Recreation Advisory Committee — May 14, 2026
The meeting was a standard administrative session focused on project updates and community reports without significant friction.
Public impact
Wastewater Plant Land Conversion
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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.
The committee was informed of the Council's intent to utilize the land for future park development.
Decisions logged
Topics discussed
▶ 01:15 Approval of April Minutes
The committee reviewed and approved the April meeting minutes with minor corrections.
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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').
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
The committee was updated on administrative processes, such as the requirement for Town Council approval on LWCF applications.
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.
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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.
The committee agreed to coordinate with the Millville Association for cleanup days and potential wood utilization.
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
Potentially controversial issues
Hedgehog Park Management Changes
Action items
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
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
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grok-4.3, grok-4-fast, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-22.