HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-11 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
itECEIV'EU
1 OWN CLERK
HDING, MASS.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Recreation Committee 1015 APR 14 P 5: 33
Date: 2013 -06 -11 Time: 0700 PM
Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room
Address: 49 Pleasant Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Nancy -Linn Swain, Vice -Chair Rec. Committee, Eric Hughes, Rec. Chairman,
Richard Hand, Recreation Committee Member, Frank Driscoll, Rec.
Committee Member, Karen Janowski, School Committee Liaison, Michael
DiPietro, Rec. Committee Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator
Members - Not Present:
Adam Chase, Kate Kaminer, Sean Whalen
Others Present:
Genevieve Fiorente, James Bonazoli, Jerry Pothier and Mark Tango
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John Feudo
Topics of Discussion:
E. Hughes opened the meeting at 7:01 PM.
May 2013 Minutes - N. Swain Motion, K. Kaminer second. 7 -0 -0 in favor of accepting the
May 2013 Minutes.
Possible Softball Field Switch:
Jerry Pothier and Mark Tango from the RMHS Softball program approached the Rec
Committee regarding the possibility of moving fields. They have had continuous issues with
the field (Lighted Softball Field) in terms of playability. The infield is choppy and difficult to
play on and the fact that there is no fence at proper distances makes it less desirable.
As a potential solution they are asking the Recreation Committee to consider supporting
them moving locations. One location they are interested in is the field call "Tennis Court
Field" at the Birch Meadow complex.
They mentioned they are willing to raise the money to make the necessary changes to the
tennis court. Mr. Pothier mentioned he would not be taking the field away from anyone as
they would still be able to use the field in the evening for the youth program.
J. Feudo stated that RYB recently spent in the neighborhood of 15K to renovate the infield
of the tennis court field, so if there are going to be changes they need to be part of the
conversation. J. Feudo recommended Reading Men's Softball League also be brought into
the conversation to discuss options and impact.
J. Bonazoli entered the meeting.
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Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes
F. Driscoll voiced his concern that the RMHS has never put effort into improving the fields
and now they want to come and switch the fields around. He said he would like to see
some commitment to field improvement before any decisions are made.
K. Kaminer stated she felt the' HS Softball fields were an embarrassment and needs to be
fixed. She stated she could empathize for the HS teams predicament.
K. Janowski asked if the HS Athletic Department was in favor of the change.
J. Feudo stated he thought is would be best to bring all interested parties together. The
group to include RYB, RMHS Softball, HS AD, RMSL, Rec Chairman and RYS.
Amplified Sound Permits:
Fun Run /Fireworks Band for Town Day sponsored by Friends of Reading Recreation
F. Driscoll motion, R. Hand second - 7 -0 -0.
5k Race at Memorial Park July 25th sponsored by Friends of Reading Recreation
N. Swain motion, K. Janowski second - 7 -0 -0.
Town Day sponsored by the Lions Club
R. Hand motion, F. Driscoll second - 7 -0 -0.
Administrator's Report
J. Fiorente gave an update for programming. She stated that summer camps were going
well. The afternoon sports leagues were also filling.
J. Feudo mentioned that Suzie Tuval joined the summer staff as Intern and she would be
working with the CIT's and the Adventure Camp particularly.
R. Hand gave out notes and reported on RCASA.
N. Swain made a motion to adjourn. K. Janowski seconded the motion. 7 -0 -0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.
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