Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 08/25/2020

The Waterford Recreation and Parks Commission held their regular
      monthly meeting on August 25, 2020.  Chairman Santos chaired the
      meeting.

      MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:  Cs. Santos, Whelan, Erricson, Scheiber,
      Kanabis, Murphy, Gardiner, Hall

      STAFF: Director Flaherty, Assistant Director McNamara

      MEMBERS ABSENT:

      MOTION #1:  Made by C. Whelan, seconded by C. Kanabis to approve the
      minutes of the July 28, 2020 meeting as received.  So voted 8-0

      CORRESPONDENCE:  Town of Waterford acquisition of 13 Parkway

      Cs. Erricson mentioned a discussion in the past about this property.
      He followed up with concerns relating to maintenance staffing.

      Director Flaherty mentioned it was not stated who would be performing
      any maintenance, only that the Conservation Commission supported the
      purchase. Director Flaherty will follow up with the First Selectman.

      Kathleen Pierce, Assistant Director of Senior Services, thanked the
      department for the construction of the planters to establish their
      garden program.

      STAFF REPORTS:  Reports were accepted as received and placed on file.

      In addition Director Flaherty reported on the beach pathway and
      bathroom project, noticing the staff that has been working on the
      project and the savings this plan has provided. The continuation of
      the project will commence the day after Columbus Day to account for
      expected use of the beach while families are navigating the hybrid
      school model. The beach access will be closed due to the nature of the
      work and conditions on the causeway during that period. A budget
      update was given as well as a report on beach staff operations that
      are going well.

      The Director also advised that the Gardiner Family Foundation
      continues to support the Children’s Playground.

      After following up with Chief Mahoney, Director Flaherty praised the
      improved efforts of presence on the waterfront at WBP.

      Discussions are underway with the BOE on pool availability and the
      efforts needed to maintain sanitation of the pool and facilities used.
      A schedule is being developed to begin a modified Lap Swim with
      disinfecting breaks between groups. This is where the BOE custodian
      staff is essential. Community Use of Schools will be dependent upon
      the success of students returning to school and the sanitation
      requirements. Scheduling in after school activities could prove
      troublesome.

      The Community Use of Schools discussion lead into requests for an
      update on Shared Services. Each year, R&P provides the BOE with a cost
      to maintain all of the properties. Director Flaherty will follow up
      with the First Selectman regarding Shared Services.

      An applicant was selected by the interview panel for the open
      Maintainer I position. We are awaiting the completion of the hiring
      process, physical, and drug screening. Also mentioned were the new
      procedures implemented by Human Resources for obtaining applicant
      information, interview set up, etc.

      Tennis court repairs are underway. Pickleball lines will be
      established on two (2) courts at Leary Park and one (1) court at
      Waterford Beach Park.

      A charge was given to the Personnel Committee to review surrounding
      town maintenance staffing and responsibilities in an effort to justify
      staffing to the growing maintenance demands in Town. Commission
      members on the Personnel Committee will be notified to meet.




      Assistant Director McNamara discussed ongoing maintenance projects and
      completed tasks. Installation of book barns, garden improvements,
      storm clean up, and routine landscaping are taking place for all Town
      properties. BOE properties are being dressed up for First Day of
      School.

       Youth Sports updates for the programs in town that cancelled their
      seasons or were able to provide a modified season. Winter Sports are
      already in discussion on what may be available or modifications for
      their respective sports.

      Any opportunity for funding a seasonal worker to assist with the
      workload (staff missing time due to illness, injury, Covid related
      school requirements for children, etc). Due to the open positions,
      some funding should be realized for assistance. The youth sport field
      maintenance was mentioned as the volunteer base has shrunk
      considerably, and only more so during the virus. Cs. Hall discussed
      Little League North as an example.

      Program Coordinator Sullivan was not in attendance but her report was
      reviewed by the Commission. Cs. Gardiner requested a letter of thanks
      be sent to all summer staff for their dedication and outstanding help
      during these difficult times. A letter will be drawn up for the
      employees from the Commission to be sent home and one kept in their
      personnel file.

      MOTION #2:  Made by C. Whelan, seconded by C. Erricson to adjourn.  So
      voted 8-0.

      Meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m.




      Respectfully submitted,

      Ryan McNamara, Assistant Director

                                      Recreation and Parks Commission