The meeting opened with the announcement of a significant staff departure. The Commission expressed gratitude for his contributions and planned a farewell gathering at Tavern in the Square, inviting the public to join in the send-off. This departure is seen as a considerable loss for the team, and plans are underway to fill the vacancy with a program coordinator rather than directly replacing the recreation supervisor position.

Budgetary discussions followed, highlighting an anticipated reduction in town funding for the office coordinator position, which the department had previously covered 50% of. This adjustment, part of a broader effort to address a $4 million town deficit, could necessitate increased program fees. The Commission expressed a desire to maintain fair wages for seasonal staff, emphasizing the need to balance financial constraints with service quality.

The Commission also reviewed ongoing projects, including updates on the Middle School tennis sports and Wickham baseball design, with a focus on staying within a $1.2 million budget. A meeting with stakeholders is expected to clarify potential delays due to structural issues with a building project slated for completion in May 2025.

Other topics included preparations for upcoming events like the Ty and Tiara’s dance and the opening of summer camp registrations, which have already contributed to an increase in revenue. The Commission is also navigating logistical challenges related to relocating departments within town facilities to ensure minimal disruption to services.