Park and Recreation Commission
December 7, 2020 via Zoom
Meeting Minutes
Present: Kevin Jones (Chair), Pete Graziano, Scott Palmer, Mitch Edwards, MaryLou Carlson, Lorcan O’Connor, Julia Pemberton
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm.
REVIEW OF DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Blick was unavailable to review his report due to illness.
LETTERS OR CORRESPONDENCE
None
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM November 2, 2020
Motion to approve the minutes: Edwards, O’Connor (second), unanimous, 1 abstain.
DISCUSSION OF PREVIOUS BUSINESS
None
DISCUSSION OF Commission Meetings for 2021
Mr. Jones reviewed the schedule of Commission meetings for the upcoming year.
DISCUSSION OF PROGRAM OFFERINGS HEADING INTO 2021
The Commission addressed concerns that there were not enough program offerings heading in to 2021. After a brief discussion the Commission decided the department would continue to adhere to all state and local guidelines concerning Covid-19. It also concluded that attempting to add more programming for the winter session, at this time, would create a health risk that outweighs the reward. No additional programming will be offered at this time. Looking forward, Mrs. Pemberton stated a concern that Park and Recreation may not offer enough programming for small children, in the birth to 5-year range, and would like the Commission to explore areas where we may be able to add programming for that age group. The Commission discussed the need to be able to being in instructors with training in Early Childhood Education, as well as possible coordination with pre-schools for summer programming. Mrs. Carlson also mentioned that the Pavilion project at RCC would be an ideal location for outdoor activities in this program.
DISCUSSION BUDGET CHANGES
The Commission discussed the small changes that would take place in the future regarding fees for programs. In a challenging year, many parts of the unused budget have been returned to the town, in addition to salary savings. In summary there will be some programs that have a small raise in their fees to cover expenses. No decision can be made on summer programming at this time.
ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS OR INITIATIVES
None
SUPPLEMENTAL PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion Graziano, Carlson (second), unanimous. Adjourned at 8:15 pm
Submitted: Kevin Jones