Recreation Committee, September 12, 2017
Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes
September 12, 2017
Members Present: Lisa Post, Robin Grady, Erin Bradbury, Robin Owens
Members Absent: Melissa Staiti
Others Present: Denise Morano, Recreation Director
Teresa Brown, Recording Secretary
Mike Miller, Boy Scout Troop #180
Lisa called the Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes:
A motion was made by Lisa and seconded by Erin to accept the minutes of the
July 11, 2017 meeting.
The minutes of July 11, 2017 were accepted unanimously.
Director’s Report:
Summer: We welcomed more than 38,000 visitors to the pool and averaged 595 people per day. In comparison, 2016 had more than 47,000 people and in 2015 more than 42,600. The weather we had this summer could be a factor in the number of visitors, or because of the decrease in the number of available non-resident season passes and the doubling of the fee. The overall number of children enrolled in the programs and classes was consistent with the previous summers – the difference this summer was having 8 weeks of the All Day Program instead of 9. The total overall revenue is down almost $22,000 from last summer, most notably from the drop in non-resident passes, day pass collections and the All Day Program.
Committee members expressed concern with the drop in revenue. Several factors contributed to the decrease, weather, changes to non-resident passes and one less week of the All Day Program. Rob questioned the impact of the decrease in revenue on the department. While expenses are generally the same from year to year, the hope is that the loss can be recouped through classes and programs.
Water safety instructors and lifeguards did a terrific job keeping all swimmers and non-swimmers safe. The All Day Program staff did a wonderful job keeping 520 kids happy and safe with creative games and ideas, especially since they were confined to the gym and cafeteria on so many days because of the weather. The half-day, tennis, arts and crafts, sports, basketball and drama counselors did an outstanding job teaching their classes and getting the children involved, engaged and eager to try different things. The entire group of young people that worked over the summer showed extreme maturity and always acted in a most professional manner. Credit goes to the staff. They all did an outstanding job handling the public as well as getting along with each other.
The family pool’s gutter system will be re-caulked. It was last done in 2014 and recommended that caulking be replaced every 4 – 5 years to help prevent water loss. Weston and Sampson was the low bidder at $4,600.00. Once completed the pool will be covered for the winter.
Programs:
Before/After School Programs – Registration was held August 1, and all 3 elementary schools reached maximum capacity – 52 children in the morning and 52 in the afternoon. The registration process had the same difficulty as last year with the system overloading because of the volume of people registering at the same time. Next year there will be 3 days of registration, one day for each school which will hopefully eliminate the problem and ease the frustration of the parents. Six new staff members have been hired to fill the vacancies of staff that didn’t return. The start of the school year has been a very smooth process this year. All three schools have wait lists and there has already been some movement.
Adult Programs – We advertised several classes that began last week or are beginning this week, they are as follows: Barre-Bell on Wednesday evening, 7 enrolled; Butts & Guts on Tuesday and Thursday evening, currently 9 registered; CCYO on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, currently 26 enrolled; Gentle Hatha Yoga on Wednesday morning, currently 8 registered; Hand Sewing on Thursday evenings currently 2 register; Hatha Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, currently 25 registered; Photography (1 night workshop) on October 10, 2 registered; Rope Burn, Strength and Core on Monday evenings, currently 7 registered; Men’s Drop-in Basketball on Thursday evening begins 9/14 at Mayo School; Women’s Drop-In Volleyball on Thursday evenings begins 9/21 at Mountview. Tri-Fusion and Belly dancing classes were cancelled due to low enrollment. We are working on a wreath making class with Bemis Farms.
Children’s Classes – Lil’ Yogis, for children aged 2 – 5 and a Teen Yoga class were advertised, but there were no registrations. A “Kid Yoga” class is being offered beginning October 19, for ages 6 – 11. During the summer a Special Needs Hip-Hop class was offered for middle and high school student. Six people registered. The class was taught by Ali Phaneuf a student at Fairfield University. Many compliments were received for offering this program. The kids had a great time. It is the hope to repeat this again next summer.
Miscellaneous:
The Mountview soccer field was released on August 19, and the softball and baseball fields will be available in the spring.
Santa’s arrival will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 5:00 p.m., rolling in on a firetruck. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be provided for all visitors, and “Goodie Bags” will be handed out.
Eagle Lake Dam – There has been no decisions on the dam yet. The neighbors want to preserve and fix the dam as it is a benefit to their property. At the Selectmen’s meeting Monday, September 11, 2017 it was decided to form a committee.
Mike Miller is a member of Boy Scout Troop #180. He was a guest at the meeting working on a badge.
Motion made by Erin seconded by Lisa to adjourn at 7:46 p.m.
The next Recreation Committee meeting will be held on October 10, 2017 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Recreation Office.