Clearpond operations: new freezer, water issues and budget shortfall discussed; commission seeks revenue solutions

Park staff reported operational updates for Clearpond: a replacement freezer was purchased after a power outage caused a loss of seasonal inventory, water service was activated with timing issues, and staffing arrangements were discussed for an upcoming staff absence.

Commissioners were told the Clearpond budget submitted for the season projects a loss of about $22,000 under current staffing assumptions; an alternative staffing scenario that included 40 hours per week for certain staff raised the projected loss to roughly $36,000, which commissioners said was not acceptable. Staff and commissioners discussed options to increase revenue, including renting the beach area for events and pursuing company or group rentals that historically brought in larger crowds.

Staff said the new freezer purchase was charged to the prior year but the bulk of seasonal inventory expenses fell in the current fiscal year; water service turned on earlier than planned and generated cleanup work after sinks overflowed when water was activated. The parks director said the current operations team can run Clearpond while the director takes a planned week off, naming Ashlyn (head lifeguard) as the point person for the week; commissioners asked whether a temporary supervisory pay bump should be offered while the director is away and staff reported Human Resources had not yet responded to that question.

Commissioners suggested the commission pursue stronger outreach to attract paid events and rentals to Clearpond and to monitor seasonal payroll and revenue to reduce the projected shortfall.