Town hiring for summer program
Toolbox
By SANDI SWITZER HERALD CORRESPONDENT - Published: April 8, 2009
WALLINGFORD – Job seekers interested in summer recreation positions will go through an application and screening process conducted by town officials.
The Wallingford Select Board will spearhead an effort to hire several employees for the five-week summer recreation program.
Board members will accept applications through the end of the month and then schedule interviews with prospective employees.
Preferential treatment will be given to Wallingford residents, although applications will be accepted from citizens living in other communities.
The board made the decision to require applications and interviews following a discussion with recreation committee members and then a closed-door session regarding personnel issues.
After the executive session, officials voted to send a letter to the recreation commission informing the group applications would be required for the summer recreation program and Lake Elfin positions.
The letter would also notify the commission the Select Board would be conducting the interviews and setting the hourly rate for employees.
Board members expressed concern during the open portion of the meeting that last year's four summer recreation employees received $15 to $20 an hour to run the program.
The program includes sports, crafts and special events each morning and swimming at Lake Elfin in the afternoon.
Recreation committee members agreed the hourly wages were high, but on par with rates set for the same employees operating a similar Rutland South Supervisory Union program.
"I don't disagree that $20 an hour is a lot of money," said committee member Keith Shelvey.
He noted the individuals involved with the program last year had already been notified they would be rehired for the same positions this year.
Shelvey said the recreation committee had streamlined aspects of the program to ensure revenue generated from the camp would cover salaries.
"This year it's going to be user funded," he added.
Other concerns raised included the lack of a competitive application process, whether children from other towns be allowed in the program, and giving preferential treatment to Wallingford residents for the jobs.
Shelvey indicated town officials should have brought their concerns to the commission earlier in the year. He said it was too late to alter the hiring process for this summer.
"If you guys are going to change it, change it. But do the work yourself," he said.
Board members later went into a closed door session and then emerged to approve a letter be sent to the recreation commission detailing the board's intention to oversee the interview process and set hourly wages.
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