HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-12 Recreation Committee MinutesG~
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Recreation Committee Minutes P °
Wednesday, August 12 1998 r 2 tl
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The Recreation Committee meeting came 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 and Lorraine Salter. Also in
attendance were Associate Committee member Marc Nelson, Associate Committee
member Bernie Winne, and Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, July 08, 1998
meeting, Campbell seconded the motion, approved 6-0-0.
Committee member Dennis Lucyniak entered the meeting at 7:45 PM.
Connelly reviewed his role as Acting Department Head of Community Development.
The Committee discussed RUS request to not fill Castine Field for public skating during
the Winter of 1998/1999.
Connelly asked the Committee two questions:
1) Do you have enough information to make a decision on this issue?
2) Would you like to hold a public meeting on this issue at our September meeting?
Campbell suggested that a public hearing be held.
Cavicchi suggested that Connelly advertise a time limit for discussion on this issue.
Bryant suggested that holding a public hearing will assist Recreation in dealing with
residents concerns.
Beaulieu stated that it should be made clear that this decision is for one year and will be
evaluated after such time.
The Committee will hold a public hearing on this issue at the September meeting.
Connelly asked the Committee for nominations for a Committee representative to the
Open Space Committee.
Committee member Jack Downing entered the meeting at 8:05 PM.
Salter nominated Downing for the position, seconded by Cavicchi, motion approved 8-0-
0.
Connelly discussed conversations with the Reading Band Parents regarding the use of a
lighted field for marching practice on Wednesday evenings during the Fall.
Connelly commented that he did not feel comfortable with the use of the Lighted Softball
Field, but suggested Castine Field as a possibility.
The Committee discussed the use of Castine Field for this purpose.
Connelly will inform the Reading Band Parents that any request will have to be approved
by the Recreation Committee.
Downing discussed the possibility of a the drain system for Castine Field.
Connelly will ask the DPW Parks Director for a written response to this suggestion.
Connelly reminded the Committee that the 1998/1999 travel basketball coaches will also
be attending the September meeting.
Campbell asked Connelly if any consideration has been given to naming a head coach for
the girl's 8th grade team.
Campbell and Connelly explained this unique situation.
Connelly explained that he would ask both coaches to sit down and work this issue out.
Connelly reviewed the Administrator's Report.
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The Committee discussed the issue of the pool staff.
Connelly explained the current situation and the remedies he has implemented to correct
the problem.
1) Numerous discussion with the Pool Manager and Staff
2) An extra Lifeguard is on duty at all times
3) No eating policy at the pool
4) Detailed placement of each staff member around the pool at all times
5) Periodic safety check throughout the busy times
6) Surprise inspections by himself and members of the Recreation
Committee
Connelly also explained that he hired every applicant who applied for a pool position.
Connelly stated his options:
1) Fire the existing staff and close the pool.
2) Stay on the pool staff daily, conduct surprise inspections, and get through the Summer.
Salter went on record stating that she would rather close the pool than chance an injury to
one child.
Connelly explained that such action would cause a tidal wave of complaints from angry
residents.
Connelly also explained that by having four lifeguards on duty someone would be
watching the pool at all times.
Connelly stated that having four guards on duty was way above requirements for a pool
the size of the Grant Municipal Pool.
The Committee agreed to make a conscience effort to conduct nightly inspections of the
pool and staff.
Connelly reviewed the situation at Summer Camp regarding a stranger hanging around
the camp site.
The Committee asked Connelly to write a thank you letter to Counselor Diana
Debenedetto regarding her actions in this situation.
Connelly and Downing discussed the success of the All Comers Track Series.
Downing exited the meeting at 8:55 PM.
Connelly reviewed the B.O.S. decision to approve the Committees recommendation to
name the baseball field at Washington Park "John Pacino Field".
Connelly stated his desires for the Youth Program Coordinator position.
Connelly passed around a draft of the Community Program Guide that will include the
Fall Recreation programs.
Winne asked if Recreation was on the Town web page.
Bryant stated that he knows of someone who may be able to develop a web page for
Recreation.
Bryant will get back to the Committee regarding this issue.
Winne asked Connelly if there were any plans to include active recreation space at the
proposed assisted living development at the Spence Farm site.
Connelly stated that he knew little of the existing plans, but was told that the land
available would not suit active recreation.
Winne suggested that the Committee make a formal request to the Town Manager and
Board of Selectmen.
Winne volunteered to draft the letter.
Cavicchi motioned to adjourn, seconded by Lucyniak, and approved 7-0-0.
The Recreation Committee was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
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