Sanbornton Recreation Commission approves youth cheer program, OKs revolving-fund spending and park upgrades

SANBORNTON, N.H. — The Sanbornton Recreation Commission on April 14 approved a new Sanbornton Youth Cheer program, authorized several revolving-fund expenditures for summer programming and reviewed ongoing Town Park improvements, including electrical and irrigation work and new spectator fencing.

Chair Jax Riendeau called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. at Old Town Hall. Recreation Coordinator Amanda Pelissier reported that GMI donated equipment and labor to dig electrical trenches while the town covered materials costs; Ellis Electric is nearly finished running power to two storage sheds and Gilford Well has installed two holding tanks for the park’s irrigation system and planned sprinkler testing later that week. Pelissier said Tilton-Northfield Little League will buy and install protective fencing to shield spectators from foul balls; a scoreboard and remaining permanent fencing are planned toward the end of the season. She also purchased a trash barrel for the park that Shauna from the Transfer Station will empty weekly.

The commission briefly entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II(c) — the exemption for matters that would likely adversely affect a person’s reputation unless the person requests an open meeting — from 7:15 p.m. to 7:40 p.m., and members voted to seal the nonpublic minutes.

On routine business the commission voted to accept the minutes (motion by Riendeau, seconded by Longo) and to accept the most recent financials (motion by Carter, seconded by Riendeau).

Pelissier reviewed the ice-rink operations and finances for the winter season: the Recreation Commission’s share of admissions and concessions totaled $804.14; the group paid $1,500 for rink rental; after profit-sharing the net cost to the commission for the month was $695.89. She reported two weekends when Pines staff did not attend, which created problems handling admissions because Pines personnel hold the petty cash and manage ticketing; Riendeau suggested the commission revisit the memorandum of understanding with Pines.

For summer programs Pelissier said she would email detailed field-trip totals and asked for authorization to post deposits to secure trips. The commission approved revolving-fund requests to support recreation programming: $5,000 for Summer Day Camp (motion by Riendeau; seconded by Carter); $500 for Before & After Care (motion by Carter; seconded by Longo); $600 for an SCS 5K inflatable (motion by Longo; seconded by Carter); and $1,100 for Old Home Day (motion by Carter; seconded by Longo), with Chair Riendeau recorded as abstaining on the Old Home Day item.

Pelissier presented a proposal to start a youth cheer program. Commissioners agreed the program should carry the Sanbornton name so the town’s recreation brand is visible; the commission approved the start of Sanbornton Youth Cheer (motion by Riendeau; seconded by Carter). Pelissier said uniforms would cost “just under $200” per uniform and that registration fees and fundraising were expected to offset the program’s costs. The transcript notes Winnisquam Youth Cheer as an organizing group and the Wildcats as a team name, but commissioners asked that the program be clearly branded as Sanbornton Youth Cheer.

Pelissier said past practice had been for Recreation to reimburse the town 50% of total revenue but that she found no formal agreement documenting that arrangement. She proposed a formal split moving forward: Recreation keep 50% for expenses, 25% to the Town, and 25% to a newly created Capital Reserve Fund. Selectman Ralph Carter advised the commission to present the plan to the Selectmen and the Budget Committee and to draft an MOU; Pelissier said she would discuss next steps with the Town Administrator.

The commission adjourned at 8:24 p.m.; its next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Old Town Hall, with a Zoom audio-only option noted.