Recreation staff present annual report; board hears plans for playscape replacement, maintenance software and sewer repairs

Staff presented the parks and recreation annual report and several operational items during the meeting.

The presenter summarized department activities (recreation, aquatics, DAC), maintenance work and a high-level financial overview. The staff member said the department is roughly on pace with the prior year but that weather and gate/sponsorship shortfalls reduced revenues by about $10,000. The annual report includes departmental descriptions and fund summaries and was offered as a public reference.

On contracts, a staff member said the town increased required liability coverage to $2,000,000 after counsel advised the change and that the insurer approved the higher limit. Staff noted this raises costs for local leagues but said the contractor also requested extra dumpster time, which staff will include in the contract.

For the playscape replacement, staff weighed two procurement approaches — using Leathers (the original builder) via Sourcewell or using J2 (the master-plan firm) — and flagged that installing the new playscape at the current location would require floodplain permitting that could delay the project by roughly a year. Staff said they will meet internally and bring a recommendation intended to deliver a functional playground by the end of next year.

Staff also proposed adopting a work-order and asset-management product called Maintenance Care to improve maintenance scheduling and tracking; the staff member said the service costs about $2,500 per year and Eric is leading implementation with a goal of summer functionality.

Separately, staff reported a root infestation and a broken pipe at the plant house; repairs will begin the next day with an estimated cost of $15,000–$20,000 and town stormwater staff will assist, reducing net cost to the department.

Trustees accepted the financial reports as presented by voice vote and moved to adjourn the meeting.