Town ends longstanding partnership with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield
By Gregory A. Scibelli
Staff Correspondent
SOUTHWICK – The Parks & Recreation Commission on Monday voted 3-2 to recommend that the service contract for its after school program be awarded to the Greater Westfield YMCA, a move the Board of Selectmen backed later that evening.
Debate was hatched two weeks ago when the Parks and Recreation Commission was forced to reconsider its longstanding partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, which for the past seven years has operated an after school program on the lower floor of Town Hall.
“Previously, we never had anyone else bid on the contract for after school care,” said Parks & Recreation Chairman Kelly Magni.
When it came down to a decision, it was money versus quality programming – the YMCA program is licensed by the state, whereas the Boys and Girls Club program is not.
Parents who do not qualify for financial assistance will have to take a nearly 400 percent hit, paying $65 per week for after school care through the YMCA. The Boys and Girls Club charged $64 per month for its program.
The commission heard presentations from William Parks, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, and Michelle Anamisis, child-care coordinator at the Greater Westfield YMCA, last Thursday, Aug. 6, but the commission tabled its vote after parents objected to the change.
“Why are you leaning toward the YMCA?” parent Laurie Emond asked. “What does the YMCA have that the Boys and Girls Club can’t offer?”
Logistics played a role in the decision. The Boys and Girls Club program costs the town $15,800, which accounts for about one-third of the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget. About $7,000 of those funds are paid to the Southwick-Tolland Regional School District for transportation. In addition, the state-mandated YMCA program provides one staff member for every 13 children; the Boys and Girls Club program has one staff member per “room” regardless of the number of children occupying the room.
Emergency Management Agency Director Charles Dunlap, whose offices are located on the lower level of Town Hall, said attendees of the Boys and Girls Club after school program are often unsupervised and “unruly,” forcing him to speak to staff members on numerous occasions.
In approving the contract with the Greater Westfield YMCA, selectmen recommended the contract bid be moved up to June to allow residents a chance to vote on it at town meeting. The selectboard is expected to sign the contract at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Aug. 24.
Anamisis said the YMCA offers payment plans and reduced rates for those who qualify.
“We have not – and will not – turn anyone down,” she said.
