Easton Parks & Rec Approves Financial Reports, Chairman Steps Down

EASTON, CT — The Easton Parks & Recreation Commission approved multiple financial reports, reviewed early budget planning for the next fiscal year, and saw a leadership change at its Jan. 20 meeting.

Commission members unanimously approved the minutes from the Nov. 18, 2025, meeting, following a motion by Jud Wible, seconded by Chairman Rocky Sullivan.

The commission also unanimously approved financial reports for November and December 2025. Nick Jihlal made the motion to approve the reports, which was seconded by Nick Dipreta. Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Farasciano presented an overview of revenues and expenditures for the two months.

Discussion began on the proposed 2026–27 operating budget and capital requests, though no vote was taken. Wible asked that all budget spreadsheets be emailed to commissioners for further review. The commission plans to continue discussion and consider action at a future meeting.

Members unanimously approved the Field Use Report for November and December 2025 after a brief discussion of field usage and scheduling. Nick Dipreta made the motion, seconded by James Coppola. The director noted that spring and summer field requests will be released soon and referenced discussion regarding the Lower Vet’s baseball field.

Maintenance issues were also reviewed, including repairs to the F-250 truck and snow removal operations. The commission discussed overtime costs related to snow removal at 660 Morehouse Road and reviewed impacts from December 2025 and January 2026 snowstorms. Commissioners also discussed employee vacation rollover requests, including the head maintainer’s declined rollover, and revisited the Parks & Recreation administrative position following discussion at a recent Board of Finance meeting.

The commission unanimously approved the Activity Account Report for November and December 2025 after a motion by James Coppola, seconded by Wible. The recreational programmer reported that extended day programs were performing well and that the activity account had been reconciled through June 2025. Accident and incident reports from the same period were reviewed.

Under unfinished business, Farasciano provided an update on the new playground and restroom renovations at Aspetuck Park, reviewing design diagrams with commissioners.

In commissioner comments, Sullivan announced he was stepping down as chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission. The commission voted unanimously to add the election of new officers to the agenda. Sullivan nominated Jud Wible to serve as chairman, with Joe Samon nominated to serve as co-chair alongside Chris Barcello. Both nominations were approved unanimously.

No public comment was offered. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. following a motion by Sullivan, seconded by Wible.