Chelsea City Council Votes to Establish Community Education Recreation Collaborative (CERC)
Chelsea City Council Votes to Establish Community Education Recreation Collaborative (CERC) Steering Committee
At the recent November 12, 2024, meeting of the Chelsea City Council, a significant decision was made to dissolve the Community Center Task Force (CCTF) and create a new nine-person steering committee known as the Community Education Recreation Collaborative (CERC). This move signals a strategic shift towards enhancing collaboration among local stakeholders and addressing the changing recreational needs of the community.
City Manager Martin Colburn presented the proposal, highlighting the importance of a more collaborative approach to community recreation planning. Sam Angus, a key member of the former CCTF, explained the reasoning behind the transition, emphasizing the challenges faced by the task force due to various factors, including administrative changes and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The focus of the new steering committee will be on partnership-driven programming rather than the previous goal of establishing a city-owned and operated community center. Angus stressed the significance of collaboration between the city, schools, and other stakeholders, citing successful initiatives such as youth passes for the Wellness Center and the addition of a new social worker position.
Councilmember Bill Ruddock acknowledged the impact of the CCTF’s work but supported the decision to dissolve the task force, stating that its options were not feasible for implementation at this time. The council’s unanimous approval of the motion officially establishes CERC, which will prioritize programming initiatives over facility development.
Mayor Jane Pacheco highlighted the successful collaboration between the city, schools, and local organizations in recent years, pointing to past projects like the youth passes program as examples of the potential for future endeavors. The newly formed CERC will include representatives from key local organizations and optional stakeholders who can attend meetings as needed.
Looking ahead, plans for CERC include exploring programming opportunities such as youth pickleball, pool activities, and intergenerational events. Angus expressed optimism about the collaborative framework being established, emphasizing the benefits it will bring to the entire community.
As the council moves forward with the work of CERC, the focus remains on fostering collaboration and addressing the evolving recreational needs of Chelsea residents.
