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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-08 Recreation Committee MinutesTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9070 RECREATION DIVISI0N:4(781) 942-075 Recreation Committee Minutes of November 8, 2000 meeting Town Hall Conference Room MEETING NOTES: Meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM A quorum was declared present. ATTENDEES: Alan Beaulieu, Mary Ellen Stolecki, Sudie Fay, Kate Kaminer, Chris Campbell, Claire Bolger, Dave Bryant, Jack Downing, Bernie Winne. Lorraine Salter (7:45 PM) GUESTS: Mike Shimansky, Florence Campbell, Ena Farrell, Nan Bodelender, George Farrell, Matthew Baltier, Mary Scott, Jack Scott, Charlotte Hailan, Marilyn Cortise, Margie Roscoe, Virginia Adams, Charles Adams, Frank Driscoll and Gordon Rogerson Approval of Minutes, Wednesday, October 11, 2000 Motioned to Approve: Katie Kaminer Seconded - David Bryant Passed unanimously 8 - 0 New Business Public Hearing on Memorial Park Renovation Recreation Administrator Wayne C. Currrie presented the group with a few suggestions for the renovation. He suggested the Villa play structure, Bungalow play structure, Town House play Structure, Multi Spring Seesaw, Hang ring Maze, Triple Bay Metal Swing and the Climbing Wall. Mr. Currie suggested a mix 2 - 5 and 5 -12 age group equipment for the park. The Memorial Park neighbors came to the meeting excited about the possibilities of a playground renovation but also had some questions and concerns. Questions were raised about keeping the same amount of swings or add more swings at the park. There were concerns about vandalism and teenagers hanging out at the park. Neighbors wanted to keep the age group for the area 2 - 5. Neighbors did not want a multiple seesaw in the park. They felt it also would attract teenagers. Neighbors were concerned about ground preparation cost and erosion from that type of work. The neighbors were against the idea of picnic tables at the park. The neighbors were against the Hang ring Maze. They felt that it would attract teenagers. Those in attendance requested to see the final playground proposal. Mr. Currie will contact the neighbor in January about the final proposal. The Committee explained that the project was scheduled for June/July 2001 pending Town Meeting approval. The neighbors exited the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion to close the Public Hearing Motioned by Kate Kaminer Seconded by Jack Downing Passed unanimously Public Hearing closed It was discussed that paperwork for the last few months given to the Recreation Committee has been sloppy. An example was that a portion of the minutes from the September minutes was included in the October minutes. Members of the committee should receive prior information about agenda items in advance. Especially about new business items. Travel Basketball Ms. Kaminer received several messages from coaches about the lack of coordination and getting things started with the Travel Basketball program. They feel that they do not know what is going on and do not have enough information. Ms. Kammer suggested to Mr. Currie to come to the Committee with concerns sooner than later. The issues that were mentioned were: • Gym times for practices • Gym time for games • Actual game Schedule Getting referees to the game Mr. Currie needs to get out information to the coaches on what to do. It was suggested to have a meeting with the coaches on Monday, November 13, 2000 7:30 in the Town Hall Conference Room. It was suggested that the Recreation Administrator meet with the Superintendent of School about building scheduling issues and priorities. Katie Kaminer and Bernie Winne will be the Committee representatives for Travel Basketball. Administrator's Report Mr. Currie passed out the Conflict of Interest Seminar flyer. The seminar is on Wednesday, November 29, 7:30 p.m. at Coolidge Middle School. Mr. Currie discussed the summer 2000 report. Committee members felt the report was good. Discussion on clinics, summer concerts and field fees. The Recreation Department had a very successful summer of programming. Motion by Alan Beaulieu To have Mr. Currie limit new programs and focus on existing recreation programs to enhance them and focus on what the Recreation Committee/Division does and do it well. This will be evaluated next May (Six Months) New programs are defined as any programs sponsored, organized or solicited by the Recreation Administrator. Seconded Kate Kaminer Passed Unanimously Motioned by Dave Bryant Upon the receipt of a field permit. The current field fee must be based on the prior year field usage before the permit is issued. Seconded by Bernie Winne Passed Unanimously Mr. Currie will notify all field users of this new policy. Old Business The Halloween Parade was cancelled due to extreme weather condition. Skyhawks Sport Program was discussed and put on hold. The committee will look into this program again in May 2001. Subcommittee Report Aquatics Report There is a new Administrator for the Burbank YMCA. He will begin November 11. The Y has appropriate money for new acoustic ceiling the for the pool. The acoustics presently in the pool are terrible. This is the first phase of improving the sound in the pool. There is a new scoreboard with a touch pad. This scoreboard was sponsored by Mass Bank. The Burbank YMCA has appropriated $5,000 for a new vacuum for the pool. The Reading Memorial High School Girls swim team had a very successful season. They only had one loss to Belmont High. There was a request to have specific dates and times for the Aquatics Meeting. The Aquatic Advisory Committee will meet the 4"' Monday of every month with the exception of December - Christmas. Mr. Bryant asked the group, "What is the responsibility of the Aquatics Advisory Committee". Mr. Bryant did not get an answer. Motion to Adjourn Motioned by Mary Ellen Stolecki Seconded by Sudie Fay Passed unanimously 8-0 The Meeting was adjourned at 10:45 PM