Rec job remains in flux

WINSTED — Even though the Civil Service Commission has compiled a list of five candidates for the open recreation director position, Town Manager Keith J. Robbins wants more names to choose from before he hires someone for the job.

In an interview Tuesday, Robbins said he does not feel the candidates the commission proposed are qualified for the job.

“I sent them a note stating why the candidates were not qualified and acceptable for the position,� said Robbins. “They said we need to pick one.�

Robbins added, “I have to hire someone that I don’t think is qualified for the position and that is not going to happen.�

The open recreation director position has been a controversial topic in the seven months since former Recreation Director Alicia Corso resigned. Joe Nichols was appointed interim director while the hiring process was initiated. His term ended in October despite Robbins’ request that the CCS extend the interim assignment.

Since October, Nichols has continued to serve as recreation director on a volunteer basis and said he has hope that he will be hired for the permanent position. However, his name was not one of the five on the “qualified� list from Civil Service, according to Nichols.

Nichols said he continues to volunteer his time for the sake of the town.

 â€œI’m doing it because I have faith in the town. I have lived here all my life. The kids need an outlet and somebody has to do it,â€� said Nichols, who added it has been difficult to keep the programs running with nobody in the position.

As for the status of the position, without an approved budget, Robbins has been wary of appointing someone to the position. Though he would prefer to hire a recreation director as a full-time employee, Robbins said the Board of Selectmen has once again cut the position in the budget to part time against his recommendation. This battle has also delayed the hiring process.

On Tuesday night Robbins met with the Civil Service Commission to discuss whether additional applicants will be considered for the recreation director position.

Civil Service Commission Chief Examiner David Villa said progress is being made and the commission is working with the town manager to hire an eligible candidate.

CCS member Linda Dew expressed the same sentiment and explained that according to the rules of the commission, new names cannot be added to the list until current names are removed. Dew said she understood that two candidates on the list had made it clear during the interview process that they would not be interested in a part-time position. Once that is confirmed, their names can be removed from the list and two new names added.

“I have to ascertain and verify that two people have declined to accept the part-time position. Once that happens, he will receive two more names,� said Villa. “Some of those folks actually work for a living, so I may have to wait until this evening to make those phone calls.�

Villa said once he has confirmed with the current applicants that they are no longer interested in the position, he will have a new list to the town manager “the following business day.�

“We have moved as expeditiously as we could and we will continue to do so subject to the direction of the commission,� said Villa.

Dew said overall the meeting was very cordial between the town manager and the Civil Service Commission and progress has been made. “Everybody wants to work together and get the town running smoothly.�