HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-05-14 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes
Thursday, May 14, 1998
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Thursday, May 14, 1998 at 7:30 PM in the
Berger Room at Reading Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included Chris Campbell,
Dave Bryant, Jack Downing, Pam Andren, and Lorraine Salter. Also in attendance was Associate
Committee member Bernie Winne, Associate Committee member Marc Nelson and Recreation
Administrator Joe Connelly.
Downing made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, April 08, 1998 meeting,
Bryant seconded the motion, approved 5-0-0.
Committee member Claire Bolger entered the meeting at 7:40 PM.
Winter Report Review
Connelly reviewed the FY 98 Winter Report with the Committee highlighting the following areas:
A) FY 98 programming generated a year end surplus of $12,400, $6,000 of which was generated
from the softball game fund-raiser.
B) Although programs may appear to be breaking-even or generating a small surplus, in actuality
those programs are losing money when you factor in administrative time.
C) Generating surpluses through clinic offerings allows Reading Recreation to offer more
programs to the public with less administrative time.
D) Sunday Basketball expenses were higher than expected due to extending the program 1 week
and some unexpected brochure cost.
E) The Travel Basketball program generated a significant surplus.
The Committee discussed next year's Travel Basketball program.
Connelly explained that with the expansion of Carl McFadden's program, Recreation may only be
able to offer one team per grade.
F) Nashoba Valley Ski program generated a significant surplus due to decreased transportation
cost.
H) The Revolving Fund seems to be generating an average of $6,000 in program surplus on a
yearly basis.
Youth Program Coordinator
Connelly reviewed the grade and payment schedule for the Youth Program Coordinator position.
The Committee discussed concern that this position was being supported from the revolving fund.
The Committee and Connelly discussed their disappointment that the revolving fund continued to
- support the Recreation Administrator's position-
Connelly pointed out that the revolving fund allowed greater flexibility over programming.
Connelly and the Committee discussed the role of the Youth Program Coordinator.
Connelly reviewed his telephone conversation with Birch Meadow Principal Richard Davidson
concerning a new educational after-school program.
The Committee overwhelmingly supported the Youth Program Coordinator position.
The Committee and Connelly discussed possible growth in the Youth Program Coordinator
position.
Administrators Notes:
Connelly and the Committee discussed the following Recreation issues.
Connelly reviewed the Boston Regional Medical Center Grant. Connelly explained that
Recreation was awarded $500 to help purchase track and field supplies.
Connelly reminded Nelson, Winne, Bolger, Bryant, and Andren to reapply for the Committee by
May 15, 1998.
Connelly and the Committee discussed ways in which to honor deceased Committee member John
Pacino.
Salter explained that she and Kate Kaminer would investigate this issue.
Connelly asked for volunteers to help cover Summer concerts.
Marc Nelson volunteered for July 26 and Dennis Lucyniak volunteered for August 02.
Connelly reviewed the Summer program registration numbers.
Other Business
Jack Downing discussed the neighborhood's concern regarding Sunday morning noise at Coolidge
Middle School field and the Varsity Football field.
Downing explained the neighbors concerns regarding early morning field use.
Downing asked Connelly to look at the Town Bylaws to see if they indicate a Sunday start time
for field use.
Connelly will check the Bylaws.
Nelson discussed the Clean-Up of Imagination Station on May 31, 1998.
Salter motioned to adjourn, Downing seconded the motion, motion approved 6-0-0.
The Recreation Committee was adjourned at 9:00 PM.
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