Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 10/25/2022

Waterford Recreation and Parks Commission 
Regular Meeting Minutes 
October 25th, 2022  
 
The Recreation and Parks Commission held their regular monthly meeting on October 25th, 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 27th, 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 9th.  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 2nd at Jordan Green and December 3rd 
at Quaker Hill.  Pearl Harbor Day road race is December 4th 
 
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, 
Eileen Sullivan, Office Coordinator 
Recreation and Parks Commission