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Politics & Government

Director: Parks and Rec Job Freeze Leaving Tasks Unfinished

Committee members discuss department cutbacks and cost-saving measures at Tuesday gathering.

The Parks and Recreation Commission met Tuesday at to discuss a variety of issues, including potential changes to the Parks Department that could save the town money.

Parks and Recreation Director created a report emphasizing the department's budgetary issues. Stanley said the town has suffered following Town Administrator William Keegan's decision to freeze the Parks and Recreation Department's in January.

"I think we knew there was going to be a lot of pressure on our department," Stanley said. "Needless to say, there has been." 

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has faced pressure, but has managed to make improvements to Dedham's parks. Stanley said parks will receive recycling barrels starting next week, and the commission received a $900 refund for the water bill at Gonzalez Field.

The department has experienced success, but Stanley said he understands there is only so much his department can accomplish without an assistant director.

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"What we're finding out now is that there are things not getting done," Stanley said. "We're trying to prioritize things, but there are some things that are slipping through the cracks." 

The commission's business plan to fund a program director position could have economic ramification on Dedham residents. The commission could charge for programs or institute field user fees, but a sub-committee could review all options before the commission reaches a decision. 

"I think anything having to do with the fields is premature," said Parks and Recreation commissioner Dan Hart.

Public and private partnerships for parks could provide additional revenue to Dedham, said Parks and Recreation commissioner Chuck Dello Iacono.

"Savings are savings," Dello Iacono said. "We need to try to save everywhere we can." 

Dello Iacono suggested finding grants to sponsor projects. 

"The funds are out there," Dello Iacono said. "It's just a matter of securing them."

The commission also passed a motion to review the possibility of the maintaining Dedham's parks. Commission member Jim Maher said for Dedham.

"I think this was the correct process all along," Maher said. "I think our board could have gotten this three months ago [because] we’d be in a better place."

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