Recreation Committee, October 10. 2017

Members Present:  Robin Grady, Erin Bradbury, Melissa Staiti, Robin Owens

Members Absent:  Lisa Post

Others Present:  Denise Morano, Recreation Director

Erin called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

Minutes:  A motion was made by Robin Grady, and seconded by Erin to approve the minutes of September 12, 2017 as written.   The minutes were accepted unanimously.

Director’s Report:

• Denise reported that the Before and After School Programs at all 3 schools were at maximum capacity with 52 children at each site. The staff are doing a wonderful job keeping the children engaged in activities. There has been very few issues, problems and complaints. We have had movement from the wait lists. As soon as someone drops out, the next person on the wait list is called and they typically take the open slot.
• Denise reviewed the adult classes and the number of participants, and stated these classes would again be offered beginning in November. There are 3, one night workshops planned (photography this evening), and registration deadlines have been placed on them to try and get people to register early so the class doesn’t have to be cancelled. Too often we’ve cancelled a class, only to have many people trying to register right before the class was scheduled to begin. Melissa asked how the women’s volleyball was going, and Denise said there have been 14 women – very good numbers, and a lot of younger women have been playing. Men’s basketball is doing well also. Rob questioned what a “scrub” class was, and decided he’d purchase his cleansing products.
• The family pool gutter caulking was replaced, and the pool cover will be in place sometime this week.
• A Boy Scout will improve the landscaping around the Trout Brook Lodge for his Eagle Scout project.  Denise reported that the 2 smaller pavilions have been rebuilt and they look terrific – bright, clean and airy.  The large pavilion will be included in the 2018 budget to rebuild – it’s dark and dingy and needs an overhaul.
• All Before and After School Program staff are certified in first aid and cpr.

Melissa asked about Eagle Lake and Denise reported that the Board of Selectmen are looking for volunteers to serve on a committee to explore options for funding the development of the recreation area, cleaning and maintenance of the lake, and ownership and maintenance of the dam.

Rob asked if the after school program staff was high school students. Denise said we have high school students, college students, moms and grandmothers working at the programs. Rob said that there was very good energy from the staff.

Robin Grady asked about a survey that the Recreation Dept. had sent out. Denise said that in addition to the Facebook survey that was sent out last week, we sent out a survey today via an email blast to all account holders that reached more than 4,000 people.  Denise will have a breakdown of the survey results at our next meeting.

The next meeting of the Recreation Committee will be on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the Recreation office.

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

The minutes were recorded by Denise Morano, Recreation Director