New London Recreation Commission approved meeting Minutes Whipple Town Hall November 5, 2013 5: 00pm Members present
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New London Recreation Commission APPROVED Meeting Minutes Whipple Town Hall November 5, 2013 5:00pm Members present: Scott Blewitt (Recreation Director), Laura James, Laura Lorio, Janet Kidder Members Absent: Alison McLean, Jason Stadler (Chair) Others Present: Kim Hallquist (Town Administrator) Mrs. James called the meeting to order at 5:00pm. Minutes from October 7, 2013 IT WAS MOVED (Laura James) AND SECONDED (Kidder) to approve the minutes of October 7, 2013, as circulated. THE MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY. Program Updates Great Pumpkin Race Mr. Blewitt noted that they had 14 pumpkin racers in the Great Pumpkin Race that was held on Gould Road. Many age groups were represented and about 75 people were there as spectators. The event was over in about an hour and everyone got to race their pumpkin four times. The Fire Department lent them the use of their lights and Mr. Lee let them use their cones. Mr. Stadler had suggested to Mr. Blewitt that they could have a similar race in the summer using watermelons. Haunted Walk Mr. Blewitt remarked that the Haunted Walk was a big success. The crowd was very large and they had 175 bags of candy provided from Colonial Pharmacy. 100 of the bags were from customers who bought candy and donated it in the drop-off boxes within the pharmacy, and 75 bags were donated by the pharmacy. Mr. Blewitt said Colonial Pharmacy said they would be happy to help out with candy again and they asked that he remind them in the summer so they can order the candy. Mr. Blewitt added that they need to make sure the walk is over by 9pm as many kids have a curfew around that time. Mrs. James mentioned that a Colby-Sawyer College student asked about possibly having the walk on a night other than Halloween because there seemed to be a lot of things going on that night. After some discussion it was decided that the walk had become a tradition on Halloween night and the Recreation Commission wanted to keep it the way it is. Business After Hours Mr. Blewitt said he attended “Business after Hours” and felt it was successful. He was able to meet with various business professionals he had not yet met. 1941 Building Committee Request Mr. Blewitt said he has been asked to obtain a letter of support with regards to him/his department moving into the 1941 Building. Ms. Kidder said this letter would go to the Board of Selectmen to show that the Commission is in favor of the move. Mr. Blewitt felt the whole 1941 Building effort was a great opportunity for the Town and that this could fill the void of a central place to meet within the town since the schools left. He supported the project and wished for the blessing of the Recreation Commission to participate in meetings and eventually move into the 1941 Building. Ms. Kidder thought it was necessary for Mr. Blewitt to be located in the 1941 Building. Mrs. James wondered why this was a good move. Ms. Kidder said because that space would be more appropriate for the programming they offer than Whipple Town Hall. There is room for expansion of programs as well. Ms. James and Ms. Lorio said they were both in favor of the move. It was thought that Mr. Stadler was in favor of the 1941 Building project and would be in favor of this move as well. Budget Mr. Blewitt indicated that the Budget Subcommittee met with him that day, along with Laura Lorio and Janet Kidder. The Budget Committee members present were Pat Blanchard and Bill Green. He thought the meeting went well. There were some questions raised about the revolving account and it was discovered that this account could be used for anything having to do with the Recreation Department; even salaries. Mr. Blewitt said he would contact Central Lakes Dock Company to get information on the cost for dock replacement at the beaches. Mr. Blewitt suggested that Mr. Granger (Facilities Manager) go with him to Elkins to see if the bathrooms were handicapped accessible. If they are not, that would be something that would need to be taken care of. Ms. Hallquist said she did not believe the bathrooms were handicapped accessible. Mr. Blewitt didn’t see a need for any large increases in the budget for next year. The only thing he saw that could use updating was the signage at both beaches. Mr. Lee would be consulted about this to get a cost estimate. Ms. Lorio thought they should try and be comparable with lifeguard salaries to help keep their lifeguards from leaving and going to other beaches. Mr. Blewitt said that while New London offers $9/hour starting wage and $9.25 for returning guards, Sunapee does pay more. He noted that the Beach Attendants were paid $8.50/hour and that rate of pay was fine to keep for the work they do. Mr. Blewitt was confident that the level funding would be sufficient to plan on again for next year. Skating Rink Mr. Blewitt said he would contact “Port-a-Rink” soon. He needs to spread out the liner and wash it down. It was his hope that they would be skating by mid-December. Ms. Lorio said John Kiernan’s business is dependent on the rink and he would be happy to help with the rink if needed. He rents skates out for very reasonable rates. It was noted that he was very helpful with the rink maintenance last year when Mr. Denning left. Winter Carnival – end of January Mr. Blewitt said he would talk with Jen Tockman about the Chamber’s involvement in Winter Carnival. He would also approach Alioops about the part Destination New London would play in the event. He would like to make this a big event and maybe have it last up to three days. Mrs. James wondered if they would include the participation of Colby-Sawyer College, as they had in the past. Mr. Blewitt said the college would definitely be involved. Mrs. James wondered if they should get together with other Recreation Departments in the area to collaborate on projects and see what the other departments do. Mr. Blewitt said this could be done. He added that they could also have a forum made up of local businesses and organizations like COA. Destination New London Mr. Blewitt said he would attend a meeting soon. He wants to make sure the events he does represent the business community in New London. Ms. Lorio thought it was a great group of people and would be the people involved in the Jack Frost dinner. Other Business Mr. Stadler asked Mr. Blewitt about getting a bulk of Celtics tickets. He has called to get information and has some dates to choose from. He would look into pricing but wanted to keep it under $100 per person. Mr. Blewitt said he wanted to purchase 55 tickets to be able to fill a bus. The cost alone for the bus would be $30 per person. The meeting adjourned at 5:43pm. Respectfully submitted, Kristy Heath, Recording Secretary Town of New London |