Town panel claims duties are unclear
Toolbox
By SANDI SWITZER HERALD CORRESPONDENT - Published: November 9, 2009
WALLINGFORD — Exasperated Recreation Committee members want the town to define their duties when it comes to summer programs and Elfin Lake activities.
Three committee members relayed their frustration to the town's Select Board last week and asked officials to draft a statement outlining expectations.
"We don't have any idea what our responsibilities are," Lisa Marchinkoski told board members.
In the past, the Recreation Committee was responsible for hiring employees, setting wages and creating summer programs, she indicated.
The Select Board has taken over some of those functions leaving committee members unsure of their duties, according to Marchinkoski.
She said committee members had become "free labor" for the town by performing upkeep and maintenance on recreation facilities without any of the decision-making responsibilities.
Another committee member, Paul DiIonno, questioned whether the town had created a written description of the Recreation Committee's purpose after the municipality took over ball fields and other facilities from the Wallingford Park Association in 2005.
While officials indicated a written statement did not exist, they said they wanted the Recreation Committee to oversee the creation and functioning of the summer programs.
The town became involved with the hiring of recreation employees and lifeguards because of insurance and tax requirements, according to Select Board Chairman William Brooks.
"That all had to come under the town umbrella," he said. Brooks explained the town wanted Recreation Committee input on all hirings, but he added fiscal matters related to the summer programs must flow through the treasurer's office.
There was some discussion regarding whether the town ought to hire a recreation director to oversee day-to-day operations during the summer.
"It seems like a single person running the lake and rec makes sense," Selectman Joshua Gilman said.
Brooks concluded the meeting by indicating town officials and Recreation Committee members should draft written descriptions of the committee's duties in order to come to a "meeting of the minds."
He also thanked the committee for all of their efforts on behalf of the town.
The two groups will meet again for budget issues on Dec. 7.
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