HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-24 ad Hoc - Symonds Way Exploratory Committee MinutesOFR
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TOWN CLERK
Meeting Minutes READING. MA.
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Symonds Way Exploratory Committee
Date: 2023-07-24 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Session: Open Session
Version: Draft
Chair Carlo Bacci, Vice Chair Chuck Robinson, Angela Binda, Heather Clish
(remote), Andrew Dribin, Karen Janowski, Nancy Twomey
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Manager Fidel Maltez, Community Services Director Jenna Fiorente
(remote), Recreation Administrator Jim Sullivan (remote), Chris Haley,
Karen Gately Herrick (remote), Jeff Dietz (remote), Jack (remote), MaryAnn
Devlln, Eileen Manning, Joe McHugh, Peter Lydecker, Robert Rio, Kerrin
McGuire
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in-person in the Town Hall Select Board Meeting Room and remotely
via Zoom.
Chair Carlo Bacci called the SWEC and Select Board meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
Vote to Reorganize SWEC:
Town Manager Fidel Maltez opened the floor for nominations for Chair.
Karen Janowski nominated Carlo Bacci to continue as Chair.
Nancy Twomey nominated Angela Binda as Chair.
Angela Binda nominated Chuck Robinson as Chair.
Carlo Bacci stated that he would like to be Chair again and see this process through to the
end.
Angela Binda expressed concern over Mr. Baccl continuing as Chair, as it may be a conflict
of interest given Mr. Bacci's involvement with the Pickleball Community.
Chuck Robinson noted that he was thankful for the nomination, but declined.
Following discussion, the Committee voted the nominees for Chair alphabetically by last
name.
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Roll call vote for Carlo Bacci: Heather Clish - Abstain, Andrew Dribin - Yes, Angela Binda -
No, Nancy Twomey - Yes, Carlo Bacci - Yes, Chuck Robinson - Yes, Karen Janowski - Yes.
As Mr. Baccl received five votes to elect him Chair, Ms. Binda suggested taking a re -vote for
consensus.
Roll call re -vote: Heather Clish - Yes, Andrew Drlbin - Yes, Angela Binda - Yes, Nancy
Twomey - Yes, Carlo Baccl - Yes, Chuck Robinson - Yes, Karen Janowski - Yes.
Carlo Baccl opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair. Heather Clish Nominated Chuck
Robinson to continue as Vice Chair. With no further nominees, the SWEC voted Chuck
Robinson as Vice Chair.
Roll call vote: Heather Clish - Yes, Karen Janowski - Yes, Chuck Robinson - Yes, Carlo Baccl
- Yes, Nancy Twomey - Yes, Angela Binda - Yes, Andrew Dribin - Yes.
Presentation by Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA):
Members of the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) presented the mission of the
organization, and the growth of the sport. They explained that Symonds Way is an Ideal
location for pickleball courts, as it meets the space needs, and Is a great distance from
homes, so neighbors would not be bothered by the noise.
Eileen Manning and Joe McHugh of the RPPA explained that the Ice Arena Authority offered
space for temporary courts in the open parking area behind the arena. The hope is that
development of the Symonds Way area will Include permanent courts with lights, and
establish replacement parking elsewhere on Symonds Way.
Some SWEC members expressed concern at the Immediacy of the request, and building
something permanent before the development of the whole area could be considered.
Though they were comfortable with the proposal being incorporated into the RFI.
Following a lengthy discussion, the RPPA members agreed that temporary, but dedicated,
pickleball space would be acceptable.
Discussion with Recreation Department on Community Needs:
Recreation Administrator Jim Sullivan and Community Services Director Jenna Florente
shared what they have heard are needs in the community Including pickleball courts, lighted
multipurpose athletic fields, a public pool, and a skate park. Mr. Sullivan noted that there Is
not enough pickleball courts for folks who want to play. It is also difficult to schedule field
time for all the youth organizations. He cautioned that if partnering with a private entity to
build a facility, the Town must ensure that parameters are set to avoid competing against
said partner.
Ms. Binda asked about potential Indoor space. Mr. Sullivan also noted that a joint
community -senior center in another community had separate areas, but a shared kitchen,
gymnasium, art room, and dance room.
Eileen Manning of Riverside Drive stated that when the YMCA changed its schedule, the High
School swim team lost pool time. If partnering with a private entity, It Is Important to
maintain flexibility for the future. Mr. Sullivan concurred that there Is a need for a public
pool in Town.
Mr. Sullivan stated that while a skate park was not high priority, he felt that if there was
one in Town, it would be utilized.
Review Prellminam Draft Reauest for Information (RFI) for Symonds Way:
The Committee began to review the draft Request for Information (RFI). Following a brief
discussion, members agreed to review the document individually, send feedback to the
Town Manager, and review and refine at the next meeting.
Review and approve prior meetina minutes:
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On a motion by Chuck Robinson, seconded by Heather Clish, the Symonds Way
Exploratory Committee voted 7-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of June 13,
2023 as presented.
Roll call vote: Heather Clish - Yes, Karen Janowski - Yes, Chuck Robinson - Yes,
Andrew Dribin - Yes, Angela Binda - Yes, Nancy Twomey - Yes, Carlo Bacci - Yes.
Discuss future agenda items and meeting dates:
The next meeting will be held Wednesday, August 16' , 2023, at 6:30 pm in the Select
Board Meeting Room. The only agenda item will be to complete the review of the RFI.
On a motion by Chuck Robinson, seconded by Nancy Twomey, the Symonds Way
Exploratory Committee voted 7-0-0 to adjourn at 8:39 pm.
Roll call vote: Heather Clish - Yes, Karen Janowski - Yes, Chuck Robinson - Yes,
Andrew Dribin - Yes, Angela Binds - Yes, Nancy Twomey - Yes, Carlo Bacci - Yes.
On a motion by Carlo Bacci, seconded by Karen Gately Herrick, the Select Board adjourned
at 8:39 pm.
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