HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-13 Recreation Committee MinutesR
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Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Recreation Committee
Date: 2014 -05 -13 Time: 700 PM
Building: Mattera Cabin Location: Lounge Room
Address: 1481 Main Street
Purpose: General Recreation Business Session: General Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
Frank Driscoll, Chairman, Richard Hand, Recreation Committee Vice Chair,
Mary Ellen Stolecki, Rec. Committee Member, Nancy -Linn Swain, Rec.
Committee Member, Mike DiPietro, Rec. Committee Member, Kate Kaminer,
Rec. Committee Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator
Members - Not Present:
Sean Whalen, Adam Chase, Eric Hughes, Bernie Winne
Others Present:
Peter Coumounduros, Genevieve Fiorente
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John Feudo
Topics of Discussion:
F. Driscoll opened the meeting at 7:11 PM.
J. Feudo introduced Pete Coumounduros from the Friends of Reading Recreation. Mr.
Coumounduros mentioned several FORR events coming up including the Annual poker
tournament that will take place at the Masonic Lodge to raise funds for the fireworks. The
Fireworks display will take place following Friends and Family Day on June 14th. He also
mentioned that FORR is offering a Middle School Cross Country program that was becoming
popular. FORR has hired Dan Princic to coach the team. The interest has been very good
for this program and they hope to have outdoor meets in the Fall as well.
Flag Flying in the Park
J. Feudo discussed the topic of flag flying in the parks. A neighbor of Hunt Memorial Park on
Pleasant Street complained that Reading Youth Baseball does not fly the flag each weekend
for games anymore. J. Feudo spoke with RYB about it. They stated that they have run into
two issues with the flag, one, the flag pole has a pulley mechanism that doesn't work well.
Secondly, if they leave the flag up, there is an issue of illuminating at night. F. Driscoll
mentioned that he would be willing to research the topic. In the meantime, J. Feudo stated
he would review the possibility of adding a light for Hunt Park. Generally speaking, all flags
should be lit, including the pole at Memorial Park. The Committee seemed to agree.
Birch Meadow Master Plan Discussion
J. Feudo spoke about the current master plan. He mentioned that there are several projects
on the plan that are now out dated and need to be reevaluated. The Board of Selectmen
has asked the Recreation Committee to update the plan as needed. J. Feudo listed an
inventory of what was currently on the Master plan including the following:
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Walking paths
Dugouts at Morton Field
Newly Renovated Basketball Courts
Realignment of the softball fields
Additional lighting on the softball fields
Pavilion with Bathrooms and storage
Multipurpose Sport Court
Relocate Batting Cage
Remove lower ropes course
Skate Park
Tot and Playground area
Remove green shed
Additional Storage
Relocate shot put area
Additional seating for spectators
Improved drainage
New scoreboard for softball field
Relocate bleachers at Morton Field
Pedestrian bridge
Street trees
J. Feudo recommended getting a committee together similar to the last go around including
reps from each major sports group, RMHS Athletic Director, YMCA Executive Director and
perhaps some students.
The Committee discussed the options for a new Master planning committee. They decided
the best approach would be to move to a subcommittee with the Recreation Committee.
The subcommittee could then talk to each organization as they go. R. Hand felt that the
plan was already established and felt the committee's job was to now update it, not to
recreate it. M. Stolecki, F. Driscoll and R. Hand volunteered to serve on the Birch Meadow
planning committee. R. Hand felt it would be important to create a partners list to include
folks from the schools, YMCA, DPW and the many sports organizations.
ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
G. Fiorente gave an update about spring and summer programs. She stated that camp
numbers are very strong based on the comparison to last spring. Spring T -ball is going well
with 12 teams. She is currently working on summer staff training and also looking for an
intern to help with summer programs.
J. Feudo gave an update for park projects. He mentioned that he has secured the Army
Corps of Engineers to complete the lights at Memorial Park. Additional funds were approved
at Town Meeting and the project can begin as soon as July 1St
The Washington Park project should also begin in the summer. The project has been bid
out. The project is expected to be done by the end of the fall season.
Once school ends the renovation project for the Birch Meadow school rockwall and new
playground will take place. This will be a renovation of all the pressure treated wood and
also include a new poured in place rubber surface.
Friends and Family day presented by the Lions Club, will take place on Saturday, June 14th
from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The Fireworks will start at approximately 9:00 PM.
M. Stolecki made a motion to adjourn. K. Kaminer seconded the motion. Motion passed in
favor of adjournment 5 -0 -0.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
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Respectfully Submitted by:
John A. Feudo
Recreation Administrator
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