A Recreation Department representative told the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee on June 7 that the department is asking the committee to support creating capital reserve funds (CRFs) to smooth multi‑year costs for two recurring capital needs: pool resurfacing (estimated recent cost roughly $90,000) and replacement of the program bus.

The recreation presenter said the pool was resurfaced this year and that a resurfacing schedule of every five years would be prudent for safety, insurance and hosting events; she recommended a CRF with an annual contribution of about $25,000 so the town could avoid rushed, high‑cost repairs in the spring. “If we put a CRF together, putting $25,000 a year… that makes sense,” the presenter said.

On the bus, the presenter said costs have risen steeply—she cited a 2020 purchase at roughly $58,000 and a 2023 similar purchase at $107,000—and proposed a CRF contribution of $15,000 per year to accumulate roughly $75,000 over five years with additional support from the existing revolving revenue and sponsorships.

The presenter also updated the committee on Keys property planning and the volunteer-driven dog‑park proposal. She said the Commission is still evaluating whether to renovate or replace facilities at Keys and is coordinating with public works and the Board of Selectmen on options and grants. The dog-park effort remains paused while the town evaluates floodplain and engineering constraints.

The committee discussed ballot timing: recreation wants a warrant article to establish the CRFs and recommended the committee consider placeholder items in outer years while building momentum. The committee did not vote but the presenters said they would pursue warrant language and further outreach.

Ending: Recreation recommended creating capital reserve funds to better manage future pool and bus costs, and asked the committee to favor keeping those projects in out-year plans while the department builds community support and refines cost estimates.