Rutland aldermen urge mayor to reconsider non‑reappointment of recreation superintendent amid staffing shortfalls

Rutland City aldermen on May 5 voted to recommend Mayor Michael Dundas reconsider his decision not to reappoint Kim Peters as Rutland City recreation superintendent, a move prompted by concerns about staffing shortages and program disruption ahead of the summer season.

The recommendation follows public comments, a Recreation Committee meeting and extensive discussion on the department's capacity to run summer camps and aquatic programs. The Recreation Committee voted 5–0 to ask the mayor to reconsider Peters; the full Board of Aldermen then moved the same recommendation, passing a roll call 6–2 with one abstention.

Why it matters: The Recreation and Parks Department runs summer day camp, swim lessons, pool operations and other services relied upon by families and local employers. Committee members and public commenters warned that staff shortfalls — particularly lifeguards — could force program cuts, refunds and reduced access to life‑saving swim instruction.

Committee findings and public comment At an April 30 Recreation Committee meeting presented to the full board, Director Dolan and other staff outlined multiple disruptions tied to the superintendent's administrative leave. Committee minutes and testimony said the department had “only 17 confirmed out of the 45 to 60 typically required” lifeguards for summer operations, creating a critical shortage for pool coverage and camp needs. The committee reported the summer day camp program had generated about $190,000 in revenue and that many camps were at capacity with waiting lists.

Parents and community members addressed the board during public comment. Marybeth Lennox Levins, a parent, former swim‑team volunteer coordinator and a university sport management professor, urged support for Peters and stressed the department's community value, saying, “Kim Peters is one of the best that I have ever worked with.”

Staff and policy gaps Committee discussion flagged operational and policy weaknesses: certification logistics for lifeguards previously managed in‑house; the need to pay for external certifications; no formal written policies for hiring, onboarding or background checks in the recreation office; and unclear authority for signing hiring paperwork. Attorney LaChance told the committee that Human Resources will take over background‑check processes to standardize safety checks, especially for staff who work with children.

Director Cioffi told the committee the ability to deliver swim instruction is a public‑safety function: “If a child does not know how to swim, then that puts them in danger,” the committee summary recorded. Committee members said the department had tried to prioritize camp needs and potential limited public access to protect essential services.

Mayor's explanation and short‑term steps Mayor Michael Dundas, who announced the non‑reappointment, told the board the decision stemmed from “integrity” concerns he said could not be overlooked where vulnerable populations are involved. He said the underlying issues first arose in January and were not remedied. Dundas said the administration is working to stabilize operations: a pool manager job description was approved, a lifeguard posting will be published, and staff training dates are planned for May 21–22 (as stated in meeting materials). He also said administration would continue offering support to existing staff.

Formal actions - Recreation Committee (4/30): Motion to recommend the mayor reconsider the appointment of Kim Peters as Recreation Superintendent. Moved by Alderman Whitcomb; seconded by Alderman Davis. Vote: 5–0. (Recommendation to mayor.) - Board of Aldermen (5/5): Motion to recommend the mayor reconsider the appointment of Kim Peters as Recreation Superintendent. Moved by Alderman Clifford; second was not specified in the public record. Roll‑call vote: Yes — Aldermen Coopoli, Clifford, Whitcomb, Donahue, Gilliam, Davis (6); No — Aldermen Talbot, McClure (2); Abstain — Alderman Motadio (1). Outcome: Motion passes.

Unresolved items and next steps Board members and the mayor said they will pursue both interim and long‑term leadership options: an immediate interim manager to help navigate the summer season and a longer search committee and HR‑led hiring process for a permanent superintendent. Human Resources and legal counsel will formalize background‑check procedures and other hiring policies. The mayor pledged to provide an update by the end of the week on lifeguard coverage and the minimum service level the city can provide for summer programs.

The board did not provide a public timeline for the mayor's decision on reconsideration; the motion to recommend reconsideration is advisory and directs the mayor to reexamine the non‑reappointment.