HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-10 Recreation Committee MinutesRecreation Committee Minutes December 10, 1997
The Recreation Committee meeting came to order on Wednesday, December 10, 1997 at 7:30
PM in the Conference Room at Reading Town Hall. Committee members in attendance included
Chris Campbell, Kate Kaminer, Jack Downing, Pam Andren, Claire Bolger and Dennis Lucyniak.
Also in attendance was Associate Member Bernie Winne, Associate Member Mark Nelson, and
Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly. Residents in attendance included Bill Hughes, Frank
Driscoll, Dennis Gray and Jack Webster.
Kaminer made a motion to approve the minutes of the Wednesday, November 12, 1997 meeting,
Bolger seconded the motion, approved 6-0-0.
Committee member Lorraine Salter entered the meeting at 7:35 PM.
New Business:
Connelly introduced Reading Resident Bill Hughes to the Committee.
Connelly explained the Hughes would like to be involved in investigating the naming of
Washington Park to "John Pacino Memorial Park" in honor of -the late John Pacino.
Hughes discussed this request with the Committee.
Campbell reviewed his letter to the Town Manager and the discussion they had on the matter.
Connelly explained that at the RMHS Hall of Fame Banquet, many of the recipients gave thanks
-to John and his community efforts.
Downing stated that he could understand why administration may not want to name two
recreational facilities after one man. Downing stated that this could become a safety concern
during 9-1-1 calls.
Hughes commented that he would like to have a target date for the spring months. Hughes is
hopeful that this request will be granted without serious opposition.
Salter explained that community support should be solicited for this request.
Hughes asked the Committee for assistance.
The Committee suggested the Kaminer, Salter, and Bryant assist Hughes.
Connelly suggested that Hughes contact former Committee member John McGrath to assist.
Hughes exited the meeting at 7:50 PM.
Connelly reviewed his conversation with Marc Alterio of the School Department regarding the
"Community School" concept.
Committee member Sue Cavicchi entered the meeting at 7:55 PM.
Babe Ruth Commissioner George Hines entered the meeting at 7:58 PM.
George Foley entered the meeting at 8:00 PM.
Connelly reviewed the Committee's concern on current field use.
Connelly stated two possible solutions to the field use dilemma.
1) Recreation Committee permitting of practice sites, dates, and times.
2) Organization flat lining or reducing their schedules.
The Committee discussed the permitting of practice sites with the league directors.
Connelly explained that practice permits would have to be strictly enforced.
Hines commented that he felt it would be difficult to schedule.
Driscoll stated the obvious "more fields are needed in Reading".
Driscoll also suggested that some of the existing problem were the result of soccer becoming a
three season sport.
- Kaminer asked Connelly if sports in their traditional season would be given priority
Connelly pointed out that to some extent this already took place.
Blanched and Foley stated that the Spring season was their traditional season for travel teams.
The organizations continued discussion with the Committee on this issue.
Connelly polled the organizations.
Lucyniak - Reading Youth Baseball - Is willing to try permitting practices
Blanched and Foley - Youth Soccer - Are willing to try permitting practices
George Hines - Babe Ruth - Is willing to try permitting practices, commented that Recreation
should assign practices instead of organizations making request.
Driscoll - Is willing to try permitting practices.
Gray stated that the RMSB league will be reducing their use of the Joshua Eaton Fields during the
summer months.
Gray gave Connelly a letter to pass on to the Town Manager, regarding some small capital
improvements to the fencing in the Birch Meadow area.
Driscoll stated that Youth Softball may be willing to help finance the project.
Cavicchi motioned that the Recreation Committee permit practice sites for the in town sport
organizations, seconded byKaminer, approved 8-0-0.
Hines asked if the Recreation Committee would consider reducing it's field fee.
Connelly reviewed the current field fee process with the organizations.
Connelly stated that once the Capital Improvements process is complete, the Committee would be
in a better position to address that issue.
Hines suggested that the Committee investigate placing protective fencing at the baseball and
softball fields in front of the players benches.
Lucyniak stated that Connelly and himself are currently working on that issue.
The sport directors exited the meeting at 8:50 PM.
The Committee reviewed Driscoll's request for girls softball tournament field permits.
Driscoll and the Committee discussed the request.
- Cavicchi motioned to approve the request with the amendment of a 10 AM start for Sunday, July
26. Lucyniak seconded the motion, motion approved 8-0-0.
Lucyniak and Nelson volunteered to assist Connelly with the practice field assignments.
Driscoll exited the meeting at 9:10 PM.
Connelly reviewed the Administrator's Report.
Connelly and the Committee discussed the travel team try-out process.
The Committee asked Connelly to acquire the MIAA policy on cross gender participation on
sport teams.
Connelly will attempt to find the MIAA's policy on this issue.
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