Town of Holden 1204 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520
Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2012
Starbard Building
Members Present: Lisa Post, Erin O’Neil Bradbury, Melissa Staiti, Nancy Owens
Members Absent: Robin Grady
Others Present: Denise Morano, Recreation Director
Dee Anne Grebinar, Recording Secretary
Denise introduced and welcomed Nancy Owens as our new committee member.
Lisa called the Recreation Committee meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.
MINUTES: A motion was made by Erin and seconded by Lisa to accept the minutes of the April 10, 2012 meeting.
The minutes of the April 10, 2012 were accepted as written.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
Programs:
Summer: Informational handouts were given to the committee regarding attendance at the summer programs and the pool and the revenue received this summer. Denise went over the numbers with the committee. The 3-year comparison shows that the number of participants in the classes was the same as last year, but fewer than in 2010. The overall revenue was $13,000 greater than last year, but $2,500 less than 2010. The increase in revenue can be attributed to an increase in the Half-Day Program cost ($25.00/per child), the diligence of the pass checkers checking ID’s with day passes and the number of children enrolled in the All Day Program. Denise felt it was a very successful summer. Nancy commented that the teachers at the program were fantastic, especially at tennis and swimming.
Melissa asked about the leak in the pool. Denise said the original problem with some of the water spout valves near the stairs in the family pool was fixed, but there continued to be a leaking problem of approximately 12,000 gallons/day. Engineers working during the first week in June could not determine the source of the leak and arranged to return at the end of the season. In early August, before the pool was opened for the day, Denise noticed running water in one of the cracks on the deck and followed it to a large gap between the gutter and deck under the slide area. A temporary seal was placed in the gap and the water loss was reduced significantly. A permanent caulking will be done prior to placing the cover on the pool. A comment was made regarding how the winter weather can adversely affect the
cement on the pool deck and other parts of the pool, as well.
Denise had numerous compliments from the public about the professionalism of the WSI’s and lifeguards, the cleanliness of the pool area and the ease of registering for the classes with the on-line registration system. The major complaint was the “proper ID requirement” for all patrons. Some people still try to use someone else’s pass, but we have cut down a lot on that by checking ID’s.
The on-line registration seems to work well for people. The only problem from an office perspective is that some people wait until the very last minute to register. Some people actually register the morning of the first day of class. It makes the atmosphere down at the pool that morning very hectic and confusing.
Erin asked how the CIT program is working. Denise said she enjoys that program and she speaks to the children about how to become a responsible worker and that they are a valuable asset to the program. Denise finds that they sometimes feel like they’re not doing too much since they aren’t actually “teaching,” but she impresses upon them how important their job is. Denise is interested in seeing how hard they work and how they interact with the children, because they are the ones she will sometimes hire to work at the pool when they get older.
Erin asked if Denise felt there was anything that could be improved upon for next summer. Denise felt things went well. She commented that the buildings were painted this year and they look good and the cleaners did a good job. She felt that the lap pool needed to be vacuumed more often because the bottom of the pool doesn’t get “stirred up” as much as the family pool and she has addressed that issue with the staff.
Denise commented that the splash party money is added into the daily revenue breakdown.
Before/After School Programs
Denise went over the numbers for the Before & After School Programs. We currently care for 262 children each day. This is a significantly higher number than in previous years.
Davis Hill – 52 AM (wait list of 15) and 52 PM (wait list of 7)
Mayo - 48 AM and 50 PM
Dawson – 26 AM and 34 PM
Each site is licensed for 52 children. Lisa asked if the children are guaranteed a spot from one year to the next. Denise said no, the children must be registered each and every year. Even though the parents are asked to update the child’s paperwork in June, it does not guarantee them a spot. The paperwork is updated to make it easier for parents in case they do register their child(ren). Registration is done on a first come, first served basis. Denise hired 12 new staff members and had 14 returning staff to care for the children. The licensor from the Department of Early Education and Care is in town this week to review all paperwork, staff files and children’s files, and to visit Dawson and Davis Hill Schools so that the licenses to operate these programs can be renewed. He is a new licensor and is being
very thorough.
Melissa asked if the playground equipment at the schools is checked periodically. Denise said they are the responsibility of the schools not the Recreation Department and any problems should be reported to the schools.
Adult Programs
A list of the current adult classes was given to the Committee members. Most classes are due to start next week due to conflicts this week with curriculum nights at the schools. Classes include Hatha Yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with a total of 31 participants (both classes are sold out). Zumba has 15 participants, Zumba with Pilates has 19 enrolled, 3CPYo 16 enrolled, Yoga for Every “Body” 7 participants, Flip it for Fat Loss 4 participants, Boot Camp 2 registrants and Melt It (our new 2 hour class which combines Boot Camp and Flip It) has 4 enrolled. Women’s volleyball and Men’s basketball are drop-in programs on Thursday evenings.
Miscellaneous:
Skateboard Park Committee: The “Skatepark Jam” in April was attended by approximately 60 children. However, it didn’t generate any people willing to serve on the Committee and only raised $40.00. There was a Skateboard Park Committee meeting held tonight and was attended by 2 committee members and Denise. The question was raised if it would be possible to include a skateboard park with the Mountview School building project. Denise told the committee that the question needs to be asked of the Mountivew School building committee. The committee wondered how much Recreation money was still available for the skateboard park. Denise advised them that after 4 years of no progress no money was carried over into this year’s budget for the skateboard park. Denise
commented to the Recreation Committee that the town accountant agreed that no money is available for the skateboard park and any request for money now would need to be approved by the finance committee. Denise does not see enough interest in order to continue.
Dog Park: Denise met in June with people interested in a dog park. They were still talking about exploring sites. The preferred site seemed to be Trout Brook even though it is smaller than they would like. They had asked about the fields at the Light Department and the Dawson Recreation area and Denise said that both those fields are unavailable and would not be considered for a dog park. Melissa commented that she thought she heard that the idea for a dog park has been put on the back burner. People who use Trout Brook now and let their dogs run free might be affected by a dog officer checking in on a dog park at Trout Brook.
The committee complimented the Trout Brook lodge and the facility and said it is a great place to rent out for functions and large gatherings.
Melissa asked about selling stuff at the snack bar like pizza or hot pretzels. Denise said we really can’t do that because it’s a small working area, we’d need different permits, and access to hot water. At this time the hot water is not turned up as high as it would need to be, because kids used to leave the showers on and the steam would set off the fire alarms.
Erin asked if the previous issue about buying snacks through the school district has been suggested again. Denise said she has not been approached about it. When it was first suggested in 2009 Denise documented by price comparisons why this would not be an option for our Before & After School programs.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
The next Recreation Committee meeting will be held on October 9, 2012 @ 7:00 p.m. at the Starbard Building.
Holden Recreation Committee September 11, 2012
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