Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-07-12 Recreation Committee MinutesVW11 V1 rwouIllu 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING. MASS. FAX: (781) 942 - 5441 RECREATION DIVISIfffl: M)(9f2 pq2f 02 READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES July 12th, 2006 Police Community Room Attendance: Jack Downing, Rec. Committee Chair, Nancy-Linn Swain, Rec. Committee Member, Kate Kaminer, Rec. Committee Member, Bernie Winne, Rec. Committee Member, Rick Shaffer, Rec. Committee Member, Mary Ann Kozlowski, School Committee Rep., Frank Driscoll, Rec. Committee Member, Chris Campbell, Rec. Committee Member, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Rec. Committee Member, Michael DiPietro, Associate Member, Beth Claroni, Associate Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator Guests: Barry Sheehan, Phil Kluge J. Downing called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. The Committee was asked to review the minutes from the July meeting. B. Winne made a motion to accept the minutes from the June 14th Recreation Committee meeting. N. Swain seconded the motion. The motion passed in favor of acceptance of the minutes 7-0-0. M.E. Stolecki entered the meeting at 7:22 PM. Basketball Presentation J. Feudo introduced Barry Sheehan from the O'Brien Basketball Program and Phil Kluge from the Girls River Valley Basketball Program. J. Feudo stated that over the past several months, he had met with Mr. Kluge, Mr. Sheehan, Mike O'Brien, D. McGrath and the YMCA's representative Jen Cotton to discuss merging all programs under the Recreation Division (except 5th grade travel- YMCA). In the past, differences in the programs included the playing time distribution, amount of games being played and competition level. As discussions ensued, it was found that a lot of the philosophies that were different were now more in line with each other. The proposal is for the Recreation Administrator to oversee both Division I and Division II travel basketball with Mr. Sheehan serving as the Boys Coordinator and Mr. Kluge serving as the Girls coordinator. The programs will basically run the same as in the past. The major difference will be all players will participate in one tryout and will be placed on both a travel team and in-town team. The in-town program will be included in the cost of Travel Basketball. This will ensure that there is a program available for all abilities. Travel teams will be developed based on interest and available volunteer coaches and then placed in the appropriate division of the program. One of the other major changes will be allowing 2nd grade players to participate in Sunday Basketball. The Recreation Division receives many inquiries each year about allowing 2nd graders to play. It also begins to help build the program from the ground up. Small biddy basketballs would be used. READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - JULY 12 Con't B. Winne made a motion to accept the new basketball program with all changes as proposed. F. Driscoll seconded the motion. Motion passes in favor of acceptance of the new basketball program with all changes as proposed by a vote of 9-0-0. R. Shaffer entered the meeting at 7:30 PM Imagination Station J. Feudo mentioned that Imagination Station has been closed officially by the Reading Health Administrator. A number of issues were cited including protruding nails and screws, splintering wood and lack of safety surfacing. He went on to mention that in the month of August the Board of Selectmen will be discussing Imagination Station and will be looking for a recommendation from the Recreation Committee. There was a brief discussion about possibly conducting a site walk in September. M. Stolecki felt that the structure had served its useful purpose and it was now time to think about demolishing it. B. Claroni stated that the current structure is very difficult for parents to see their children. M. Kozlowski and B. Claroni volunteered to represent the Recreation Committee on any subcommittees for Imagination Station. Administrators Report - J. Feudo gave an overview of the Summer programs._ Summer camp through 3 weeks was already approaching last years total number. Camp continues to get bigger and better each year. The Recreation staff has struggled a little administratively with the process of having 13 camps under its supervision. This was an increase of 12 camps and was a requirement from the Reading Health Division. It will hopefully become less difficult in years to come as the public becomes more aware of the requirements. Other programs that are done or underway include: Baseball, Girls Varsit Basketball, Boys Varsity Basketball, Tiny Tot Soccer, Super Sports, Boys Jr. Basketball, Kids Crafts, Summer Concerts. Recently a neighbor called concerned about some of the issues concerning the use of Pearl Street Field at Longwood Place. The neighbor had many concerns over the course of many years, however, the recent actions of lack of respect by a coach necessitated the phone call. The issues have been discussed by the neighbor, Town Manager, Recreation Administrator and President of RUSC. RUSC has been asked to scale down there game play so it wasn't constant. A similar schedule will be used as used at Memorial Park. This will leave time for traffic to exit and enter. Other parking adjustments were being talked about as well. J. Feudo gave an update regarding the many projects coming in the fall including: • Installation of the New Tot Lot on Bancroft Ave 0 Installation of new Tennis Shed at Birch Meadow • Wood End Elementary School Playground • New swing set at Memorial Park • Replenished safety surfacing at all school park playgrounds • Purchase of North Main Street Property READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - JULY 12 Con't Finally J. Feudo mentioned that the Recreation Division has hired a new clerk. Her name is Sandra Benenati. She started on June 26th. When each of you call please say hello and introduce yourself! - There were no sub-committee reports. F. Driscoll made a motion to adjourn. B. Winne seconded the motion. Motion passes in favor of adjournment 9-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. >r