Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 03/23/2021

The Waterford Recreation and Parks Commission held their regular
      scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 (via zoom).  Chairman
      Santos presided.

      MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:  Cs. Santos, Erricson, Hall, Scheiber,
      Gardiner, Chiappone, Beaney

      MEMBERS ABSENT:  Cs. Whelan, Murphy

      STAFF:  Director Flaherty, Assistant Director McNamara, Program
      Coordinator Sullivan

      GUESTS:  Town Attorney Avena

      MOTION #1:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Hall to approve the
      minutes of the February 23, 2021 meeting as received.  So voted 5-0.
      C.Beaney arrived at approximately 4:01 p.m. and C. Chiappone arrived
      at approximately 4:08 p.m. Attorney Avena arrived at 4:09 p.m.

      STAFF REPORTS:  All staff reports were accepted and placed on file.
      In addition the Director reported on the expenditures standing at
      $736,480 (55.5%) and the revenue stands at $46,246 (-72% due to COVID-
      19 cancellations, beach revenue decline).  For FY22 the Commission
      approved a budget of $1,487,566.  The Board of Finance approved a
      budget of $1,450,159 (-4.7%).  The equipment line item amount
      originally asked for trailers ($12,000), which will be moved to the
      fleet management budget as advised by the First Selectman.  The
      maintenance crew continues preparing ballfields/athletic areas for
      upcoming use.  The wood program has delivered a total of 84 orders.
      Eversource will be removing several ASH Trees on state property near
      the Veteran’s field parking lot.  Credit card/software is still in
      training.  Volunteer, Vanessa Bunnell, will be working with a group
      installing pollinator pathway plants in town.  Complaints have been
      received regarding un-leashed dogs at Waterford Beach Park.  A child
      was bitten.   Signage has been installed, social media used, and the
      police have been contacted.  The equipment storage plan in our current
      CIP request was approved by the Boards of Selectmen and Board of
      Finance.  The Children’s Playground and Mago Point light replacement
      were not approved at this time.  The Waterford Beach Bathrooms (2)
      program continues.  They have been ordered and depending upon delivery
      dates, will be available this summer.  Eversource will be providing
      the electrical service soon and then town staff including our
      maintainers will pull the wires and complete other work.  Leary Park
      Basketball court re-construction and town hall basketball court
      repairs will be started soon.  Irrigation projects at Vets field and
      Leary Park will be re-visited.  The Director reported on the draft
      plans for re-opening.  He reported that we have received two requests
      for memory benches for the beach.  The two benches near the water
      front access need to be replaced.  He would like to put the new bench
      requests there. A discussion was held.

      MOTION #2:  Made by C. Hall seconded by C. Chiappone to replace the
      existing benches at the end of the causeway at Waterford Beach Park
      waterfront due to corrosion with two donated benches with the
      understanding they are the only benches to placed on the beach.  So
      voted 7-0.

      The Assistant Director’s report was reviewed , explaining the
      preparations for expected openings and getting the sport fields ready
      for play.  Also, work is continuing at the beach for the new rest
      rooms. He reported that the department has received a new paint
      machine that is very helpful in lining fields.

      The Program Coordinator’s report was reviewed.  Applications are being
      excepted at the Human Resource office for summer jobs with interviews
      to follow.  Preparations for opening the center for programs, and
      exercise room.  She reported that the playground program will be at
      the three elementary schools.  The annual East Egg Hunt will be held
      on Saturday, March 27th.  A new program , hiking town areas.  Brian
      and Ryan will conduct these tours in April.










      Page 2: March 23, 2021 Recreation Commission Meeting

      COMMITTEE REPORTS:

            ~ Personnel:  The Maintainer I position has been posted.

            ~ Co-Sponsored Programs:  A meeting will be held with the
      Basketball League to discuss new by-
          laws.

            ~ Policies:  A meeting will be held this week to review all
      policies.

            ~  Mural Wall:  All tiles have been sent and the final stages
      will start.

      OLD BUSINESS:

            ~1.   A lengthy discussion was held on the proposed
      modifications to the Code of Ordinances            section 12.08.040,
      regarding alcohol permits for certain town parks and recreation areas.
       Town       Attorney Avena spoke to the members, explaining the
      guidelines, rules, etc. This remains    tabled, until further
      information has been received.  Attorney Avena notified the members
      that  the sub-committee will make proposals.  Attorney Avena will
      bring back to the Commission for  their comments, and then a public
      meeting before going to the RTM for an Ordnance changed

            ~ 2.  A review of the Waterford high School Sea Level Rise
      Mitigation Kayak Launch Project.  A     discussion was held.  No
      action was taken.  A letter of support will be sent, supporting the
      project.

            ~3.  A discussion was held on the Board of Finance CNR request
      for funding for the Waterford     Beach Amphitheater of their meeting
      on 3/17/2021.  More information is needed.




      NEW BUSINESS:

            ~1.  A discussion was held on the following bids received for
      the scorers’ booth at Dedrick Field:

                    DeeDee Construction:  $26,400

                    Flored Enterprise:  $33,000

                    Noble Construction:  $47,342

      MOTION #3:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Gardiner to reject all
      bids for the scorers’ booth at Dedrick Field.  So voted 7-0.




      MOTION #4:  Made by C. Erricson, seconded by C. Scheiber to adjourn.
      So voted 7-0.

      Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.




      Respectfully submitted,




      Ann Nolan, Secretary