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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-09 Recreation Committee MinutesG Recreation Committee Minutes Wednesday, September 09 1998 The Recreation Committee meeting carne to order at 7:30 PM in the Conference Room at Reading Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included Alan Beaulieu, Sue Cavicchi, Chris Campbell, Dave Bryant, Claire Bolger, Jack Downing, Kate Kaminer, and Lorraine Salter. Also in attendance Associate Committee member Sudie Fay, and Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly. Salter made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, August 12, 1998 meeting, Cavicchi seconded the motion, approved 6-0-1. Campbell made a motion to open the public hearing regarding the flooding of Castine Field, seconded by Cavicchi, approved 7-0. In attendance from the public: Carol Christa of 98 John Carver Road Joanne Sechor of 110 John Carver Road Stephen Sechor of 110 John Carver Road Michele Occhiuti of 99 John Carver Road Joe Brown of 88 Hanscom Avenue Pat Sudbay of 107 John Carver Road Bob Charlton of 45 Parkview Road Judy Cornner of 73 Hillcrest Road George Foley of 4 Smith Ave Al Wilkenson of County Road Connelly gave some background information regarding the request from Reading United Soccer. George Foley from Reading United Soccer reviewed his organization's reasons for submitting the request: 1) Try to offer a inexpensive program 2) Rented fields at Austin Preparatory School - Spring $2,000, Summer $1,200 3) Lack of adequate fields in Reading 4) Programs are continuing to expand and don't want to cut kids due to no fields 5) Sturges Park, Memorial Park, and Burbank Arena are alternative skating areas Reading United Soccer representative Al Wilkenson included his concerns regarding field safety due overcrowding. Resident Joe Brown stated his desire to keep flooding Castine Field. Brown indicated his concern that soccer play was already being conducted at Castine Field. Connelly and the Committee explained the Castine Field use situation to Mr. Brown. Connelly pointed out that the Committee was there to decide whether or not to flood the field. Resident Michele Occhiuti would like the field to continue to be flooded. Resident Stephen Sechor explained the conditions of Castine Field during periods of heavy rain. Resident Pat Sudbay reviewed the history of Castine Field and stated his reasons for continuing to flood the field. Associate Committee member Bernie Winne entered the meeting at 7:55 PM. Committee member Dennis Lucyniak entered the meeting at 8:00 PM Mr. Sudbay stated the following points: 1) Experiment for one year comparison is invalid 2) Area is a wet land 3) If soccer was able to use it for the last 19 years on June 1, "why not flood" Castine Field. 4) Committee should be expanding programming not restricting it Mr. Foley stated that he would hope to be able to use the field by May 01St Mr. Sudbay explained that there was no guarantee on when the field would be available for play. Resident Bob Charlton explained that it may be easier to design and build a new soccer field than try to make Castine Field into a dry soccer field. Mr. Charlton also commented on his families enjoyment of feeding the ducks during the fall months. Mr. Sudbay and Connelly reviewed the discussed of the ice skating facilities. Resident George Hines commented that the Committee should discuss field improvements with the Conservation Commission. Downing commented on the recent work done to the Aberjona River. Downing believes that any increase in the water level as a result of that project may be affecting the drainage system. Reading United Soccer representative Judy Conner commented that skaters had other options including Memorial Park and Sturges Park. Discussion continued amongst Committee members and residents. - - Connelly opened the discussion up to Committee members. Downing made the following evaluations: 1) Standing water on grass for early months damages the turf 2) Standing water on grass attracts ducks and geese who feed on the grass 3) Delaying flooding until colder months would eliminate some of the standing water issues. Downing explained that by flooding the field when the ground was colder it was likely that the water will freeze quicker. Fay made the suggestion that Connelly talk to the Conservation Commission to address the top soil issue. Beaulieu stated "Do we not flood Castine field for four additional weeks of soccer play during the month of May"? The Committee discussed the rental of Austin Preparatory fields with Mr. Foley. Kaminer stated that she was in favor of the one year trial. Nelson stated that he was against not flooding the field. Cavicchi commented that she had difficulty with the validity of the experiment. Winne stated that he was in favor of the one year experiment because of the demand for fields during the early spring months. Salter explained that she had an issue with taking away an existing resource. Kaminer motioned to close the public hearing, seconded by Beaulieu. The Public Hearing was closed on a 9-0 vote. Connelly thanked those in attendance for their feedback during the public hearing. Residents and representatives from Reading United Soccer exited the meeting at 9 PM. The Committee discussed the input from the public hearing. Downing suggested that the Committee gather more information by installing and monitoring a series of ground wells at the site. Winne stated that the Committee needed to decide whether Castine Field was a skating rink or a soccer field. The Committee discussed this issue. Salter motioned to continue to flood Castine Field with the following conditions: 1) Delay flooding until December 2) Drain the field immediately after February vacation 3) Gather facts from Conservation regarding field renovations The motion was seconded by Beaulieu. Bryant and Cavicchi stated that they agreed with the motion. Bolger stated that she was against the motion because of the available skating at Memorial Park and Sturges Park. The motion was approved on a 6-3 vote. w Kaminer exited the meeting at 9:10 PM. The Recreation Committee reviewed the proposed budget with Connelly. Connelly reviewed the Administrators report. Connelly explained that Salter, Kaminer and himself interviewed two candidates for the Youth Program Coordinator position. Connelly stated that he hoped to offer the position to someone by Friday afternoon. - Connelly the Committee reviewed the Travel Basketball Coaching search. Connelly continued to review the Administrator's Report. Connelly asked the Committee for volunteers for the October 04th cross country race. Downing, Nelson, Beaulieu, Salter, and Winne volunteered. Bryant reminded Committee members of the Conflict of Interest meeting on September 17th. Cavicchi motioned to adjourn, seconded by Lucyniak, and approved 8-0-0. The Recreation Committee adjourned at 9:40 PM.