Recreation Minutes
RECREATION COMMITTEE ZOOM MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 13, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rob Owens, Robin Grady, Erin Bradbury
MEMBERS ABSENT: n/a
OTHERS PRESENT: Denise Morano, Recreation Director
Erin Bradbury called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
Motion was made by Erin Bradbury to accept the minutes of September 8, 2020, seconded by Rob Owens. Minutes were accepted as written.
Robyn Floyd and Melissa Staiti arrived at 7:11 p.m.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
PROGRAMS: Denise reported that there aren’t any programs running at this time. She stated that the Rutland Recreation Director received word from an elementary school principal that there won’t be any Before and/or After School Programs during the hybrid plan. Robyn Floyd said that Bancroft School students have been in school for 6 weeks without any issues. Rob Owens asked whether the Town has suffered financially, and Denise said that people are still paying their taxes, but the Recreation Department is self-sufficient, and without having programs, our revenues are way down. Rob Owens asked about virtual classes, but Denise doesn’t want to run these because the children are on computers all day for school. Rob asked if there were any classes where an instructor teaches all about virtual classes. Rob asked about setting times aside next summer for adult swims. Denise said that she was planning on adding a mature adult swim time because of all the positive comments she received from them. Denise has rented the basketball courts at Dawson Rec to a travel basketball team and a futsal program. Erin Bradbury said that futsal has proved to be very positive for the players.
Rob Owens asked what the Town was doing concerning Halloween. Denise said that the hours are from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and if you want children at your door turn your porch light on, if not, keep the lights off. Denise said that people are sending in pictures of their decorated houses to be posted on the Facebook page for entry into the Halloween House Decorating contest. Pictures are being accepted until Oct. 16 and the winner with the most “likes” will be announced on Friday, Oct. 30 at noon.
The Santa program that we typically have, will not be held this December because of the virus. We will come up with an idea to make sure Santa makes his way to the center of Town to light the Town’s Christmas tree.
FIELDS: Denise reported that there is interest in developing fields at the town-owned property on Industrial Drive that will be the future site of the new DPW facility. There’s approximately 15 acres that may be able to be developed, but there are wetlands issues that have to be addressed first.
MISCELLANEOUS: Denise stated that the 2016 Open Space and Recreation has to be updated. Erin Bradbury volunteered to serve on this committee.
Denise reported that Angela and Teresa have been using their remaining vacation days last week and this week, prior to being furloughed. Because of not being able to run programs there’s not much to do. The Town Manager’s office is checking with other departments to see if they have a need for any help. I learned late today that Teresa will be helping out in the treasurer’s office.
Motion was made by Erin Bradbury and seconded by Rob Owens to adjourn at 7:56 p.m.
The next meeting of the Recreation Committee is Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Denise Morano, Recreation Director