The Board of Selectmen and First Selectman Dan Rosenthal have taken the next step in codifying the current Newtown Community Center advisory committee into an official municipal commission. Mr Rosenthal took the language and formation criteria that was approved by his board and circulated it to the Legislative Council on November 20.

However, Council Chairman Paul Lundquist made the decision to not take up the matter until the newly-elected council membership is seated for their first meeting on December 4.

The Community Center Committee’s Chair Kinga Walsh and her fellow member recently submitted documents to the Board of Selectmen through the first selectman’s office for consideration including “Guidelines for Roles & Responsibilities.”

“We understand that these are all advisory in scope and look forward to continuing to support the Center and its staff,” Ms Walsh said in a cover letter attached to the document. “A Commission mission statement can be simultaneously created while the transition process is in place. Since the process can take time, we recommend starting it soon so it can be completed before the January 2020 budget meeting cycle begins.”

On August 21, 2018 the Newtown Community Center Committee adopted the following Mission Statement: The Newtown Community Center is a multi-generational hub that enhances our community by promoting social interaction, health and wellness, creative opportunities and personal growth.

On October 8 of this year, the committee submitted the following Guidelines of Roles & Responsibilities:

*Rules, Regulations & Rental Policies: Annually review and approve membership usage rules/guidelines and rental policies. Work with Director and their staff to maintain up-to-date language. [Note: First year to 18 months, may need to be done more often.]

*Set & Approve Membership and Rental Fees: Annually review and approve membership and rental fees. Includes all levels and/or tiers (e.g., non-profit). [Note: First year to 18 months, may need to be done more often.]

*Develop Annual Operating Budget: Review budget as prepared by department heads and Center director, recommend changes and approve proposed budget. Includes consideration of contractual services, maintenance, capital projects and staff positions. Town’s Finance Department input/collaboration will be included to ensure facility is meeting town operating guidelines while also fulfilling GE grant requirements until such time as that fulfillment need ends. [Note: First year to 18 months, may need to be done more often.]

*Programming: Work with Center staff to create and implement a variety of aquatics and dry space programming that attracts new users/members while retaining existing.

*Long-Term Planning: Annually (or as needed) review long term capital and/or strategic plan. Ensure all members and non-members’ needs are being met as best as possible within operating capabilities while striving to achieve or exceed goal of revenue-neutral operating budget.

*Marketing: Work with Center director and staff to outline and review proposed marketing plan and materials to ensure consistency and clarity in message.

*Collaborate with Friends of Newtown Community Center non-profit arm of Center to outline annual fundraising goals (e.g., scholarships, capital improvements, programming).

*Participation on other Boards/Commissions: Offer representation of the Center to other town boards/councils/committees/businesses to ensure collaboration as best as possible.

*Volunteer to create as well as help at Center events throughout the year as much as possible. (Assist Center director and staff to resolve any operational issues when appropriate.)

Mr Rosenthal told The Newtown Bee he hopes to structure appointments to the commission in a staggered fashion so an equal number of experienced members would be on board.