HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-13 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942-9070
RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942-907-5
Recreation Committee
Minutes of December 13, 2000 meeting
Town Hall Conference Room
MEETING NOTES:
Meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM
A quorum was declared present.
ATTENDEES: Alan Beaulieu, Jack Downing, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Chris Campbell, Claire Bolger,
Dave Bryant, Lorraine Salter, Bernie Winne (7:35), Susan Cavichi (7:36) Kate Kaminer (7:40)
GUESTS: Pete Moscariello, Frank Driscoll, David Chase, Dennis Walsh
Approval of Minutes, Wednesday, November 8, 2000
Motion to Accept minutes as amended: Jack Downing
Seconded - Mary Ellen Stolecki
Passed unanimously 8 - 0
New Business
Morton Field Scoreboard
Pete Moscariello presented his proposal and recommendations to the committee in regards to the
scoreboard for Morton Field. Mr. Moscariello recommended an increase in the scoreboard
dimensions from 4' X 8' to 5' X 14'. This new dimension will allow for better visibility from all
areas of the field. Mr. Moscariello recommended a wireless remote for the scoreboard. A wire less
scoreboard was not a part of the first proposal. A wire less remote will cost $750 but is cheaper
than the cost of labor and trenching for installing a non-wireless system.
There were questions about scoreboard height, vandalism and location. Mr. Moscariello responded
that the scoreboard would still be placed on the left field foul line. He will speak with Athletic
Director Phil Vaccaro about placing a plexi-glass on the face of the scoreboard much like the one in
the field house. The idea of a multi-purpose scoreboard for baseball and softball was ruled out.
There was a question on how this was spearheaded and fundraising etc. Eileen Woods, a parent of a
former baseball player, and various others have gotten together to raise fund for various activities
for Reading Baseball.
The scoreboard will be maintained consistent with previous agreements. Babe Ruth and the Athletic
Department will work with the Recreation Division.
The Recreation Committee recommends that Mr. Moscariello contact Mim Jarema to get her input
on the correct location of the scoreboard so that it doesn't infringe on the field hockey field.
Mr. Moscariello will contact Mr. Wallace, the only Morton Field neighbor who attended original
public hearing, to inform him about the increase in size of the scoreboard.
Motion by Bernie Winne.
To approve the request as submitted. Mr. Moscariello will agree to call Mr. Wallace and Recreation
Administrator Wayne Currie will follow with a letter to inform Mr.Wallace of the increase in size of
the scoreboard.
Seconded by Susan Cavicchi
Passed unanimously 8 - 0
David Chase of the Reading Adult Soccer Team addressed the committee in regards to his special.
permit request for field usage on Sunday Mornings. The team would like to use any field available
on 4/1, 4/22/ 5/13/ and 6/3/01. Mr. Chase stated that the team had a successful fall season and that
they didn't receive any complaints from the neighbors.
There was a question concerning their 4/1/01 request. The spring fields are not open until Monday,
April 2, 2001. The 4/1/01 date will not be available for them to use.
Motion by Jack Downing
Recommends the Reading Adult Soccer team use of Parker Middle School field beginning at 10:30
AM on 4/22, 5/13, and 6/3/01.
Seconded by Susan Caviechi
Motion fail 3 - 4
Alan Beaulieu abstained
Motion by Jack Downing
To hold a public hearing to grant the use of Coolidge Middle School field beginning at 11:00 AM.
Seconded by Mary Ellen Stolecki
Passed 5 - 3
Frank Driscoll addressed the Committee regarding the new field fee policy. He has a problem with
it. He doesn't receive payment from participants until the program begins and cannot pay the field
fees in advance.
The wording on the letter sent out by Recreation Administrator Wayne Currie was not correct. Mr.
Currie will resend the letter with the revision.
Mr. Bryant addresses the committee about having lights at the football field. Advantage of lights--
increase revenue and eliminate or reduce user fee for athletic participation. The Recreation
Committee discussed the issue but said the football field is under the direction of the School
E
Committee. Interested individuals should consult Phil Vaccaro.
Mary Ellen Stolecki addressed the committee regarding the Arlington Youth Sport Symposium.
Arlington brought together various sport group directors and others who are involved with youth
sports in the Arlington community. Arlington pitches the symposium as a positive rather than a
negative thing. Reading should take a pro-active approach.
Discussion on having a motivational speaker for youth coaches and players-what is expected.
A Sportsmanship adhoc committee was formed. The committee will include Ms. Stolecki, Ms.
Sudie Fay, Ms. Claire Bolger, Mr. Bernie Winne and Dennis Lucyniak. Ms. Stolecki will chair and
Ms. Bolger will be the vice chair.
Ms. Susan Cavicchi would like to have the superintendent at the next Recreation Committee
meeting on January 10 to discuss facility user fees. Ms Cavicchi will arrange for the Superintendent
to be there at 8:15 PM
Motioned by Mary Ellen Stolecki
Motion to adjourn
Seconded by Jack Downing
Adjourned at 10:24 PM