12 Van Tassel Drive

Gales Ferry, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens

Commission

Meeting Minutes - Draft Minutes

Chairman

Kenneth J. DiRico

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Parks & Recreation/Senior Citizens

Center

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman DiRico called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. at the Ledyard Senior Center.

II.

ROLL CALL

Chairperson Kenneth J. DiRico

Commissioner Carol Ann Schneider

Alternate Member Stephanie Bacon

Commissioner Paula Crocker

Commissioner Lucrezia Finegan

Commissioner Lauren Hawes

Commissioner Loretta Kent

Present

Excused

Alternate Member Vanessa Sotelo

In addition, the following were present:

Scott Johnson, Director of Ledyard Parks, Recreation and Senior Center

William Barnes, Town Council Liaison

Raegan Averly, Scout

Chairperson DiRico seated Stephanie Bacon as a regular member

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

MOTION to appoint LTR Bacon

MOTION to appoint LTR Crocker

MEMBER COMMENTS

Ms. Schneider inquired about the availability of painting classes, noting that many seniors have

begun attending the Groton Senior Center since Ledyard is not currently offering them. Mr.

Johnson responded that he has been in contact with other groups, trying to get a new painting

instructor.

Ms. Crocker shared that several seniors have expressed discomfort in communicating directly

with staff. She suggested that they be encouraged to submit questions or concerns through the

suggestion box.

A question was raised regarding whether the senior center van was decorated and participated in

the Memorial Day Parade. Mr. Johnson confirmed that the idea had been discussed, but due to a

lack of available drivers, the van did not participate this year. He stated they plan to participate

next year.

A follow-up question was asked about who authorized a single person to represent the Senior

Center in the parade. Mr. Johnson stated he was unaware of such representation. Ms. Crocker

provided a photo showing a car in the parade with a “Ledyard Senior Center” sign. Mr. Johnson

said he would follow up with the individual involved.

It was asked whether the van would provide transportation to the Farmers Market. Mr. Johnson

replied that rides are being planned, but they will not be offered weekly. Specific dates will be

announced soon.

Concerns were raised about seniors being required to leave before scheduled activities were

completed. Mr. Johnson explained that this was previously due to a shortage of drivers, but now

that additional drivers have been hired, van service will be extended until 2:30 p.m.

Street Light Request (January 2024): Mr. Johnson reported that he had no update at the time but

would follow up.

Ms. Crocker provided a timeline for the community garden proposal originally submitted in

October 2022 and approved with allocated funds. Despite regular follow-ups, no action was

taken until October 2023, when Public Works removed the existing garden. It was later

announced in June 2025 that the Boy Scouts would complete the garden as an Eagle Scout

project. Ms. Crocker expressed frustration with the multi-year delay and compared the situation

to the exercise room renovation, which has similarly stalled.

Ms. Crocker recommended that if the scouts are unable to complete the project promptly, the

town consider reaching out to the Eastern CT Community Garden Association

(getgrowingct.org)

Ms. Crocker questioned whether a similar delay would occur if the project were for Parks &

Recreation. Mr. Johnson responded that such projects would not face the same delays because

they are typically contracted out.

Ms. Crocker requested that all Facebook posts be proofread before publication, citing a recent

post that incorrectly listed the date of the Juneteenth closure as Wednesday, June 19, instead of

Thursday. Ms. Schneider added that posts should include specific dates and times instead of

relative terms like “tomorrow.”

Ms. Crocker noted a significant drop in activity and class participation since the center’s

reopening after renovations. Feedback from seniors indicated disappointment, as they believed

only new flooring had been installed, with no painting or visible improvements made to the large

common rooms. The exercise room has yet to be addressed, and it was recently stated that work

on it would not begin until winter. Ms. Crocker had hoped the exercise room would increase

attendance at the center.

Mr. Johnson emphasized that he spends approximately 90% of his time addressing senior-related

matters.

VI.

REPORTS

July 2025 Directors Report

All 3 contracts have been signed. We hare happy to report that the new mowing company is

doing a fantastic job so far. We have noticed that they focus on the little things such as picking

up trash and moving equipment/goals to ensure the properties look the best they can.

Repairs to the basketball and tennis courts are coming along in Gales Ferry. We experienced

delays due to rain and extreme heat but have been fortunate to have a few nice days this week.

A replacement net climber and climbing wall rocks have been ordered to make necessary repairs

to the Gales Ferry Community Center playscape.

Playground woodchips have been ordered and are scheduled to start being delivered this week.

We will purchase rubber matting with excess mulch money.

All info has been submitted and the ECTC Grant is officially in place for this fiscal year. The

dial-a-ride, voucher program, and caregiver reimbursement will all continue without any funding

cuts.

Beach sand has been delivered and is ready to spread at Highlands Lake.

We have received 3 quotes and are working with overhead door to schedule the replacement of

the lower garage doors at Judge Crandall.

Mr. Barnes asked if the pond had been stocked. Mr. Johnson responded that DEEP never got

back to him.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carol Ann Schneider

RESULT:

MOVER:

Stephanie Bacon

SECONDER:

DiRico Schneider Bacon Crocker

Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo

AYE

EXCUSED

Upcoming Events and Schedule

VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the May 2025 regular meeting minutes

It was requested that the minutes of previous meetings and the agenda be posted onto the Town

of Ledyard website to give members ample time to review before the meetings.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carol Ann Schneider

RESULT:

MOVER:

Stephanie Bacon

SECONDER:

DiRico Schneider Bacon Crocker

Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo

AYE

EXCUSED

MOTION to approve the June 2025 special meeting minutes

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carol Ann Schneider

RESULT:

MOVER:

Stephanie Bacon

SECONDER:

DiRico Schneider Bacon Crocker

Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo

AYE

EXCUSED

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

DISCUSS Youth Sports Oversight

Youth sports oversight was discussed as as per last meeting determined to be the clubs/league

responsibility to have coaches adhere to rules and regulations. Clubs/leagues should participate

in safe sports and have everyone sign a code of ethics. There will be a meeting for youth sports

next spring.

MOTION to approve Parks, Recreation, and Senior Center Joint Logo

The new LOGO was discussed and we chose the Oak Tree with bench and swing with the

rounded lettering. It will be finalized and will be available next meeting for final approval

Any other Old Business to come before the Commission.

XI.

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to approve Eagle Scout Project to repair and paint the Soccer wall at Clarks/Purdy

Field

A presentation was given by Raegan Averly to repair and paint a mural on the soccer kickwall at

Clarks/Purdy Field. The project will be started on August 2nd and completed August 16th.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Carol Ann Schneider

RESULT:

MOVER:

Stephanie Bacon

SECONDER:

DiRico Schneider Bacon Crocker

Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo

AYE

EXCUSED

Any other New Business to come before the Commission.

Mr. DiRico suggested that we have a section on the Agenda for Senior questions/concerns/info

Mr. DiRico suggested we show a budget with any losses.