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Meeting report · Recreation Advisory Committee
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Recreation Advisory Committee — May 14, 2026

The meeting was a standard administrative session focused on project updates and community reports without significant friction.

Date Thursday, May 14, 2026 Duration 0.9h Speakers 13 Public comments 3 Decisions 1 Routine

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01

Wastewater Plant Land Conversion

Conversion of approximately 20 acres of municipal land into a multi-use park. Affected: Local residents, particularly those interested in outdoor recreation (football, lacrosse, soccer).
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What was discussed

Representative Keith Stramaglia reported a unanimous Town Council decision to convert the former wastewater treatment plant land into a multi-use park. While the land is considered clean and shovel-ready, it was noted that much of the site sits on a floodplain.

What happened

The committee was informed of the Council's intent to utilize the land for future park development.

other high impact

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of the April meeting minutes with corrections.
Corrections included spelling of Elissa Cadillic and changing basketball tournament format from 2v2 to 3v3.
Unanimous

Topics ⁠discussed

Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 01:15 Approval of April Minutes

The committee reviewed and approved the April meeting minutes with minor corrections.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
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What was discussed

Secretary James Koczat noted corrections to the spelling of Elissa Cadillic and a correction to a basketball tournament description (changing 'two on two' to 'three on three').

What happened

The minutes were approved unanimously.

▶ 03:11 Town Council Report: Wastewater Plant Land

Representative Keith Stramaglia reported on a unanimous Town Council decision regarding the former wastewater treatment plant land.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
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What was discussed

The Council discussed converting approximately 20 acres of the old wastewater treatment plant land near the Rescue League into a multi-use park for activities like football, lacrosse, and soccer. Members noted the land is 'shovel ready' and clean, though much of it sits on a floodplain.

What happened

The committee was informed of the Council's intent to utilize the land for future parks.

▶ 05:10 Community Services Report

Director Jillian Smith provided updates on senior programming, transportation initiatives, and upcoming seasonal events.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
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What was discussed

Highlights included senior transportation listening groups, the 'America's 250th' anniversary celebrations, and upcoming summer camps. Significant updates were provided regarding Hedgehog Park's transition to parking passes, potential year-round operations, and the LWCF grant process. Discussion also covered capital improvement timelines for the Ingram Center (HVAC in 2029) and various rail trail phases.

What happened

The committee was updated on administrative processes, such as the requirement for Town Council approval on LWCF applications.

What's next

Jillian Smith to provide clarification on seasonal parking pass purchase locations and electrical outlet availability at Hedgehog Park.

▶ 28:03 Millville Lake Project Updates

Discussion regarding the relocation of a rock in Millville and community cleanup efforts.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
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What was discussed

Paul Pelletier reported that Gary Merrill of Merrill Excavating has agreed to move a rock in the Millville area as a community project. The group also discussed using flat-cut stumps as seating and plans for a community cleanup involving the ROTC and Boy Scouts. Additionally, the Millville Lake Protection Association (MLPA) will share a watershed study report in late 2026.

What happened

The committee agreed to coordinate with the Millville Association for cleanup days and potential wood utilization.

What's next

Paul Pelletier to notify the committee via email once the rock relocation date is set; Bob Rowe to coordinate with the Millville Association regarding cleanup dates.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

Hedgehog Park Management Changes

The transition from entry passes to a parking pass system for Hedgehog Park represents a change in how residents access and utilize the space, which can lead to community debate regarding convenience and accessibility.
Board position: The board accepted the administrative update from the Community Services Director.
low concern

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Provide clarification on whether seasonal parking passes can be purchased at the Hedgehog Park gate and confirm electrical outlet availability in the park shed.
Assigned: Jillian Smith
Notify the committee via email regarding the scheduled date for the rock relocation project.
Assigned: Paul Pelletier
Coordinate with the Millville Association regarding potential cleanup days.
Assigned: Bob Rowe
Follow up with the Boys and Girls Club regarding the gear library initiative.
Assigned: Corinne Gordon

Notable ⁠statements

At the April 20th town council meeting... it was a unanimous decision to make [the wastewater plant land] into possibly parks in the future. — Keith Stramaglia · Reporting on Town Council news to the committee. ▶ 03:11
Hedgehog Park... is now going to be operating with parking passes, not entry passes. — Jillian Smith · Updating the committee on park management changes. ▶ 10:09

Member ⁠positions

1 issues · 0 explicit · 10 inferred
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Kevin Richard
Vice Chair
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
James Koczat
Secretary
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Robert Breau
Member
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Rachel Hill
Member
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
Keith Stramaglia
Town Council Rep
Present
Approval of April Minutes YES ~
D.J. Bettencourt
Town Council Rep (Alt)
Absent
Bernard H. Campbell
School Board Rep
Absent

Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
3
Total speakers
3
Addressed
0
Partial
0
Not addressed
Paul Pelletier
Addressed
The speaker reported that Gary Merrill of Merrill Excavating has graciously agreed to move the rock at Millville as a community project. He also discussed efforts to organize youth and scout groups to help clean up the park and mentioned potential media coverage of the local history related to the site. Key concern
Updating the committee on the Millville rock moving project and upcoming park cleanup efforts.
Board response
The board acknowledged the update, discussed the potential for using wood/stumps for seating, and noted the importance of community involvement.
The board engaged with the speaker's updates regarding the excavation, the cleanup, and the potential use of materials found at the site.
Melissa
Addressed
The speaker suggested that the flat-cut tree stumps found at Millville could be repurposed as seats for visitors. She noted that there are many such stumps available near the area where the rock is being moved. Key concern
Repurposing tree stumps as seating at Millville.
Board response
The Chair suggested discussing the idea with the Millville Association and mentioned the potential for using wood for fire pits or clearing projects.
The board discussed the feasibility of her suggestion and how to coordinate it with the Millville Association.
Corinne Gordon
Addressed
The speaker provided an update on the gear library initiative, noting that while the local library was unresponsive, the Boys and Girls Club expressed interest. She asked for patience as they navigate summer camp preparations and leadership transitions. Key concern
Progress update on the gear library project.
Board response
The Chair expressed support for the idea and agreed that the Boys and Girls Club would be an ideal location.
The board acknowledged the update and validated the proposed location.
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Report composed by grok-4.3, grok-4-fast, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-22.