HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-10 Recreation Committee MinutesFAX: (781) 942 - 5441
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867 -2685
RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075
READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 10, 2012 TOWN HALL — CONFERENCE ROOM
Attendance: Eric Hughes, Rec Committee Chair, Mike DiPietro, Rec. Committee Member, Richard
Hand, Recreation Committee Member, Kate Kaminer, Rec. Committee, Nancy -Linn Swain, Rec.
Committee Member, Adam Chase, Rec. Committee Member, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Rec. Committee
Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator, Jenna Fiorente, Recreation Program Coordinator
E. Hughes called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
K. Kaminer made a motion to accept the minutes from the September 11 th, 2012 meeting. M.
Stolecki seconded the motion. Motion passed in favor of acceptance by a vote of 7 -0 -0.
J. Feudo updated the committee on the Eagle Scout proposal for benches at Sturges Park. Upon
requesting to meet with the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager asked to meet with the scout.
Expressed his concerns about vacating the standard for benches but was also open to the scouts
design. He also was concerned with timing because of the Sturges Park Master Plan. He did not
want to have to modify the scouts work after it had been done based on the results of the master
plan. He gave the scout the option of placing benches at Castine field. Scout Westerman seemed
interested in that location and stated he would investigate doing the project there.
J. Feudo also updated the committee on the recent public hearing for amplified sound and the
awarded permit. The committee overall felt that given that there was opposition, the permit should
now have been awarded. The decision is contrary to the guidance provided in the policy that was
worked on by the ad hoc committee and approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Open Space and Recreation Plan:
J. Feudo introduced the draft copy of Open Space and Recreation Plan. He explained the purpose of
the plan. He asked the committee for feedback on the document. The committee paid particular
attention to sections 6 through 8. The committee felt dedicating park land as dog park could be a
misuse of space. The general feeling was with so many neighborhood parks and the town forest,
there were many options for dog owners.
The committee also felt that biking was the clear priority according to the survey.
The committee talked about strategic land acquisition such as camp Rice Moody.
They made some additions to the goals and objectives.
READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES October 10, 2012 Con't
Overall the committee was satisfied with the report. J. Feudo mentioned that the committee was
posted to attend the general Open Space and Master plan meeting on October 30I' at the Senior
Center beginning at 7:30 PM.
Administrator's Report:
The field schedule for Spring 2013 will be finalized and published at the end of the month of
October.
The Halloween parade is on October 28th. We are looking for volunteers. Please let Jenna know if
you are able.
Volunteers are also needed for Travel Basketball tryouts. The dates are the last two Mondays and
Tuesdays of October from 5:30 — 8:30 PM.
J. Feudo exited the meeting at 8:02 PM.
G. Fiorente briefly reported on current fall programs as well as discussed upcoming programs such
as Travel Basketball and Sunday Basketball.
Rich Hand spoke about RCASA and their vision to educate kids at an earlier age, preferably in 7th
and 8th grade, on alcohol and drug policies. This was brought up due to an incident where an 8th
grader was supposedly found with marijuana. The next day he was seen playing Pop Warner.
Committee members all agreed to have John Feudo reach out to Reading Sports Organizations to
see if they have any policies already put in place.
8:40 Mary Ellen Stolecki made a motion to adjourn. Nancy seconded the motion.
M. Stolecki made a motion to adjourn. N. Swain seconded the motion. Motion passed in favor of
adjournment by a vote of 7 -0 -0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted by:
John A. Feudo
Recreation Administrator