TOWN OF SHARON

 

RAC Minutes

 

 

POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF M.G.L. CHAPTER 39 SECTION 23A AS AMENDED.

 

 

Recreation Advisory Committee

 

LOCATION OF MEETING: Sharon Community Center

 

DATE & TIME: July 19, 2012 

 

 

 

Recreation Advisory Board             Minutes 7/19/12

 

Present:

Gary Bluestein Chairman, Steve Lesco, Rick Shantz, Neil Grossman,

Margaret Marder, Gail Bouton, Mike Goldstein

Laura Solomons, School Committee Representative

Amanda Deni, Interim Recreation Director & Asst. Recreation Director

Ben Puritz, Town Administrator

Eric Hooper, Superintendent of DPW

Mitch Blaustein  Citizen

 

   7:02pm Meeting called to order

 

1)     Introduced Amanda Deni as Interim Recreation Director.  Amanda gave report:

o   Discussed goose control at beaches.  Border collies will be brought in.

o   Damaged “goose light” was removed, police report filed.  Not going to replace.

o   Citizen of the Year is Peg Arguimbau; Presentation date being discussed.  Award has been ordered. Presentation by the Selectmen

o   Amanda coordinating schedule of Ames softball fields between Women’s softball and Hockomock Summer League playoff games.

o   Camp going well – no issues; Enrollment up and camp in the positive financially.

o   Amanda requested copy of budget to review.

 

2)     Eric Hooper, Superintendent of DPW

o   Reported that the capitol request for bathroom upgrades at the beach had been approved.  Work will be done in the fall.  Will put out an RFP if needed. Amanda will meet with Peter O’Cain Town Engineer to discuss improvements

o   Bandstand breaker needs to be fixed. Bathroom outlet exposed.  Electrician coming in to fix both.

 

3)     Discussed lack of formal evaluation process for employees under Recreation Director.  Currently evaluations are done informally.  Ben Puritz reports that is SOP for municipalities.  Asked how this could be changed in the future for the next Director to be able to evaluate staff.

 

4)     Steve Lesco presented update on Community Center utilization Report

o   3 versions – need to combine for final presentation

o   Amanda Deni invited to next meeting of special committee

 

5)     Ben Puritz, Town Administrator

o   Reported on situation with Brett McGowan’s resignation as Recreation Director.  Indicated there were personal matters and legal department was involved so very little could be said.  There is an agreement between both parties.

o   Criteria and timeline for screening committee responsible for hiring new Recreation Director will be authorized by the Selectmen at their 7/24/12 meeting. 

o   Timeline will include a 3-4 week period of open community discussion.  Expect to have new director in place by late Fall.

o   Amanda Deni is appointed as Interim Director through November 30, 2012. 

o   Screening/hiring committee will be appointed in September.  Mike Goldstein requested 2 representatives from Rec Advisory be appointed.  Mike Goldstein and Neil Grossman both volunteered.  Both will attend. Neil  will be on committee and Mike will be alternate. 

o   Position ads will be placed as early as July 24th.  Will include in description “Looking for creative, collaborative, community directed” applicants.  Ben handed out samples. 

o   Will send committee Recreation Director job description.

 

6)     Laura Solomons, School Committee Representative

o   Spoke to Mr. Farmer and Brett McGowan about trailer for sailing team.  School and Rec Department split the bill. School Department paid their share of the transportation bill for the storage unit.

o   Soccer nets moved off of Ames Street Fields. 

o   HS drains checked and cleaned

o   Gary Bluestein requested new Athletic Director be invited to a future meeting.

 

7)     New Business

o   Rick Shantz asked Amanda for clarification on several issue:

o   Water testing - Amanda said only one closing and that was at Boat Ramp.  With new testing process, the boat ramp was only closed for 1 day.

o   Border Collies  on the beach for goose control.  Licensed by the Board of Health.  Weekly report on goose droppings and presence. 

o   Alternative for ADA ramp/access for wheelchairs to get onto the beach.  Amanda said they are considering a couple of options.

o   Beach pass report – sales have been good.

 

9:05pm Motion to adjourn by Steve Lesco.  Second by Mike Goldstein.  Unanimous.

 

Submitted: Margaret Marder acting Clerk