Recreation Member Amend Recommendations For Eichler’s Cove

 

By Kendra Bobowick

In response to selectmen’s request last week, Parks and Recreation Commission members have made changes regarding the proposed future management of the Eichler’s Cove marina facility.

Current manager Carol Marchetti made an appeal to keep her job “for at least another year,” she said last week following a Board of Selectmen’s meeting. Her desire conflicts with Parks and Recreation Department plans to assume management responsibility for the town-owned marina, beach, and boat launch, which officials purchased from the Marchettis in 2005.

Presenting the Parks and Recreation Commission with an amendment to their study, recreation sub-committee members Tuesday, September 14, provided “revised recommendations.”

Addressing two points of concern for the selectmen — terms of grandfathering in longtime slip renters and proposed management — the revisions state, through March 1, registration is open only to returning slip holders from prior seasons. From March 1 through April 1 rentals are open to Newtown residents and returning slip holders. After April 1 registration is open to all on a first come, first served basis.

Regarding management, the revision proposes dock attendants should be hired for the season to share in the total hours that docks are open to slip renters. Responsibilities include developing positive relationships with renters, inspecting the docks, reporting and issues, enforce cove rules, checking for park passes, and coordinating parking. And after hours a security company would be hired to patrol the cove. “We would go with a full time security company, if this is not what [selectmen] want,” said sub-committee member Jan Brookes.

These recommendations were unanimously favored by the commission and will go before the Board of Selectmen in coming weeks.

Ms Mangold clarified this week that neither the original study nor the revisions recommend that Ms Marchetti continue next season as marina manager.

Ms Marchetti attended the recreation meeting Tuesday, and provided a letter dated September 1, which responds to the initial study. Defending her position, she writes, “I call police when needed. I call customers if I see, hear, smell a problem with their boats …”

She argues that security guards plus insurance would be costly. She wrote, “I cover as gate/lot attendant … I make sure parking is uniform …”

She concludes, “I think one more year on my contract would help customers with the transition.” She stresses a point that she had just one security incident “in all the years here,” when she owned the marina. She also would like time to relocate and find a new job.

Regarding Ms Marchetti’s employment Ms Brookes said, “She really has done a wonderful job.” She also noted that “we need” long-time slip holders, who have for years supported the cove.