HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-13 Recreation Committee Minutes4^
FAX: (781) 942 - 5441
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867 -2685
RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075
READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
December 13, 2011 Town Hall Conference Room
Attendance: Mary Ellen Stolecki, Recreation Committee, Adam Chase, Rec. Committee Member,
Frank Driscoll, Chair, Rec. Committee, Rich Hand, Rec. Committee Member, Nancy -Linn Swain,
Rec. Committee, Eric Hughes, Rec. Committee Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator
Guest: Charlie Ehl, RYB Commissioner
Kathy Guyott, Boy Scout Leader
F. Driscoll called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
N. Swain mentioned that there was an omission in the minutes. The RCASA report she gave was
not in the report. J. Feudo said he would look back into his notes and correct the issue.
F. Driscoll made a motion to accept the minutes with the amendment of the RCASA report for the
October 13th meeting. R. Hand seconded the motion. Motion passed in favor of acceptance of the
minutes with the amendment of the RCASA report for the October 13th meeting by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
M. Stolecki entered the meeting at 7:05 PM.
J. Feudo introduced the Boy Scout Group attending the meeting. F. Driscoll welcomed the group
and gave them a brief overview of the committees charge.
J. Feudo introduced RYB Commissioner Charlie Ehl. Mr. Ehl handed out a proposal for some
improvements at the Tennis Court Field at the Birch Meadow Complex. (See Attached).
Mr. Ehl went through each item one at a time for the committee to review and comment. He said
his goal was to do what ever was necessary to get the plan approved. He said RYB is committed to
putting money back in the facilities for the kids of Reading. They also tried to keep safety in mind
in their proposal.
Overall the committee was satisfied with the proposal. They had many comments that were noted
on the draft document. The committee did not seem interested in installing any type of black
meshing on the outfield fences as they recalled the issue with the tennis courts.
The committee felt they needed to add their comments to the draft document and vote on it before it
could be sent off to the Board of Selectmen with their recommendation. The committee decided
that they will accept the proposal with their conditions at the January Meeting.
READING RECREATION_ COMMITTEE MINUTES December 13, 2011 Con't
M. Stolecki mention that in the past the Recreation Committee has struggled with groups believing
that donating and/or renovating a field allows them to take ownership of it. She reminded Mr. Ehl
that donations such as this one do not give RYB a claim to the field. Mr. Ehl stated he understood
that.
A. Chase exited the meeting at 8:00 PM.
The committee thanked Mr. Ehl for his efforts.
Administrators Report:
J. Feudo gave an update for Fall programming numbers. Sunday Basketball saw yet another
increase jumping another 30+ participants. Wrestling and Travel Basketball also saw an increases
in their participation. Overall the programs are going very well.
The BOS have chosen Washington Park as there priority for the $30K proposed from Dunkin
Donuts. The plan will include a new stamped concrete walkway, nicer bollards and a Handi -Cap
accessible water fountain. The plan is schedule to begin in late spring/ early summer. The CIP has
$253K in the plan for tennis court and basketball court for FY2014. This is significant as this will
pretty much finish that portion of the parks master plan.
Staff is working on a 91h Grade basketball program. It is believed there may be a good market for
this going forward.
The Barrows Master plan has been reviewed by the BOS. They will be holding a public hearing in
the near future.
Skating areas have been flooded. We are awaiting the cold weather to turn lights on.
Subcommittee Reports:
RCASA — NO UPDATE
Ad Hoc Amplified Sound Committee
The committee has not met in a while although they have made some progress. They are currently
collecting feedback about amplified sound in the parks via an on -line survey. To date, there have
been close 100 responses to the survey. The committee has been extended through January 2012.
N. Swain made a motion to adjourn. M. Stolecki seconded the motion. Motion passed in favor of
adjournment by a vote of 5 -0 -0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM.
Respectfully submitted by:
strator