Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-14 Recreation Committee MinutesI VWll VI IRGctull1W 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942 - 5441 RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075 READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES June 14, 2006 Town Hall Conference Room Attendance: Nancy-Linn Swain, Rec. Committee Chair, Jack Downing, Rec. Committee Member, Frank Driscoll, Rec. Committee Member, Kate Kaminer, Rec. Committee Member, Bernie Winne, Rec. Committee Member, Rick Shaffer, Rec. Committee Member, Mary Ann Kozlowski, School Committee Rep., Mary Ellen Stolecki, Rec. Committee Member, Chris Campbell, Associate Member, John Feudo, Recreation Administrator N. Swain called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. Kate Kaminer entered the meeting at 7:09 PM. r Q c rn Bernie Winne entered the meeting at 7:09 PM. -,.rnrn The Committee was asked to review the minutes from the May meeting. J. Downing mUe a 7:0 CD motion to accept the minutes from the May 17th Recreation Committee meeting. F. Dri0oll seconded the motion. The motion passed in favor of acceptance of the minutes 7-0-0. C) The Recreation Committee discussed the fact that there should be an agreement in writing stating that the School Department is responsible for the maintenance fee for the synthetic fields at the HS complex. Some committee members were concerned that the maintenance fee would eventually become the Recreation Division's responsibility. - - - - - - - - - A discussion ensued regarding priority of field use. Rick Shaffer entered the meeting at 7:12 PM. CPDC to Discuss Recreation and Open Space Master Plan J. Feudo mentioned that a CPDC member would not be in attendance for the meeting this evening. He stated that he would invite the Town Planner, Chris Reilly to a future meeting to discuss the open space and recreation master plan. J. Feudo stated that the table was now open for nominees for Chair and Vice-Chair positions for the Recreation committee for FY07. F. Driscoll nominated J. Downing as chairmen the Recreation Committee. N. Swain seconded the nomination. On a vote of 7-0-0, Jack Downing was named Chairman of the Recreation Committee for FY07. J. Downing nominated K. Kaminer as Vice Chairmen of the Recreation Committee for FY07. F. Driscoll seconded the nomination. K. Kaminer was named Vice-chairmen of the Recreation Committee by a vote of 6-0-1. READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CON'T June 14, 2006 Friends of Reading Recreation J. Feudo introduced Peter Coumounduros and Dennis Collins from the Friends of Reading Recreation group (FORR). Mr. Coumounduros gave an overview of the group's purpose and progress. They have been working on their first event, which will run concurrent with the Reading Friends and Family Day on June 17. The event is a Fun Run for Kids. They stated that they are also working on a couple events for the Fall. One event planned is a street hockey tournament for kids. The group was before the Recreation Committee looking to obtain permission to use the tennis courts and basketball court on Bancroft Ave for the tournament. The proposed date was October 8- 9. J. Feudo stated that using tennis courts and basketball courts for this type of event is unprecedented and would need approval from the Recreation Committee. The Recreation Committee asked many questions about the event including logistics. Mr. Coumounduros stated that the players would not be wearing roller blades and they would play on foot. K. Kaminer stated that she was not in favor of using basketball courts as there is only one court, whereas there are 6 courts for tennis. She felt as long as it is posted it should not pose a problem. F. Driscoll made a motion to allow FORR to use 3 courts under the direction of the Recreation Administrator for the purpose of a Street Hockey Tournament. R. Shaffer seconded the motion. Motion passes in favor of allowing FORR the use of 3 courts under the direction of the Recreation Administrator for the purpose of a Street Hockey Tournament by a vote of 7-0-0. Mr. Collins mentioned that FORR was also interested in funding the installation of some passive recreational activities at Memorial Park such as horseshoes, chess tables and bocce ball. Mr. Collins stated he understood that Memorial Park was a sensitive subject in Town. However, they arelooking to the Recreation_Committeefor_support_of theirinitiativesof_making_Memorial_Park____ more community friendly for people of all ages. F. Driscoll mentioned that he thought FORR had a lot of good ideas, but felt that until the issue was solved in the courts, there was nothing that could really be done. B. Winne added that Recreation Committee can't control the fate of Memorial Park, however can support the initiatives set forth by the Friends of Reading Recreation and send it to the Board of Selectmen. R. Shaffer stated he felt that Memorial Park was grossly underutilized. K. Kaminer made a motion to support, in full, the development of more passive recreational activities at Memorial Park. Motion passes in favor of supporting, in full, the development of more passive recreational activities at Memorial Park by a vote of 7-0-0. Administrator's Report J. Feudo mentioned that Program Coordinator Dan McGrath will be working most of the concerts this summer. However, if anyone was interested in volunteering to cover a concert to let John or Dan know. Concerts will begin on July 9th on Sunday evenings. J. Feudo gave an update on Summer programs. Summer camp numbers continue to grow in all areas. Some of the independently contracted programs numbers were down. It is not known whether or not the poor spring weather had anything to do with that. The Recreation Division will - be sending one more flyer home at the end of the school year to help promote the summer programs. READING RECREATION COMMITTEE MINUTES CON'T June 14, 2006 Unfortunately, June 20th will be Carol Quinn's (Rec Principle Clerk) last day. J. Feudo stated that she is moving to California, where her husband has been working. This was very disappointing to the Recreation Staff. J. Feudo stated that her hard work and pleasant nature would certainly be missed. The process of replacing the clerk's position is well underway. Over 100 applicants had been received and interviews were currently taking place. The hope was to have very little time between clerks. Friends and Family Day is being held on the Town Common on June 1711' J. Feudo mentioned he will be bringing a travel basketball proposal back to the Recreation committee in July that will include the merging of all programs in Town. He and D. McGrath have been working hard with representative of the other programs to create a program that they believe can work well for the most important party involved, the kids. F. Driscoll made a motion to adjourn. R. Shaffer seconded the motion. Motion passes in favor of adjournment 7-0-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM.