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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-14 Recreation Committee Minutesa- Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street 1v E 1) Reading, MA 01867-2685 CLERK R ILE Apt, zool S EP 30 P w. 3°1 FAX: (781) 942 - 5441 RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075 READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 14, 2009 Conference Room -Town Hall Attendance: Chris Campbell, Rec. Committee Member, Mary Ann Kozlowski, Rec. Committee Member, Mike DiPietro, Rec. Committee Chairman, Frank Driscoll, Rec. Committee Member Nancy Swain, Rec. Committee Member, Beth Claroni, School Committee Rep., Bernie Winne, Rec. Committee Member, K. Kaminer, Rec. Committee Member, Eric Hughes, Associate Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator B. Winne called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. M. DiPietro and E. Hughes entered the meeting at 7:05 PM. Travel Basketball 8th Grade Basketball Situation J. Feudo stated that the Rec. Division has encountered a very complex situation with several symptomatic issues. The central issue was the Recreation Division received several complaints regarding an 8th Grade Girls team policy of players being benched for missing practices, even excused. The miscommunication surrounded a discussion between the coach and Rec. -Administrator as-to-what was acceptable-for-playing- time prior to the-season.-The result was_the resignation of the 8th grade Girls Travel coach due to a philosophical difference in the program and miscommunication with the Rec. Administrator. Prior to this season the Rec. Division had received numerous complaints from one parent about this particular coach. Some of the complaints were communicated to the coach, some were filed. J. Feudo felt giving feedback that was not only critical, but unfounded was not an easy thing to do. Whenever possible the Recreation Division tries to shelter the volunteers from the day to day, week to week criticisms we hear and filter what needs to be addressed. This whole situation led to a requested meeting by the Coach and her husband with the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the Recreation Committee and myself. The discussion was lengthy and somewhat productive. It was agreed that the Reading Travel Basketball program needed an agreement for parents and players to sign at the outset of the season. This agreement may help in the future to aide coaches and administrators with some of the complaints that are received by the Recreation Division. M. DiPietro spoke about the Reading Youth Hockey agreement and recommended that the Recreation Staff look to adopt something similar. J. Feudo felt bad that the situation was not able to be resolved. He prepared a letter to send to the team, explaining that the coach left on her own accord at the request of the coach and husband. READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES January 14, 2009 Con't Rich Dunster and Frank Driscoll have taken over the team with some help from Katelyn Driscoll. The team has not had any issues since. The Recreation Division has received several phone calls since, noting the kids are enjoying their season. Imagination Station Rebuild Imagination Station rebuild is in the current capital plan for FY10. J. Feudo stated he would begin his process for a design in February. The goal is to have a design ready for Town Meeting in April. Funding may be harder to come by then originally thought, however, this project was included as one of the Obama Economic Stimulus projects. If approved by the Senate, the Economic Stimulus package is said to be in excess of $800 Billion to inject building projects into the economy. Although there are no guarantees, the hope is this project will get funding. J. Feudo stated he was looking for two volunteers that would like to be part of the focus group that will go from school to school get feedback from the student population. Frank Driscoll and Mary Ann Kozlowski both said they would help. F. Driscoll exited the meeting. Administrator's Report J. Feudo gave a personnel update. The Rec. Division has hired a new clerk again. The new clerk is Sue Simeola. Sue comes to the Town of Reading from Brackett and Lucas Law firm in Winchester. Please introduce yourself when you call or stop by. The cabin at Mattera Conservation Area has had significant water damage. The furnace stopped working causing one of the pipes to freeze and burst. This flooded the 1 st floor and buckled some of the wood flooring. The Town is in the process of getting prices to repair the damage. A decision w t eri In ma eon what-to-do next. There is a seminar of conflict of interest and gratuities for boards, committees and commission taking place on February 3rd in Town Hall at 7:00 PM. If you have never attended, it is a worth while presentation. Subcommittee Reports RCASA N. Swain reported that RCASA Director Erica McNamara was getting approvals for the public service announcement for RCTV. They are also working hard to develop a website. C. Campbell made a motion to adjourn. B. Winne seconded the motion. Motion passes in favor of adjournment 7 - 0 -0. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 PM.