Minutes
Recreation Advisory Committee
Meeting of March 20,
2008
In Attendance: Gary Bluestein, Gail Bouton, Mike Ginsberg, Neil
Grossman, Steve Lesco, Rick Schantz Staff Present: Melissa Lothrop.
Meeting was called to order by Mike Ginsburg.
The
minutes of the March 6, 2008 meeting were accepted unanimously
on a motion from Rick Schantz and a second from Gary Bluestein.
The
primary discussion was directed to the “State of the Recreation Dept.” now and
what specific immediate needs proposed by Melissa Lothrop. Melissa led the discussion with the following
items:
Melissa
stated what has
transpired since she took on the position of Assistant Recreation
Director. Initially there were very few
programs and no written policies and procedures. Melissa has created “Policies and procedure” documents as well as instructor packets All recreation info is now posted on the Town
website.
Here
are some current issues:
Private
Rentals- there is a problem with
the wording of the existing contract.
Changes need to be made.
Selectmen have to approve any changes.
These changes that are being proposed need to be acted upon
quickly. Action to be taken: Melissa to revamp form and email to committee
for review.
Staffing – short on staff presently. Building at night is left with no “go to” person if questions or
emergencies arise. Custodians provide info and have to inform groups when
building is closing.
Immediate
needs –A. Bookeeper and
Program Coordinator – needed to maintain current level of service as well
increase offering more activities both in-house and outsourced, which will
generate more income. (Monies to pay for
these positions will come from revolving fund –which is fee funded) B. Custodian and Function Manager - (monies to pay for
these positions will come out of a “building account” which derives its income
from rental fees. In short term, Melissa
was looking to get people to help out wth the tax relief program. She would be interviewing potential candidates.
Shared
space – issues have arisen
between COA and Rec – when and who is responsible for space and use of space
throughout the building.
Field
Permits – the form is being
revamped by Melissa and there will be a meeting with Rec Advisory and the
various sports groups to review and discuss policies and price in the near
future.
Online
registration – need to have
capability of on-line registration for all programs with credit card
payment. This needs to be done before
summer registrations. Motion was made
and seconded to send a memo to Bob Fowler stating Recreation Department needs
to be able to have on-line registration and to get answers on how to implement
a program to accept credit cards.
Discussion
was directed to Melissa to let her know that the committee wanted input from her regarding
anything she needed support on in
helping out in staffing.
Meeting
was adjourned
Next
meeting will be April 3rd at 7PM.
Respectfully
submitted by
Neil
Grossman