HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-15 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading TOINNEIVERK
Meeting Minutes REF,DI'�G, M K
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Board
- -Committee -Commission -Council: u21 SEP 30 PM 12: 08
Recreation Committee
Date: 2021-07-15 Time: 4:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Monthly Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Emily Sisson (M), Michael Coltman (M), Bob Weiden (M), Rich Hand (M), Eric
Gaffen (M), Katelynn King (M) Chuck Robinson (M)
Members - Not Present:
K. Kaminer (M), Gina Nelson (A), Patrick Sheeran (A), Mike DiPietro (M),
Angela Binda (M)
Others Present:
Genevieve Fiorente - Recreation Administrator and liaison to committee
Kevin Bohmiller - Director of Community Services
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Genevieve Fiorente, Recreation Administrator
Topics of Discussion:
E. Sisson calls the meeting to order at 4:36pm. Roll call is taken.
E. Sisson elevates K. King to voting member for duration of the meeting.
E. Gaffen makes a motion to accept the meeting minutes. C. Robinson seconds. Roll
call. Motion approved 7-0.
Discussion on Recreation Committee Chair and Vice -chair ensues.
B. Weiden nominates Emily Sisson for Recreation Committee Chair. R. Hand
seconds. Roll Call vote. Motion approved 7-0.
Discussion on Vice Chair ensues.
M. Coltman nominates B. Weiden for Recreation Committee Vice -Chair. R. hand
seconds. Roll Call vote. All in favor.
B. Weiden explains the Reading Little League baseball initiatives. He states that a
member of the community reached out about the Flagpole without a flag at Hunt
Park. B. Weiden says that this pole was dedicated to a child who passed away years
ago. He mentions that Reading Little League would like to see it replaced.
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B. Weiden also states that Reading Little League is in the process of looking to
install a new scoreboard and would like Recreation Committee's support on this
potential future project.
R. Hand asks if other fields have flagpoles. G. Fiorente answers that not all fields
have flagpoles.
E. Gaffen asks if flagpoles are a requirement and do schools already have flagpoles
on school properties?
C. Robinson says that he does not think it is a requirement. He adds that when
Reading hosts the district games they do play the National Anthem.
R. Hand asks if you have a flag does it need to be lit
B. Weiden says that if you keep it up at night, yes but they could take it up and put
it down after each game if needed.
B. Weiden states it would also be nice if the brush could be removed from the area
that is overgrowing around and near the scoreboard. G. Fiorente states she will
speak with Mike Hannaford in Parks and Forestry and Chuck Tirone in Conservation
and see if that can be done.
B. Weiden also mentions the need for Joshua Eaton to be releveled and resodded
but no funds have been allocated to that yet.
K. King asks who is responsible for retiring the flag once it is tethered. B. Weiden
says that Reading Little League will be sure to look after the flag.
E. Gallen makes a motion to support the repair and/or replacement of the flagpole
at Hunt Park. R. Hand seconds. Roll Call Vote. All in favor aside from B. Weiden
recusal. Motion passes 6-0-1.
E. Gallen makes a motion to support releveling and resodding the existing fields at
Joshua Eaton once funds are available. R. Hand seconds. Roll call vote. All in favor
aside from B. Weiden recusal. Motion passes.
The committee discusses the scoreboard again and agrees that more details are
needed before a recommendation can occur.
G. Fiorente presents the amplified sound permit for the Reading Arts event on the
town common. M. Coltman makes a motion to approve the permit as presented. E.
Gallen seconds. Roll call vote. Motion passes 7-0.
G. Fiorente presents the amplified sound permit for Elite Freestyle Karate at Wood
End. M. Coltman makes a motion to approve the permit as presented. E. Gaffen
seconds. Roll call vote. Motion passes 7-0.
Committee discusses days and times for future Recreation Committee meetings and
agree that the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm works moving forward.
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G. Fiorente gives an update on Division programs, projects and events. She thanks
K. King for her support at finding vendors for the Summer Concerts.
M. Coltman makes a motion to adjourn at 5:17pm. B. Weiden seconds. Roll call
vote. Motion passes 7-0.
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