachs, re: Clark Lane grounds
~ Letter from Joe Macrino, re: Oswegatchie grounds
~ Letter from Spencer Emanuel, re: Memorial Bench
~ Letter from Angela Velilla, re: Summer Art Camp
~ Memo from First Selectman Brule, re: Food Truck Festival
Chairperson Santos introduced the representatives from Waterford Recreation Basketball who spoke to 
the members regarding a new travel team program to be sponsored by the league.  A power point hard 
copy book was presented to each member, explaining the reason for this proposal. A travel team level 
would be added, which would provide equity and be in line with programs in the region. It would not 
affect the recreational league.  A lengthy discussion was held.
MOTION #2:  Made by C. Scheiber, seconded by C. Beaney to approve the proposal as presented.          
So voted 6-0.
Spencer Emanuel read a letter he wrote regarding the placement of the memorial bench in memory of 
former lifeguard Tim Bonavita.  A discussion was held regarding the placement of the bench.
MOTION #3:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Scheiber to table the request for next months’ 
meeting.  So voted 6-0.
MOTION #4:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Murphy to approve the request from the Waterford 
Lions Club, re: their annual Arts/Crafts Show on November 13, 2021.  So voted 6-0.
A request from the Alewife Cove Conservancy regarding an Arts & the Ecosystem program and to allow 
free entry to the beach for the students who registered.  A discussion was held.

Page 2 – Commission Meeting 6/22/2021
MOTION #5:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Lucas to reject the request, regarding free entry to 
the beach.  So voted 6-0.
Chairperson Santos requested the staff to have all correspondence for the Commission meeting in prior 
to one week before the scheduled meeting. She also requested that any member who cannot make the 
meeting, to notify the office staff. 
A discussion was held on the memo from the First Selectman regarding the Food Truck Festival 
proposed for September 11, 2021 at Waterford Beach Park. A lengthy discussion was held.  The Director 
was requested to find more information about this proposal and to have the group contact our office to 
see if the area is available and submit the proper paperwork.
STAFF REPORTS:  All reports were placed on file.  In addition, the Director reported on the revenues and 
expenditures as of June 1, 2021. He included a report on the transfers for the end of the 2021 fiscal year 
budget.  He reported that the new Maintainer #1 reported to work on June 14, 2021 and that brings the 
maintenance staff up to seven full time members.  The new computer system, Recdesk is working fine, 
selling beach stickers and other transactions. Invoice cloud continues to cause issues.  The RTM 
approved a change to the Alcohol Ordinance at their 6/7/2021 meeting.  A lengthy discussion was held 
regarding the policy.  Beach sticker sales have been very busy, both for resident and out-of-town.   Once 
five hundred out of town stickers have been sold, we will discontinue selling them.  The Town Attorney 
and First Selectman are aware.
The Assistant Director reported that the maintenance staff have been planting flowers/shrubs, etc. in 
and around town buildings and parks.  Food distribution, Camp Dash beaches have continued.  
Chairperson Santos and he attended an interview panel for the proposed boardwalk around the pond 
area in the Civic Triangle.
The Program Coordinator reported that she has been hiring staff for the beaches and the playgrounds, 
all of which will have started work on June 28.  She is working on the Fall Booklet and requests if any 
member is interested in a new program, to please call. She is losing two exercise employees who have 
been with the department for many years.  She announced that the concert series starts on June 23, 
2021.  
Director Flaherty reported that the Fist Selectman has appointed Steve Elci to serve on Recreation and 
Parks Commission.  He also reported that the First Selectman spoke to him regarding a proposed 
“coffee” shop for the Jordan Park House.
MOTION #6:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Murphy to adjourn.  So voted 6-0.  The meeting
adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Nolan Secretary
Recreation and Parks Commission