Commission scrambles after disability rec programs abruptly paused

The commission reshuffled its agenda to deal with an emergency first: all adult programming for people with developmental disabilities — the Champion Lions Club dances, Third Friday dances, Fourth Friday parties and sports nights — had been paused after longtime recreation coordinator Aaron Dugan left about 1.5 weeks earlier. Staff framed it as a pause, not a cancellation, while they weighed options: hire a new coordinator (about two months), contract with a nonprofit, or free up a facility-use path.

“You have a gem that has gone into the garbage disposal that you need to reach in and grab back out.”— Kathleen Asher Tilgaray, at public comment · ▶ Watch this exchange

Dozens of participants, parents, volunteers and Lions Club members showed up to push back on the pause, especially with the October Halloween dance at risk. "It has really been a lifesaver for my daughter in terms of being able to socialize, create friendships, which is often very challenging for those that are neurodiverse," said parent Eileen Dervisevic. Another parent, Julia Micah, put it more bluntly: "How did we go from having a fabulous August, September to nothing in October? That is my only anger that I hold towards this town, my hometown."

The commission responded by granting Rec Inc. — the volunteer booster nonprofit behind the programming — temporary "town civic organization" status, which lets it use town facilities for free and restart activities quickly. It also formed an ad hoc subcommittee, Commissioners Stolier and Condria, to figure out how the transition went wrong and build a longer-term fix.

What happens next is still being worked out: former recreation supervisor Dave Wilkinson floated a transition plan under which Dugan and a colleague would train town staff while Rec Inc. keeps helping informally, and the town is expected to post for a new coordinator in the meantime. Chair Miles told the room, "It is our commitment that we will get something back up and running as quickly as we can."

Residents strongly favor new outdoor fitness equipment, survey finds

A community survey on adding outdoor fitness equipment, likely at Town Park, drew 187 responses and came back with 79% strongly favorable, staff told the commission. Respondents also flagged wanted extras: shade, connections to walking paths, free fitness classes, restrooms, family-friendly amenities and bottle-filling stations.

Staff asked the commission whether to keep collecting responses and, more importantly, how to pay for it — build it with town money or seek a sponsor partnership such as Fit Lot.

The commission agreed the survey had already made its point and didn't need to run longer, and directed staff to come back with funding and partnership options so the project can be considered for the 2027 work plan.