12 Van Tassel Drive

Gales Ferry, Connecticut 06339

TOWN OF LEDYARD

Parks, Recreation & Senior Citizens

Commission

Meeting Minutes - Draft Minutes

Chairman

Kenneth J. DiRico

Special Meeting

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

7:00 PM

Parks & Recreation/Senior Citizens

Center

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman DiRico called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m at the Ledyard Senior Center

II.

ROLL CALL

Chairperson Kenneth J. DiRico

Commissioner Lucrezia Finegan

Commissioner Lauren Hawes

Commissioner Loretta Kent

Present

Alternate Member Vanessa Sotelo

Commissioner Paula Crocker

Commissioner Carol Ann Schneider

Alternate Member Stephanie Bacon

Excused

In addition, the following were present:

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

Chairperson DiRico seated Vanessa Sotelo as a regular member.

III.

RESIDENTS & PROPERTY OWNERS COMMENTS

IV.

PRESENTATIONS / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

Upcoming Events and Activities

MEMBER COMMENTS

VI.

REPORTS

November Directors Report

Judge Crandall Doors:

The lower garage doors at Judge Crandall have been replaced.

Judge Crandall Field Lights:

We had a light fall off the pole in a wind storm and the light has been

replaced with a new LED fixture. When reppalceing the fixture it was

noticed the bolts securing the fiztures were lose. Since we already had the

lift on site we took full advantage and tightend all the bolts, realigned the

lights, and replaced any bulbs that were out.

Senior Center ARPA:

Public Works has finished laying the gym flooring and we have assembled

the workout equipment. Working on developing policies, procedures and

release forms so we can allow the public to start using it.

GFCC Tennis/ Basketball Courts:

The GFCC tennis and basketball court work is complete. Not all of the

fence footings needed to be replaced and to prevent any loss of grant

funds the company agreed to install 2 new basketball standards in place of

the fence footings. The courts came out great and we have received a lot

of positive feedback from residents.

Blonders Bathroom:

We have had recurring issues with 2 of the toilets in the bathroom at

Blonders. Both have toilets have been replaced and it might be smart to

think about replacing the other toilets in the future.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Loretta Kent

RESULT:

MOVER:

Lucrezia Finegan

SECONDER:

DiRico Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo Crocker

Schneider Bacon

AYE

EXCUSED

VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION to approve the July 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Lucrezia Finegan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Lauren Hawes

SECONDER:

DiRico Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo Crocker

Schneider Bacon

AYE

EXCUSED

VIII. OLD BUSINESS

DISCUSS Youth Sports Oversight

As discussed at the previous meeting, it was determined that the responsibility for ensuring

coaches adhere to all rules and regulations rests with the individual clubs and leagues. Each

organization should participate in SafeSport training and require all participants to sign a Code

of Ethics. A follow-up meeting regarding youth sports will be scheduled for next spring.

MOTION to approve the Parks, Recreation and Senior Citizens Department Joint Logo

Any Old Business Proper to come before the Commission

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.

XI.

NEW BUSINESS

MOTION to approve 2024-2025 Annual Report

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

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Lucrezia Finegan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Loretta Kent

SECONDER:

DiRico Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo Crocker

Schneider Bacon

AYE

EXCUSED

Discussion and possible Motion to waive credit card fees for the Nik Pellegrino Memorial Cup

Tennis Tournament

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Lucrezia Finegan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Lauren Hawes

SECONDER:

DiRico Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo Crocker

Schneider Bacon

AYE

EXCUSED

Disscussion and Possible Motion to allow tipping of up to 22% on take out orders coming out of

the Parks, Recreation, and Senior Center Special Revenue Accounts

Mr. Johnson noted that the restaurants selected for takeout are often those that have supported

Parks and Recreation and the Senior Center through donations such as complimentary meals, gift

cards, and other contributions.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Paula Crocker

RESULT:

MOVER:

Loretta Kent

SECONDER:

DiRico Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo Crocker

Schneider Bacon

AYE

EXCUSED

Disscussion and Possible Motion to allow the Ledyard Food Pantry to install security cameras

Mr. Johnson stated that no footage of children would be released.

APPROVED AND SO DECLARED

Lucrezia Finegan

RESULT:

MOVER:

Loretta Kent

SECONDER:

DiRico Finegan Hawes Kent Sotelo Crocker

Schneider Bacon

AYE

EXCUSED

Discuss ideas for FY26-27 Capital Projects

- Installation of cameras at town parks and upgrading of Senior Center cameras to

commercial-grade equipment.

- Implementation of individual door access codes that can be changed frequently. It was noted

this may not be possible at the Senior Center due to ADA door systems.

- Replacement of playground mulch.

- Upgrades to Blonder Park bathrooms and correction of existing plumbing issues.

- Upgrade of Town Green light switches to LED.

- Installation of new lights at the football field.

- Replacement or repair of bleachers at several fields; noted that these are costly to maintain.

- Installation of a new Senior Center sign featuring the updated logo.

- Purchase a fryer for the Senior Center kitchen; need to extend the kitchen hood to add a fryer.

- Consideration of purchasing a bounce house for individuals to rent and for Camp to utilize;

liability to be reviewed.

- Purchase of portable tents for events.

- Updates to the pavilion and parking lot at Lantern Hill Park.

Any New Business Proper to come before the Commission

ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Kent moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded

by Ms. Finegan

The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

VOTE: 6-0 Approved and so declared