HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-11 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 LAGBoard - Committee - Commission - Council:
Recreation Committee
Date: 2025-03-11 Time: 6:30 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Monthly Meeting Version: Final
Attendees:Members - Present:
Rich Hand (M) Michael Coltman (M), Laura Noonan(M), Eric Boemer (M)
Kate Kaminer (M) John Federico (A), Kevin Leete (A), Giueseppe Fodera (A)
Members - Not Present:
Eric Gaffen (M), Bob Weiden (M) Matthew George (A), Melissa Pucci (M).
Others Present:
Jim Sullivan - Recreation Administrator
Ed Shambo - Program Coordinator
Peter Coumondourus - Reading United Soccer Club
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:Jim Sullivan, Recreation Administrator
Topics of Discussion:
Call to Order
Rich Hand called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM, noting that he would serve as Chair due to the
absence of Eric Gaffen.
Roll Call
(Attendance noted above)
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Laura Noonan noted a minor typo in her name.
Michael Coltman made a motion to approve the minutes with the amendment. Laura Noonan
seconded.
Vote:5-0 in favor motion passed.
Public Comment
No public comment was offered.
Agenda Item: Amplified Sound Request Reading Friends and Family Day /
Fireworks (June 14th at Birch Meadow Complex)
Michael Coltman made a motion to approve the request. Eric Boemer seconded.
Vote:5-0 in favor motion passed.
Agenda Item: Temporary Lights for Spring 2025 Coolidge Middle School
(Reading United Soccer Club)
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Peter Coumondouros requested approval for portable lighting from April to the end of May to
maximize field use during the early spring season, with a preference for solar-powered lights.
Jim Sullivan noted that the Town had notified abutters by mail, and one neighbor requested that:
Solar-powered lights be used
Lights be directed toward the school and away from the neighborhood
Committee members and Peter Coumondouros affirmed that using solar-powered, non-diesel
lights was the top priority in consideration of neighbors.
Michael Coltman made a motion to approve the request with the following conditions:
Primary option: solar-powered lights
Secondary option: diesel-powered lights if solar is unavailable
All lights must be pointed away from the residential neighborhood
Eric Boemer seconded.
Vote: 5-0 in favor motion passed.
Agenda Item: Birch Meadow Phase II & Pickleball Updates
Jim Sullivan updated the committee on the recent community meeting regarding Birch Meadow
-term plan.
Discussion included topics such as:
Parking
Pathways
Playgrounds
Jim also shared updates from the latest Select Board meeting, where Joel Bargmann of BH+A
presented. Discussion followed regarding project costs. Michael Coltman referenced pricing in
other towns and shared that Jim Sullivan would work with consultants to seek cost-saving
upcoming tournament fundraiser.
Recreation Administrator / Program Coordinator Updates
Jim Sullivan Updates:
Tennis court installations are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Barrows fence project is experiencing some delays with the contractor.
Hunt Park snack shack renovations will begin soon.
Youth Softball expressed interest in contributing funding for new dugouts and potential
fencing improvements.
Memorial Park will be receiving new backboards this spring.
Jim and Ed Shambo will attend the MRPA Recreation Conference in Norwood next
week.
Ed Shambo Updates:
Winter season programs are concluding, with focus shifting to summer programming and
registration.
The Fieldhouse will be offline this summer, requiring use of other schools
Interviews are underway for Summer Daycation counselor positions.
Upcoming intergenerational events with the Council on Aging are planned.
In response to a question from Laura Noonan, Ed provided updates on upcoming adaptive
programming offerings.
Adjournment
Michael Coltman made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Laura Noonan seconded.
Vote: 5-0 in favor meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.
FULL MEETING VIDEO LINK BELOW
Recreation Committee 03-11-2025