Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 05/23/2023

Waterford Recreation and Parks Commission
May 23rd, 2023 – 4:30 pm
Waterford Community Center
The Recreation and Parks Commission held a regular scheduled
meeting on May 23, 2023 at the Community Center. Meeting was
called to order at 4:32 p.m. by Director Ryan McNamara and a
quorum was established.
Members in attendance: R. Erricson, E. Murphy, T. Santos, N.
Scheiber, L. Beaney
Members Absent: K. Hall, M. Chiappone, J. Gregg
Staff: Director - R. McNamara, Program Coordinator - T. Cieplik,
and Office Coordinator- E. Sullivan
Approval of Meeting Minutes:
(Motion #1) - Made by R. Erricson and seconded by E. Murphy to
approve the minutes of the April 25, 2023 regular meeting.
So voted 5-0
Public Comments:
None
Correspondence:
None

Other Correspondence:
Summer Music Concert Line up released in the summer booklet –
Waiting on food truck bids from Finance office. Every Wednesday
from 6-8 pm bands included: Community Band, FUSION, Carl
Franklin Band, Azalea Drive, Mystic Dead, Soul Sound Review,
Sugar, Branded, FUSION, Tim Fiorvanti Orchestra Symphony.
STAFF REPORTS:
Director R. McNamara –
Civic triangle has had 2 meetings – R. McNamara, T. Santos and M.
Chiappone –bids came in speaking with contractor that was
awarded the bid. Overall project came in very high. Still looking at
dredging (first priority of the committee). Different materials for the
boardwalk and stamped concrete is approximately ½ a million less
and lasts longer. Street Scape will be a separate bid. BOF meeting
we were able to move the irrigation into the basketball court.
Tennis courts R. McNamara will move forward to see if we can
move it into an emergency appropriation and get the ball rolling.
Leary, Waterford Beach Park and Quaker Hill we are looking for the
post tension as the asphalt repair has zero warranty. R. McNamara
will be revising the Capital Improvement Plan to re-identify our
priorities in park projects and amenities. BOE installed a new plug
for our summer concert series which will help immensely. Looking
to move ahead on the two pickle ball courts in Civic Triangle. R.
McNamara and T. Cieplik attended the Save the River Save the Hills
Pumpout Boat Event going into the Niantic River. It was discussed
to have a Fred Grimsey day in Waterford. GGA is moving forward
for filling the Assistant Director position that may happen around
fall. Install of the Hamler Bench at Waterford Beach – we will be
taking pictures and posting. Maintenance employees doing a great
job keeping up with the ever changing BOE fields. Tons of plantings
go in at Jordan Park House and it is looking wonderful – a lot of
compliments. Underwater aerators are installed but muck in water
clogging and need more work and it keeps flipping breaker switch.
(Motion #2) - made by N. Scheiber and seconded by E. Murphy to

accept letter C of the new logo design but removing the dotted lines
and wording to be Play – Explore – Relax. So voted 5/0.
R. McNamara – requesting thru BOS to return the payouts to our
operating budget. Senior Citizen Beach Fee discussion – it is about
$5,500 to our general funds or more if we give seniors a free
sticker. Typical cost is $11.00 more discussion is needed and will
also need to go thru the RTM. This would be for next beach season.
Program Coordinator T. Cieplik –
Fields – getting a lot of use with little league, softball, Babe Ruth,
American Legion, lacrosse. Social media postings - Water Safety
Month, teacher appreciations, dogs on leash and clean up,
Waterford Farmers Market, and hiring for summer staff. August
12th is the
Waterford parade and we have been working with other town
departments to make this happen. A lot of events happening at the
community center – Farmers Market, Art Show, Eagle Scout event,
orchestra and band concerts, etc. Summer plans underway for
playground at Quaker Hill, Oswegatchie, and Great Neck. Training
for lifeguards and will be all set for staffing but we have been
competing with state beaches and higher rate of pay. Gatehouse
opens May 27th Memorial Day weekend and we are working on the
gatehouse manual. 3v2 basketball will be a new program and will
cost $25.00.
L. Beany left meeting at 5:10 pm.
Committee Reports:
Nominating – none
Personnel – Assistant Director position will be moving forward with
GGA
Youth Sports Council – Reschedule the meeting but will put it out
there again.

Long Range Planning – Review Capital Improvement – ideas for
Leary, Tennis Courts etc. Design plans back for pleasure beach
access walk - checking on tidal wetlands before going out to bid.
Policies and procedures – standstill trying to gather everything
together and set up a committee meeting
Representative Reports:
Board of Ed – None
Board of Finance – None
Historical Society – Art in Waterford - Marionettes – print shop put
together a very nice banner for them. Planting more roses at JPH.
O’Neil Theater – None
Senior Services – None
Old Business:
None
New Business:
Discussion of seniors paying for beach stickers or waiving the fee.
Adjournment:
(Motion #3): Made by R. Erricson and seconded by N. Scheiber to
adjourn the meeting. So voted 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Sullivan, Office Coordinator

Recreation and Parks Commission