HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-10 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes
Tuesday, March 10, 1998
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The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Tuesday, March 10, 1998 at 7:00 PM in the
Conference Room at Reading Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included Chris
Campbell, Dave Bryant, Jack Downing, Pam Andren, Claire Bolger and Dennis Lucyniak. Also in
attendance was Associate Committee member Mark Nelson, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Selectman Sally Hoyt, and Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
Bryant made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, February 11, 1998 meeting,
Lucyniak seconded the motion, approved 6-0-0.
Committee member Lorraine Salter and Associate Committee member Bernie Winne entered the
meeting at 7:10 PM.
Connelly reviewed the Committee's questions concerning the development of the land fill site.
Hechenbleikner discussed the Town's options for the site.
Hechenbleikner reviewed two proposals the Town received during the bidding process.
1) Develop the site for a office park with hotel
a) Does not include active recreation
b) Creates ongoing tax revenues
2) Develop the site for retail use
a) Does include two soccer fields for active recreation
b) Does not create ongoing tax revenues
c) Historically the Selectmen have rejected retail options for this site
Hechenbleikner explained the Selectmen's options with the two proposals.
1) Reject both proposals
2) Choose one or both for further discussion and development
Hechenbleikner reviewed other potential field sites in Town: Symonds Way, Grant Pool Site,
Longwood Poultry Farm, Castine Field.
The Committee discussed the above field options.
Hechenbleikner and Hoyt exited the meeting at 7:25 PM.
Connelly discussed his conversations with Sally Hoyt.
Connelly discussed the need for a Teen Center within the community and the possibility of the
existing Police Station as a future Teen Center site. Connelly pointed out that State funding may
be available for this type of project.
Connelly and the Committee discussed the following:
A) Community Need
B) Police Station Site
C) Committee Involvement
Connelly and Salter reviewed past teen center activities and subcommittee findings.
The Committee raised the following concerns:
1) Is the current police station site a viable option for a teen center?
2) Is State funding available to support complete renovations of the site from a police
station to a teen center?
3) Assuming that State funding is available for this project. How would the operating
budget for this facility be supported?
4) Who is going to lead this project? The Recreation Committee feels that a project of this
magnitude would need the support of multiple in town organizations. (Recreation, School
Department, Health Department, Dare, Community Policing, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
5) What is the target population of the teen center? middle school students? elementary
and middle school students? high school students? at risk students? The Committee
believes that the target population will determine what type of facility is designed.
Connelly will address these concerns to Sally Hoyt.
The Committee reviewed the latest field practice schedule.
Connelly explained Reading Men's Softball request for special permit to begin play at 10 AM on
the following Sundays:
June 28, 1998
August 02, 1998.
September 13, 1998
RMSL has requested the Birch Meadow Lighted and Street Field and Joshua Eaton Field.
Lucyniak motioned to approve the request, seconded by Bryant, approved 7-0-0.
Connelly reviewed his memo to Dr. Harutnuian regarding the Coolidge Middle School building
project and it's effect on the soccer field.
Connelly reviewed the Administrator's Notes:
Connelly answered Committee questions regarding the travel basketball, Sunday basketball, and
ski programs.
Connelly asked for volunteers for the Easter Egg Hunt: Chris Campbell, Claire Bolger, Lorraine
Salter, Dennis Lucyniak, and Bernie Winne volunteered.
Lucyniak exited the meeting at 8:50 PM
Connelly reviewed the latest in Capital Improvements with the Committee
The Committee discussed the Imagination Station playground facility.
Connelly explained that Recreation received a quote of $6,000 to seal the facility.
Connelly and Salter reviewed the latest developments with the indoor swimming pool.
Salter updated the Committee on the Tennis Tournament.
Downing motioned to adjourn, seconded by Bryant, approved 6-0-0.
The Recreation Committee was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
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