Hinsdale recreation committee approves minutes, shifts meeting time and addresses delayed referee payments

The Hinsdale Community Recreation Committee on Feb. 19 approved its minutes and the treasurer’s report, voted to shift future meetings to 5:30 p.m. on a trial basis, and discussed persistent delays in paying referees and the scorekeeper that parents have raised.

Ann Diorio, the committee chair, presented the treasurer’s report and the committee voted to accept it after reviewing an attached report. Earlier on the agenda the committee also voted to accept the minutes of the Jan. 22 meeting; the motion to accept the minutes passed (mover not recorded), with Theresa Diorio seconding the motion.

Committee members agreed to move the regular meeting start time to 5:30 p.m. and said they would revisit the change — and possibly the meeting day — if the earlier time proves cumbersome.

A substantial portion of the discussion focused on delays in paying referees and the scorekeeper. Members said some officials have been waiting about three to five days for payment. The minutes reviewed an existing practice in which Alan (named in the minutes) was asked to cut a single check for the total amount owed; that check would be placed in envelopes designated for each game and given to the Seasonal Director for distribution. Parents, the minutes say, have raised concerns and approached coaches about the delayed payments; the committee said timely payment should be prioritized.

The committee discussed several operational options. It concluded that prepaid cards are not a feasible alternative because some vendors do not accept them and fees and other practical limits make them unsuitable. Members reviewed the handbook’s chain-of-command and whether parents received copies, and proposed short-term operational fixes: offering additional gym time for the affected team during the first two to three weeks of March, contacting Bernardston Recreation to schedule additional games for 1–2 grade teams, and considering a direct refund of $10 to $15 to affected families if the payment problems are not resolved. The minutes also note consideration of using a seasonal adult referee to step in when the Seasonal Director is coaching and cannot manage a situation.

On other business, the committee reported no Farmers Market update and said it is still seeking someone to run the market; Kristie is working on that task. The Recreation Department (George) is working on sponsorships for the coming year. The meeting adjourned following a motion from Theresa Diorio, seconded by Katie Leonard. The next HCRC meeting — a reorganization meeting — is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Millstream Community Center.

The minutes do not specify exact dollar amounts owed to referees or the identity/position of "Alan," and they do not record any direct quotes; details marked as not specified in the minutes remain so in this report.