Park and Recreation Commission briefed on DPW staffing, a pool shade earmark and member vacancy process

At the June 22 Park and Recreation Commission meeting the DPW director said Parks & Forestry superintendent Ed Olsen has left the department and that interviews are underway to fill the position; staff hope to have a new superintendent in place within one to two months.

The director also announced the town has been awarded a $50,000 state earmark to fund a shade structure at the municipal pool but said the project cannot move forward this season because of permitting, underground utilities and scheduling constraints; staff aim to complete the work before next season if the timeline and permitting allow. "Everything was finalized like two weeks ago. I'm not putting a shade structure up this season," the DPW director said, noting coordination with engineering and water/sewer divisions will be required.

Separately, the chair reported that Commissioner Chris Gersell has officially resigned and that the resignation paperwork has been processed with the town clerk. Commissioners discussed notifying the select board to open the vacancy (town clerk guidance suggests a 30‑day window) and reassigning liaison roles (for example the rail-trail advisory representative) until an appointment is made.

Administrative items handled included approval of the May 12 and June 15 meeting minutes (a motion passed unanimously) and discussion of upcoming ribbon-cuttings and a late‑August/early‑September window for public celebrations. The commission also noted legislators will visit a town camp on July 8 for a short program; staff will coordinate invitations for ribbon-cuttings as funding partners and elected officials are identified.

Next steps: DPW will continue the superintendent recruitment, coordinate the shade-structure design and permitting with engineering and water/sewer as needed, and notify the select board to begin the vacancy/appointment process for the resigned seat.