Municipality of West Elgin

Minutes

Recreation Committee

Wednesday, December 06, 2023 at 7:00 P.m. - 8:00 P.m.

Electronic Participation Meeting via Zoom

Present:

• Councillor T. Tellier
• Nicole Campbell
• Cindy da Costa
• Michelle Navackas
• Courtney Kreamer

Regrets:

• Megan Bartlett
• Destiny Vickers

Staff Present:

• Jenn Vanesse

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1.

Call to Order

Chair Taraesa Tellier called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2.

Adoption of Agenda

• Moved: Michelle Navackas
  Seconded: Cindy da Costa

  That West Elgin Recreation Committee hereby adopts the agenda as circulated.

  Carried

4.

Minutes

• Moved: Nicole Campbell
  Seconded: Michelle Navackas

  That the West Elgin Recreation Committee adopts the minutes of November 15th, 2023 as printed and circulated. 

  Carried

5.

Business Arising from Minutes

5.1

Canada Day Grant

Application was submitted on time for $10,000. Once we have an update from the grant it will be relayed to the committee.

5.2

Holiday Decorating Contest

Around 17 houses for judging and Jenn will send out judging forms to those interested. Michelle, Megan and Taraesa to judge.

6.

Staff Reports

6.1

Rec Center

3 new shuffleboard courts went down at the east end, and the goal is this weekend to finish the 4th shuffleboard court and pickleball courts. The hope is that everything will be down and set to use by Christmas for the whole gym.

6.2

West Lorne Playground Equipment

Weather pending next week it is to start coming out. There will be a notice to public before then about the removal. Looking at possibly donating it, but early stages of discussions.

7.

New Business

7.1

Rec Rental/Program Policies and Agreements

The current agreement we have leaves a lot of room for liability issues with renters, as well as anything for drop ins. A suggestion of adding to the form to declare the age ranges. For anything with youth, we should look into a vulnerable sector check and have those on file for anyone supervising youth. On the current agreement, there is a note of no alcohol in the park but it should state all municipal facilities to cover everything. Looking into a code of conduct that would have to be signed by organizers or have participants sign off on too, or have it posted in the facilities. Possibly a no tolerance policy. Looking at not having all ages, but having youth and adult programs separate. Something to consider is how do we manage the vulnerable sector checks and enforce it.

7.2

Meeting Calendar for 2024

Approve 2024 calendar as set forth but is subject to change if needed.

7.3

Budget Talk

Have thoughts together for January meeting to be presented to council.

7.4

Miller Park Ideas

Multiple suggestions for a paved path instead of the rock path for accessibility for running, rollerblading, strollers, and overall accessibility. Look into sourcing for a grant. 

7.5

Sidewalk to Aldborough Public School

It is a county road which causes some issues. Courtney and Michelle are looking further into this for accessibility for students to be able to walk to school or even bike to school. In the new year we will create a letter to go to council for them to take to the County.

7.6

Other Items

Look into a pay pass for West Elgin recreation programs. Last time it was considered, it was going to cost the same amount, and how is it monitored at the drop in programs? Also looking into indoor accessibility within the buildings for improvements.

For a new member, Megan had mentioned to look into people at large to help with subcommittees or non voters to bring ideas and help forward. The position still has to be advertised and will see where we are at with it as it just went to council.

8.

Adjournment

That the West Elgin Recreation Committee hereby adjourn at 7:48pm to meet again on January 17th 2024 at 7:00pm.