Recreation & Parks Commission - Minutes - 07/23/2024

RECEIVED FOR REC enact
WATERFORD, EVO ford Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
WH UG -2:1A 07 July 23*4, 2024 @ 4:30 pm
Waterford Community Center
arrest: Qed Z;
The Recreation and SIN ission held a regular scheduled meeting on July 234, 2024 at the Waterford
Community Center. Meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Chairman, E. Murphy and a quorum was
established.
Members in attendance: L. Beaney, M. Gwudz, R. Erricson, T. Santos, E. Murphy, N. Scheiber, T. Stino,
Members Absent: M. Chiappone, J. Gregg
Staff: R. McNamara (Director), T. Cieplik (Program Coordinator), E. Sullivan (Office Coordinator)
Guests: Robert Tuneski (Finance Liaison)
Approval of Meeting Minutes:
(Motion #1): R. Erricson made a motion and N. Scheiber seconded to approve the June 25", 2024 meeting
minutes. So voted 7/0
Correspondence:
A drawing of a seashell on the beach was handed into Recreation and Parks and the child had written “new beach
sticker idea” on it to consider for next year’s beach stickers. A compliment came in from Steve Balkau for J.
Therrien about lower Stenger Park and a job well done. The Gardiner Family Foundation sent in a donation in the
amount of $10,000 for the Children’s Playground project in the civic triangle. Maintainers J. Therrien, C. Adams
and N. Cancelmo received a thank you from T. Wheeler, Assistant Director, of Senior Services for assisting in their
annual senior picnic. We received an email from L. Saucier, Wildlife Biologist, making us aware of the American
Oystercatcher Chicks at Waterford Beach that were displaced from their parents and to be mindful when
grooming the beach but they should be able to fly soon. A few emails in regards to the beach changes that were put
in place the past month saying both thank you and also some concerns for parking. Two flyers were shared and
passed out for J. Bartelli, Director of Utility Commission’s retirement party after 39 years with the town on August
8th, and also Michael Howley, Director of Fire Services retirement gathering on July 26",
Staff Reports:
Director - R. McNamara
Civic Triangle: benches and trash cans have been ordered and expected late July. Light posts, trees, streetscape are
all finishing up. Rock wall entry and plaza are working towards completion. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for
August 9" and parade is August 10‘, There will be a band that plays on both days. Leary French Drain is now ina
state where machines can access and finalize the end of the trench around the hillside (right field) of Leary softball
field. Public Works began prepping the apron for repair and widening. We continue to finalize the completion of
Community Garden. Barry Farm Eagle Scout signage project is moving forward and we have a meeting this week.
Town Hall basketball court replacement has been approved through the BOS and BOF. Staff awaits the RTM
meeting for final review. Waterford Beach Park garage is in review of the exterior design phase with Planning and
Zoning. Bicls requests will be going out for the Pleasure Beach boardwalk project (RFP) to start after beach
season. Maintenance: We have a maintainer currently out on administrative leave while the Town and respective
parties work out any accommodations/options for our employee. We have brought on 2 seasonal maintainers who
will be helping out with regular operations of mowing, trimming, mulching gardens, painting athletic fields and
lining ballfields, beach operations that are all in full swing, etc. We are installing the new dune fencing at
Waterford Beach Park.
Back to School landscaping required over next month will begin soon. Ruddlesden bench dedication on 7/23/24 at
Community Center. Ruddy’s bench is located on the Senior Service side where the van pick-up and drop-off are
located. Fleet Management equipment has been placed with Finance. Purchase orders have been sent and