Minutes

Recreation Advisory Committee

Sharon, Massachusetts

Meeting of August 14, 2008

In Attendance: Fred Benjamin, Gary Bluestein, Neil Grossman, Steve Lesco,  Rick Schantz.   Staff Present:  Brett MacGowan,  Guest:  Amanda Deni  . 

Meeting was called to order by Gary Bluestein @ 7PM.

            A motion  was made by Steve Lesco to accept the minutes of July 10th.  Motion seconded by Rick Schantz..  Minutes approved unanimously.

Agenda

Old Business

            Steve Lesco reported that the pilot light on stove  in upstairs kitchen needs to stay configured the way it is presently.  There is no other alternative.

            NStar has reported that the Community Center is the most energy efficient municipal building in Town.

Assistant Recreation Director Search:  Brett MacGowan

Brett reported that he received 35 resumes for position.  Interviewed 8 candidates and invited 3 candidates back for second interview.  Brett, Ben Puritz and Neil Grossman interviewed the 3 candidates.  Amanda Deni was offered the position and accepted.  Official start date will be September 2^nd.

Amanda was in attendance at tonight’s meeting and was introduced to the committee by Brett.

Community Center Rental Issues

Contract rental issues were discussed regarding the Rental Agreement. 2 motions were made to present to Board Of Selectman for changes.  There is a need to address all current rental and future rental agreements.  An addendum needs to be made to existing agreement.

Motion:  To add a clause in existing agreement that will set a rate for anything over existing agreement (ie., if renter stays over the allotted time – what do we charge?).

Gary Bluestein made the motion, seconded by Fred Benjamin.

Unanimously passed.

Discussion took place regarding caterers.

A motion was made by Steve Lesco and seconded by Gary Bluestein.

Motion:  All caterers need to be approved by Sharon Board of Health.

Unanimously passed.

Director’s Report – Brett MacGowan

.

· The Concerts at the Lake have begun and so far there have been four concert dates (one rainout). There are four more in August (added one on August 27)

· The Karaoke night at the Lake went well. I am going to suggest that this be incorporated into the July 4 celebration for 2009.

· Took part in the July 4 activities. I  am going to suggest some changes for 2009 to the committee. These will include karaoke, start time for children’s activities (from 2 to 5 PM) and some family related games.

· The Sharon Citizens of the Year (Joan & Irving Kniager) Award was presented. Selectman Heiten presented the award.

Issues that Brett has dealt with in the past few weeks:

· Crisis management on septic issues twice

· Community Center fire alarm in attic

· Dealing with contractors on Beach Building

· Water reports on Lake Massapoag.

· Men’s Club and their parking issues

· Star Camp and their entitlement issues

· Community Chorus and building usage

· Garden Club and building usage

· Inter-building relationships with Department Heads

· Meeting heads of some of the Sports Leagues

· Summer Camps and the issues that arise with outside agencies running them.

· Fall Brochure has been completed and is being printed

· There are 16 new programs in the Fall (from Hip Hop Dance from tweens to Salsa Dancing for adults to Creating Your Own Stuffed Animal.)

· Building Community Relationships with the Salvation Army, Recreation Directors in Other Towns, Dave Clifton, The Whose Who in Sharon

THE NEXT MONTH

· Winter planning Winter has begun

· Cost analysis for Summer programs is underway

· Planning for Summer 09 has begun

· Sharon Family Week (October 6-11)

· Movie Night (August 14)

· Beach Tree Park Events for 09

· Cost analysis for Ball Room Functions is on-going and changes to current rental agreement forthcoming to the Selectmen.

Motion to adjourn meeting by Steve lesco.  Seconded by Rick Schantz..  Meeting adjourned at 8:55PM.

Next meeting – September 25th @7PM.

Respectfully submitted by,

Neil Grossman