Middleborough recreation superintendent reports staffing, equipment and rising utility costs

The Town of Middleborough recreation superintendent reported on staffing, equipment maintenance and rising facility costs during the meeting.

The superintendent said the department’s revolving funds total $32,500 and donations total $6,551. The superintendent described seasonal staffing changes, noting Joe Ruthowitz is a seasonal staff member who has finished inventory and will return in spring for registrations and events.

The superintendent said the department has been inventorying shirts, inflatables and other equipment, and performing repairs on vehicles and tools. “He has been ordering, inventorying all the blades, getting the blades done, and all the machines,” the superintendent said, describing routine sharpening, plowing and other maintenance. The superintendent added staff are fabricating roofs for softball dugouts and planning spring repairs to the infield, saying the field surface “is stone dust. It’s stone dust. And, everything is mint.”

The superintendent said some facilities have new lighting and that the building heating system was converted from gas to electric, which has increased costs. He asked the board to note higher electrical and heating expenses as the department prepares the FY2026 budget.

On partnerships and site work, the superintendent said staff worked with the town water department and Matt Foy on piping repairs in the lower level and that a 40-foot trailer was moved to the Wood Street site at no cost by a person named Reiko. He also said the department is meeting with the school department about possible collaboration on an outdoor classroom and potential relocation of the skate park to the Wood Street area.

The superintendent said he has negotiated a new contract with Fanelli for carnival services, and that the department has a fireworks contract with a pyrotechnics provider for July. He said department heads are finalizing the FY2026 budget and will keep the board updated.

Less-critical details: the superintendent described procedures for storing inflatables (they must be fully dried before storage), inventorying holiday lighting, and that some planned painting and new carpeting for renovated spaces will proceed after repairs.

Ending — next steps: the superintendent said staff will continue preparing the FY2026 budget, finish inventories, complete equipment repairs, pursue the school collaboration, and return with cost estimates and follow-up at future meetings.